Kansas Visitor's Guide 2007/2008 - (Page 8) Kansas STATE JOURNAL Great SUNFLOWER DO SEE YOU DON’T NEED TO BE AN ASTRONAUT to explore the universe at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, where America’s space program comes to life. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Hutchinson (50 miles northwest of Wichita) features an array of space artifacts including the Apollo 13 module, a Soviet Vostok spacecraft and German V-1 and V-2 rockets. Exhibits let kids sit at the Mission Control desk and at the controls of a space shuttle simulator. Children can enroll in day programs and space camps. An Elderhostel program welcomes older astronauts. After checking out the Cosmosphere, take an elevator 650 feet underground to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. Hutchinson sits atop one of the world’s largest salt deposits, which produces 400,000 tons of rock salt each year. Once underground, trams whisk visitors on a dark ride through the mine, ending with a gallery of educational exhibits. Official Kansas Visitors Guide 8 THINGS TO PHOTOGRAPH: JOHN NOLTNER To Infinity and Below & PHOTOGRAPHS: ROY INMAN FLANKING THE PARADE GROUND AT Fort Scott National Historic Site, the storied frontier post’s 19 frame and limestone buildings with deep, shady porches look as if troops might arrive at any moment. And they are certain to appear on days when interpreters dressed as troopers drill, and officers’ wives greet visitors as they tour the restored and re-created buildings. In the 1840s, the fort was Troopers still ride at Fort Scott National Historic Site. established to guard what was then America’s frontier. You can inspect the post’s steamy, cramped barracks, comfortable officers’ quarters and claustrophobic guardhouse. Beyond the shadow of the fort, the settlement of Fort Scott (90 miles south of Kansas City) grew into a thriving rail center. Victorian buildings still house shops and restaurants. SCOTT! IN THE
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