NPS
NICODEMUS–Nicodemus National Historic Site in Nicodemus has been named one of the Top 70 Bucket List experiences in Kansas, as announced in the current winter issue of KANSAS! Magazine.
“To celebrate the 70th anniversary of KANSAS! Magazine, we wanted to find out the top 70 experiences on Kansans’ bucket list,” explained Linda Craghead, Assistant Secretary for Kansas Parks and Tourism. The tourism division asked the magazine’s readers and other Kansas enthusiasts to submit their must-do lists, and the top 70 results are featured in KANSAS! Magazine on its 70th birthday.
After the bucket-list submissions poured in, an editorial board pared the list down to the 70 finalists. Some are among the state’s acclaimed attractions, such as Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge near Great Bend, Chicken Mary’s and Chicken Annie’s restaurants in the Pittsburg area, Abilene’s Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. Other more surprising ones range from the 1950s All-Electric House in Shawnee and the Home on the Range Cabin near Smith Center to Guy & Mae’s Tavern in Williamsburg and Clark Drug, Soda and Ice Cream Parlor in Cimarron.
While eateries, museums and artsy attractions are among the favorites, Kansans seek out outdoorsy, sporty and festival fun, too. The toughest tackle the grueling, 200-mile Dirty Kanza, hikers trek the trails at Konza Prairie, paddlers ply the Kansas River and bluegrass fans world-wide flock to Winfield’s annual Walnut Valley Festival.
“We’re hoping to get the word out about all the unique, scenic and fun experiences the state offers,” said Craghead. “And while 70 choices is just a start, it’s a great introduction to what’s special about Kansas!”
Kansas Tourism is continuing the Bucket List promotion in 2016 with a monthly social media contest. People visiting any of the 70 locations can take a photo at the site and post it to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #KSBucketList (one entry per person per location). One winner will be drawn at random each month and awarded a prize, and a grand prize winner will be announced at the end of 2016.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
The Bucket List is available in KANSAS! Magazine, at the state’s Travel Information Centers or at www.TravelKS.com.
The town of Nicodemus is symbolic of the pioneer spirit of African Americans. They dared to leave the only region they had been familiar with to seek personal freedom and the opportunity to develop their talents and capabilities. Nicodemus NHS represents the western expansion and settlement of the Great Plains, and includes five buildings: The First Baptist Church, St. Francis Hotel, Nicodemus School District Number One, African Episcopal Church, and Township Hall.