DESTINATION ATTRACTIONS
Step inside the Cosmosphere, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum and
science education center, where the lobby explodes with an SR-71
Blackbird spy plane! Guests from all over the world come to glimpse
at some of the unique artifacts including the largest collection of
Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. The flown Gemini X spacecraft
and the actual Apollo 13 command module, Odyssey, which will
celebrate its 50th anniversary in April, are also favorites. Other notable
pieces include the V-1 and V-2 rockets, a flight-ready back-up Sputnik
and an actual Moon rock brought home from the first Moon landing
by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. In addition, visitors
can see rocket science brought to life with a bang in Dr. Goddard’s
Lab, see beautifully filmed documentaries in amazing scale in a 4K
digital dome theater, and gain new insight into the universe in the
Cosmosphere’s state-of-the-art Planetarium.
Venture 650 ft. deep below the earth’s surface at Strataca, located
in an active salt mine. As the only attraction of its kind in the Western
Hemisphere, guests are able to explore the mine by taking a train ride
through one of the largest salt deposits in the world. Or take part in
the Salt Safari – a guided experience into not-so-explored parts of the
mine where unusual formations are pointed out by trained guides.
Exhibits on the self-guided museum tour underground include heavy
equipment, dynamite displays and other items that are a window into
another time. Cars and a tractor, as well as the mining equipment,
illustrate the ingenuity that was required. Items once abandoned as
trash are now fascinating displays.
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Grab your bowling shoes and load up the family! The Alley Indoor
Entertainment complex in Hutchinson is a must-see for visitors young
and old! The large-scale complex boasts 20 lanes for league and
open bowling and six lanes for private parties or drop-in bowlers.
Non-bowlers will enjoy the laser-tag area, an arcade area with 80
video games, and the Spin Zone Bumper Cars! Head outdoors for
some family fun at Hutch Putt, Hutchinson’s 18-hole miniature golf
course. This vibrant course features a ball-in-water shot, a pipe shot,
and a boulder arch for added difficulty. For some family bonding
time, head over to The Room, where you will work to decipher clues,
solve puzzles, and open locks at Hutchinson’s one and only escape
room. Get creative and learn something new at one of the many
children and young adult programs provided by the Hutchinson
Public Library. From the children’s area and Teen Zone to the Library
Makerspace, the whole family can enjoy an afternoon of fun!
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Whether it is petting a zebra, admiring a kangaroo, riding a camel
or observing the ostriches, Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm offers an
opportunity to come face-to-face with unusual animals. It’s an animal
adventure truly unlike any other in the Midwest. For another animal
adventure jump on the Prairie Thunder Railroad and explore the 100
different species that can be found at the Hutchinson Zoo, located
in the heart of Carey Park. Enjoy the interactive exhibits designed for
children and families including climb-through prairie dog tunnels,
fish feeding and a Dino Dig. Surround yourself with the beauty of
the great outdoors at Dillon Nature Center, a 100-acre ‘wild arboretum’
designated as a National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover
more than 300 species of woody plants, 200 species of birds, and a
large variety of other wildlife along three miles of National Recreation
Trails. It includes a spring fed pond stocked with fish, beautiful flower
gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a natural children’s playscape area.
During the long summer days, cool off at Salt City Splash, Hutchinson’s
exclusive water park. There is something for the whole family to
enjoy with everything from four pools, including a regulation 50-meter
pool with basketball goals, fitness lap lanes and diving boards to
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slides, large floating toys, and a Tiny Tot Pool.
THINGS TO DO
Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm
The Alley
Hutchinson Zoo Salt City Splash
Dillon Nature Center Hutch Putt
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