Discovering Kansas History Along I-70

For travelers heading east along Interstate 70, the journey across Kansas is often seen as a stretch of open road—miles of horizon, sky, and steady pavement. But just beyond that highway lies something far more meaningful than a quick pass-through. For those willing to take a short detour, two destinations offer a deeper look into the story of Kansas and the people who shaped it.

In Topeka, the newly renovated Kansas Museum of History has reopened its doors, offering visitors a refreshed and immersive look into the state’s past. Operated by the Kansas State Historical Society, the museum traces its roots back to 1875, when it was founded by Kansas newspaper editors and publishers inside the State Capitol. Since then, it has grown into one of the most comprehensive historical resources in the nation.

The current facility, originally constructed in 1984 near the historic Pottawatomie Mission, underwent an extensive renovation beginning in 2022. Initially projected at $6 million, the project ultimately surpassed that figure, delaying its reopening until November 2025. What visitors now experience is a museum thoughtfully reimagined, blending traditional artifacts with modern storytelling.

From the moment guests walk through the doors, they are greeted by a suspended Funk airplane—a striking introduction that sets the tone for the exhibits that follow. The journey begins with “What Is Kansas,” an exploration of the state’s identity, before expanding into a larger gallery anchored by a central tipi. From there, visitors move through sections such as “Bleeding Kansas,” “Changing Kansas,” and “Making Kansas,” each capturing pivotal moments that shaped the state.

Exhibits, including “Celebrating Kansas!” and “Connecting Kansas,” further highlight the state’s cultural and transportation history. A full-scale steam locomotive with passenger cars stands as a centerpiece, while a newspaper press exhibit pays tribute to the role of journalism in documenting Kansas life. Throughout, the museum reinforces a powerful idea—that Kansas history is not just something preserved, but something still being written every day.

Further west along I-70, in Abilene, another stop offers a more personal connection to history. The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home stands as both a tribute and a reflection on one of Kansas’ most influential figures.

Dedicated to Dwight D. Eisenhower, the site began taking shape not long after World War II, following his leadership of Allied forces. After his presidency, the grounds continued to expand, officially becoming part of the National Archives system in 1966 as one of the early presidential libraries. A significant renovation in 2018 modernized the experience for visitors while preserving the historical integrity of the site.

The visit begins at the visitor center, where a short film introduces Eisenhower’s life and legacy. From there, guests can explore the campus, which includes the modest home where Eisenhower was raised alongside his brothers, a museum chronicling his military and presidential career, and a research library that houses extensive archival material.

Near the forefront of the grounds is the “Place of Meditation,” a quiet chapel where Eisenhower, his wife Mamie, and their firstborn son, Doud, are laid to rest. It is a space that invites reflection—not only on Eisenhower’s life, but on the values of leadership, service, and character that defined it.

For those traveling across Kansas, it can be easy to see the state as something to drive through rather than experience. But places like these serve as a reminder that Kansas is more than landscape—it is a story.

And sometimes, the most meaningful part of a journey is the decision to step off the road and take a closer look.