The Museum of World Treasures allows the visitor to discover treasures from around the world and across the ages right in the American heartland in Wichita, Kansas. The museum caters for many different groups and tastes, and it is especially suited for groups of students who are able to handle some of the exhibits as part of the grand museum tour. The museum also offers a one of a kind banquet room which is perfect for occasions such as birthdays and weddings.
Best and worst time to go to Museum of World Treasures
The museum is big enough -- and still little known enough -- that there really isn't a bad time to visit. You may, however, want to avoid visiting on some weekdays in June as the museum runs a summer camp for 3rd to 8th graders. It is also worth noting that the Museum of World Treasures is always closed on the last Saturday in July for their annual fundraiser.
Must see/do at Museum of World Treasures
The big, literally and figuratively, attraction at the museum is Ivan, one of the most complete T. Rex discoveries in history. The museum also houses two ancient Egyptian mummies in its African wing, both of which are in stunning condition given their age. A 4.5 ton, 12 feet high section of the Berlin Wall is also a must see as it immediately transports you back to the Cold War era.
Admission to Museum of World Treasures
Admission is free for children three and under. Admission for others is under $10, with discounts for seniors and children under 12. Memberships are also available which include admission for a full year and start in the $40 range for seniors.
Parking and Public Transportation to Museum of World Treasures
The museum is located in an old paper mill in the heart of Wichita's Old Town. Public transportation to this area is limited, so people are encouraged to drive into the area and park either in Old Town Square or in the parking garage located to the north of the area. Parking here is free and the Old Town area is signposted from US 54 near the Wichita Central Business District.
Food at Museum of World Treasures
There are no food options inside the museum itself. However, the surrounding area has numerous restaurants within walking distance. Taste and See is a global fusion restaurant which features food from Wichita's best known chef, Jason Febres, while Public at the Brickyard combines delicious locally sourced ingredients with the best craft beer from the Wichita area..
Insider tip for visitors to Museum of World Treasures
Family night, on the first Thursday evening of each month, offers extended hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and reduced entry cost for the whole family.
Author's bio: Michael Wright has lived in Wichita for 10 years and is a frequent visitor to the Old Town district. He writes for a living and loves to instill a passion for traveling into others.
This location houses the archives and resource center for historical activities and events in the Saint Charles area, including city and county will, probate, circuit court and naturalization records. The building is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
The Creation and Earth History Museum has been engaging the community with their view of the origin of man- Biblically literal "young earth" creation- for about 20 years.
The museum's website describes the facility as "a 7500 sq. ft. showcase for a literal six-day creation and young earth with an ever-growing emphasis on God's design in creation," and isn't connected to any specific denomination.
The latest wing of the museum, completed in the summer, details the Human Anatomy, focused on the complexity of life, leading to the idea that only God could have created such complexity. You can also get a picture with some dino replicas at the new Dinosaur Gardens- which pushes the concept that modern man and dinosaurs lived simultaneously.
The museum is owned and funded by Scantibodies Laboratory, Inc., and is funded by a non-profit 501(c)(3) ministry, the Life and Light Foundation. It has a few paid staff and about 45 hard-working volunteers.
It is described as a "biblical walk through history." The museum explains that scientific data is flexible enough to be interpreted in different ways, namely in ways that question evolution, the age of the earth and the Big Bang.
Admission is free, and guided tours and family memberships with extra goodies are available for purchase.
The museum's exhibits include:
- Days of Creation 1-3 Heavens & Earth Genesis 1:1-13
- Day of Creation 4 Astronomy - Light, Sun, Moon & Stars Genesis 1:14-19
- Days of Creation 5-7 Living Creatures & Garden Genesis
- Fall of Man
- Noah’s Ark World Wide Flood
- Grand Canyon Wall & Fossils – Evidence for a Flood
- Mount St. Helens
- Ice Age
- Ancient Civilizations Room
- Hall of Scholars Creation/Evolution debate since Darwin
- Human Anatomy Exhibit
- Dinosaur Gardens
A bookstore is also on site, allowing museum goers to research more about what they learn at the museum.
Cornerstone Sonoma is a commercial community of local home and garden shops, wineries and galleries embedded among lush architectural landscaping. This collection of shops and restaurants sprawls over nine acres of geometric modern gardens and water features. This center is alsoavailable for event rentals, particularly weddings.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, and the United States Grand Prix. The Brickyard Crossing golf course is also located on its grounds, featuring four holes inside the famous oval track. Also on-site is the Hall of Fame Museum, dedicated to automobiles, auto racing and the history of the Indianapolis 500. The museum houses the Borg-Warner Trophy, commemorating each year's winner of the Indianapolis 500, when it is not traveling.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Parking
Numerous lots are available for parking inside and just outside of the Motor Speedway track. A fee is associated with all parking options. Various lots offer options for overnight parking, RV parking, camping, and tailgating. During major racing events, local residents and businesses open their property to provide parking to visitors for a fee, with prices increasing the closer you get to the IMS. During non-racing times,parking is available at the museum free of charge.
Hotels Near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Dozens of hotels are located within a 10 mile distance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Prices are typically in the range of $125-$300 per night. During major racing events, rooms fill quickly so book well in advance.
Seating at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Seating high in the Northwest Vista offers views of both turns 3 and 4 and can be an exciting location toward the end of a race. Seating across from Pit Row allows visitors to see the frequent team races during pit stops. Seating in the Paddock offers coverage from the weather. Most other seats are open to the weather, so if inclement weather or harsh sun is in the forecast, come prepared.
Food at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
A wide variety of concession stands are available at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During racing events, numerous concession stands are located both inside the track as well as on the major streets surrounding the track.
Beer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Beer and other alcoholic beverages are available for purchase inside the track. Visitors are permitted to bring their own alcohol to racing events; however, glass bottles are not permitted and coolers must not exceed a size of 18" x 14" x 14".
Parking Alternatives at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
During the Indianapolis 500, shuttle service is available from areas including downtown, the Indianapolis International Airport, and the IUPUI campus. Shuttle service fees are approximately $25 per person. Shuttle service continues to run for approximately two hours after the conclusion of the race.
What to Bring to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Because most seating options are open to the weather, packing for the season is advised. Summer events can be hot and sun-filled, so sunscreen is advised. Seating at this outdoor events typically consists of metal bench seating. If you have a cushion, you may want to bring it. Regardless of where you park, a trip to the expansive Indianapolis Motor Speedway involves a lot of walking, so wear shoes that comply.
Insider Tip for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
If you are attending the Indianapolis 500 and plan to bring your own alcohol, be aware that the sale of take-out alcohol on Sunday is not permitted in Indiana. Alcohol sales by vendors are permitted inside the track on Sundays, but if you plan to bring your own, make sure you purchase it prior to race day.
Author's bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana. She has visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for almost two decades of Indianapolis 500 racing.
