There's No Place Like Home
Growing up I loved watching shows and movies with my parents like Shirley Temple, The Sound of Music, and my very favorite of them all- The Wizard of Oz! I was that kid who wanted to be Dorothy every year for Halloween… and then eventually changed it up, so I was Glenda, ha ha. I loved Dorothy Gale from Kansas, especially because she has brown hair and brown eyes- like me. I saw the play anytime it was near my hometown- whether it be in San Francisco or at a local high school, and have even seen The Wizard of Oz on ice.
In true Kansas fashion, we went on a little family road trip to visit The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas - which is an hour and 40 minutes west of Kansas City. It’s past Topeka, but before you reach Manhattan.
Wamego: is a small, quaint, town so if any of my directions below sound vague, keep in mind you’re not walking over a quarter to half mile. Once you get to Wamego and park outside of the museum, there is a Yellow Brick Road sign across the street. It takes you down an adorable alley with Wizard of Oz murals. At the end of the alley is The Friendship House which has a breakfast menu and homemade cinnamon rolls! If you’re traveling with kids, across the street from The Friendship House is a park to let out some car energy before entering the museum.
The Museum:
Was it worth it? If you are a Wizard of Oz lover… yes! If you’re not really into The Wizard of Oz… I would suggest making a 20 minute stop if you happen to be on I-70 such as headed to Manhattan vs. making a trip just to see it. Keeping in mind it is small museum, in a small Kansas town.
Is it kid friendly? Yes. My two-year old daughter knows nothing about the movie but enjoyed seeing characters, stepping into the hot air balloon, and the dark forest. But it is also- adult friendly with reading, artifacts, and informational videos.
How long does it take to get through the museum? You could take anywhere from a 20 minute walk through (most likely with a toddler) to about an hour.
If you are thinking I’m traveling to Wamego... October 2, 2021 is the day to do it! They have an OZtoberfest from 10am-6pm and the entire small-town makes you feel right at “home” with character photo ops, markets, live entertainment, kids activites and more. Check it out here.
What else should I do on this trip?
A few doors down from the museum is Toto's Tacoz where they have menu items like Auntie Em's Nachos. A few doors down (the other direction) is the Oz Winery featuring wines like “Drunken Munchkin” or "Curl Your Stockings". Their staff was so kind and offered samples. At the Oz Winery you can pick up some chocolates & Alma cheese (made just miles away). We didn’t make it to Prairiefire Winery, but it was highly recommended. If you happen to be traveling in the fall- up the road about 10 miles is the Little Munchkins Pumpkin Patch.
There is truly, NO place like home in Kansas
XO Sarah, Coco, + Toto!