Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Salina, Kansas

As a focal point for commerce situated at the convergence of I-70 and I-135 in Central Kansas, the city of Salina lies within one of the world’s most extensive wheat-producing regions.

Downtown Salina pulsates with the vibrancy characteristic of a larger city, featuring a distinguished history museum, a regional performance center, and acclaimed community arts organizations.

The streetscape has recently undergone renewal, creating a pedestrian-friendly ambiance enriched by a continuously expanding collection of public art.

There is an abundance of activities available in Salina, including a zoo, one of the premier public water parks in the nation, a plethora of summer events, and approximately 30 public parks, among them Indian Rock Park, which features beautiful waterfalls.

1. Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts

This impressive Art Deco establishment in the downtown area originally opened in 1931 as the Fox Watson Theatre and eventually ceased operations in the 1990s.

A non-profit organization subsequently raised nearly $3 million to restore the facility, transforming it into a regional high-tech performing arts venue, which opened in 2003.

The exterior of the building is a work of art, adorned with elaborate terracotta details, while the sophisticated auditorium, which accommodates 1,265 seats, is equipped with advanced sound and lighting technology.

Past performers include renowned artists such as Al Green, B. B. King, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Chris Cornell, and Peter Frampton.

2. Smoky Hill Museum

Established in 1879 by the founders of Saline County, the Saline County Historical Society has cultivated a remarkable assemblage of over 30,000 artifacts indicative of the Smoky Hills Region.

This impressive collection laid the foundation for the Smoky Hill Museum, which relocated to the former Post Office building downtown in 1986.

This attraction is highly regarded for its interactive exhibits, which are tailored to highlight specific aspects of local history and are updated biannually, alongside permanently refreshed galleries ensuring there is always something new to experience.

The museum plays a vital role in the community, hosting a popular First Thursday lecture series and participating in seasonal events such as the Street Fair, held on the fourth Saturday of September, featuring live music and historical demonstrations.

3. Downtown Salina

In recent years, Salina’s historic commercial district has undergone a series of noteworthy improvements funded both publicly and privately.

The recent enhancements to the streetscape along Santa Fe Avenue have been remarkable, featuring broader sidewalks, prominent gateways, new lighting, and beautifully landscaped beds with flowers and native grasses.

These developments have coincided with substantial construction projects, which have introduced a Hilton hotel, a family entertainment center, and the Salina Fieldhouse, a cutting-edge sports facility.

Despite all this growth, the historic city center, renowned for its terracotta facades, has successfully maintained its distinctive charm.

Self-guided tour brochures are available at the Salina Downtown Inc. headquarters and the Chamber of Commerce, both located downtown.

4. Salina Community Theatre

Salina boasts a nationally recognized community theater company that was established in 1960.

Within a decade, the Salina Community Theatre began fundraising for its own dedicated facility, which opened in 1973.

This non-profit organization delivers a diverse array of professional-standard productions that enrich the cultural landscape for residents in Salina and neighboring regions.

Recent seasons have showcased performances such as The Music Man, Sunday in the Park with George, Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Mamma Mia.

5. SculptureTour Salina

Salina adopts an innovative approach to attract visitors to its historic downtown. For over a decade, an annual showcase of up to 25 contemporary sculptures has been available for viewing via a self-guided tour.

These carefully selected works are strategically positioned, and visitors have the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece.

The sculpture receiving the most votes will be acquired by the City of Salina, while others featured in the exhibition may also be purchased. To date, more than 40 sculptures have been sold.

The season kicks off with the UnWrap Party in May, during which the artworks are revealed amidst live music and entertainment.

6. Indian Rock Park

Considered one of the most picturesque sites in Salina, Indian Rock is located on a striking stretch of the Smoky Hill River.

This area features a river that flows between bluffs rising to 30 feet, providing opportunities to ascend to spectacular viewpoints along the trails.

Two waterfalls adorn the river, characterized by relatively modest drops, though the lower falls exhibit an impressive horseshoe shape.

Indian Rock Park is also steeped in history, as it was the site of the Battle of Indian Rock (1857), which marked the last significant confrontation between the Kansa, Delaware, and Potawatomi Indian nations.

7. Oakdale Park

Accessible through a picturesque gateway on Oakdale Drive, this park boasts a history that dates back to the early 1880s.

It presents a beautiful setting for a leisurely walk or picnic, with pathways adjacent to well-maintained gardens featuring shrubs, flowerbeds, and extensive shade provided by towering old hardwood trees.

Oakdale Park serves as the elegant backdrop for the Smoky Hill River Festival each June, along with numerous activities surrounding the Fourth of July celebration.

Facilities include a performance stage, a fishing pond, an ADA-compliant playground, tennis courts, five rental shelters, and five shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis.

8. Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park

Following a $15 million investment to update the then 52-year-old municipal pool, Salina now features one of the country’s largest and finest aquatic parks.

This facility caters to swimmers of all abilities and ages, with a range of attractions including water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a lap pool, and a leisure pool with zero-depth entry, as well as expansive kiddie pool areas.

Additional features include spray and play fountains, interactive water play zones, a water obstacle course, and water basketball, all accompanied by ample shaded areas and available rental cabanas.

9. Rolling Hills Zoo

Situated just off the I-70 a few minutes west of Salina, this highly regarded attraction combines elements of a traditional zoo with a wildlife museum.

Rolling Hills Zoo is home to over 100 species, including big cats such as Amur tigers, African lions, and snow leopards, along with rhinoceroses, kangaroos, lemurs, tamarins, ostriches, chimpanzees, and a broad assortment of reptiles ranging from pythons to quince monitors.

The museum boasts one of the largest collections of mounted animals globally, featuring approximately 500 mounts from 200 different species spanning six continents.

These are displayed within intricately designed exhibits, showcasing animatronic human figures that provide additional context.

10. Salina Art Center

An essential part of Salina’s cultural landscape, this multidisciplinary art center is located downtown.

The center’s exceptional programming is community-oriented and includes exhibitions featuring regional and national artists, independent film screenings, and a wide range of educational initiatives ranging from private instruction to open studio sessions.

Recurring exhibitions include the Salina Biennial, which occurs in the spring of even-numbered years, and the Sunflower Biennial, taking place in the spring of odd-numbered years.

The center operates from three different locations: Galleries (242 South Santa Fe), Cinema (150 South Santa Fe), and The Warehouse (149 South 4th).

11. Yesteryear Museum

Located north of Salina in a rural setting, this agricultural museum was established in 1980 with the purpose of “Acquiring, Preserving, and Restoring” farming machinery and tools unique to the Great Plains region.

Visitors to the Yesteryear Museum will encounter an engaging collection of steam engines, tractors, and other farming implements, as well as household items and artifacts from a bygone era.

A highlight of the museum is a vintage OMC tractor, developed and produced in Salina. The museum also hosts a preserved sawmill from 1860, a 1930s gas station, a Methodist church from 1901, and a one-room schoolhouse from 1927.

12. Lakewood Park

Just a few blocks north of Indian Rock Park, this inviting public space was developed on a former sandpit. Numerous trails wind through Lakewood Park, offering a tranquil setting for a woodland stroll, as well as views past a lake located in the northern section of the park.

The wooded areas harbor white-tailed deer, raccoons, and fox squirrels, while nest boxes have been installed for passerine birds, screech owls, and bats.

For those interested in learning more about Lakewood Park’s ecosystems, the Discovery Center provides engaging interpretive displays and opportunities to observe live animals, including turtles, owls, snakes, and various native freshwater fish species.

13. The Alley

Situated just a short distance east of the City-County Building, this expansive family entertainment center offers a diverse array of attractions all under one roof.

The primary highlight is undoubtedly the bowling alley, comprising 28 lanes, in addition to an extra eight lanes located at the Back Alley bowling lounge.

Furthermore, visitors can enjoy a laser tag arena, accessible to individuals aged six and older, along with cutting-edge VR gaming experiences, an arcade featuring the latest game cabinets and redemption machines, and a sports bar/grill known for its 29″ Superdome Pizza.

14. Ad Astra Books & Coffee

For over ten years, Ad Astra Books & Coffee has been a staple in the downtown area, merging a bookstore with a coffee establishment while offering much more than just a cozy venue for reading and enjoying coffee.

In addition to books, visitors can browse vinyl records, comics, and handmade gifts. The venue hosts a calendar filled with events that includes discussions, author readings, film screenings, children’s theater, spoken word performances, and live music events.

The overall effect is a welcoming cultural center, with programming designed to engage a broad audience.

15. Smoky Hill River Festival

One of the standout events in Salina is the four-day Smoky Hill River Festival, which showcases an extraordinary array of performers and musical genres.

This celebration features performances ranging from classical to jazz, country, blues, fusion, and reggae, spread across four distinct stages. In a typical year, the festival features more than 150 performers, supported by a robust volunteer network of approximately 2,500 individuals to ensure its success.

Additionally, the festival boasts spontaneous pop-up performances throughout its duration, as well as an art and craft show that features over 130 artists from across the nation, complemented by delectable offerings from more than 30 food vendors.