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Visit a Wizard of OZ Museum in Kansas!

OZ museum tin man & girls

Our little Dorothy & Glinda with our much beloved Tin Man at the OZ Museum in Kansas.  His collar is signed by children’s author Roger Baum.  Roger is great grandson of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’s original author, L. Frank Baum.  Roger continues to contribute to the Oz series.  

“A baby has brains, but it doesn’t know much. Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge, and the longer you are on Earth the more experience you are sure to get.“

–  The Wizard to the Scarecrow in L. Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz

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The OZ Museum in Kansas

Our top must-do when traveling to Dorothy’s home state, for the 1st time, was to find a Wizard of Oz museum in Kansas.  Stat!  Not an easy feat over a century after the book was published and over 80 years after the popular movie debuted.  But, we found the perfectly, lovely OZ Museum in Wamego, Kansas which delighted our whole family, teen boys, mom & dad, too!  We’re big fans and we’re not alone.  Fans around the world still celebrate the adored movie and book with festivals, exhibits, theatre & events.  Many collect the sometimes hard to find memorabilia of a story we love that takes us back to the wonder of being a kid.  The museum has exhibits surrounding not only the legendary film starring Judy Garland (Dorothy), Jack Haley (Tin Man), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Bert Lahr (Lion) & more, but they cover everything OZ related!  I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love the Wizard of Oz, what’s not to love?!  Characters have never been more perfectly portrayed than by the one’s in this film.  They captured our imagination and won our hearts.  But, I don’t have to convince you that it’s awesome!  Wamego is 40 minutes West of Topeka, 17 miles off the Interstate and totally worth the drive.         

On the yellow brick road with Dorothy in Munchkinland.  (not visible in pic) The Wicked Witch of the West’s legs with the ruby red slippers are protruding from under Dorothy’s house.   

Inside the Museum- Kansas to OZ

You enter into a gift shop with the biggest collection of Wizard of OZ memorabilia I’ve ever seen.  A wide variety of unique items for your home & garden, clothing items, toys, bags, jewelry, seasonal items and more.  It also has a wind simulator if you want a tiny taste of a tornado!  The gift shop also has a giant tin man (Love!!!) and the exterior of Dorothy’s barn and house.  Mrs Gulch’s bike is perched on top of the roof.  You enter the museum through the door to Dorothy’s little house and just follow the yellow brick road from there!   The museum, itself, is smaller than many museums, today, but a really good size with much to see, especially considering how old the movie & book.  It’s fully packed with exhibits and over a century of original artifacts and history from the many books, tv shows, spin-offs, Wicked the Broadway musical, OZ, The Wiz, the silent films, Laurel & Hardy version, and vintage Wizard of Oz and character collectibles and movie memorabilia.  They have over 2,000 pieces in their collection.  An impressive number of them are rare, one of a kind pieces.  The exhibits include many interesting facts and trivia from the movie, books, & tv shows regarding the characters, actors, authors & filming that are little known.  A mini theater plays the beloved 1939 Wizard of Oz movie. ♥

Some of the Museum Highlights:

  • Popular scenes with characters from the movie, including walking through the ‘Haunted Forest’, past the ‘Turn back now!’ sign on the way to the witch’s castle.  Great photo ops and so much fun to walk through the simulated movie scenes!!!    
  • More than a few original movie costumes and accessories from some of the munchkins
  • Costume pieces and props from the Wicked Broadway musical
  • A pair of replica hand-jeweled ruby slippers, covered in over 3,500 Swarovski crystals, created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the movie.  These are a very, very good likeness of the real slippers used in the movie, on exhibit at The National Museum of American History in Washington DC.
  • Doors and windows from a munchkin house, used in the The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz. 
  • Original illustrator, WW Denslow’s 24 color illustrations from the 1st edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (c. 1900), along with exclusive OZ memoirs.
  • Hand-painted character masks
  • Flying monkey miniatures used in the Wizard of Oz movie
  • OZ toys such as a Woozy Doll made by L. Frank Baum.
  • original movie posters
  • Rare autographs by original actors, including those who played Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, and munchkins
  • Original “Winkie Guard” spear used in the movie with a full size Winkie guard replica that looks so real and accurate, it’s like he’s straight from the movie, too.  The ‘Winkie Guard’ is the witch’s guard (the “O-Ee-Yah! Eoh-Ah!”’, or ‘oh we oh!’ guys).  
  • Original movie production notes on the actual script
  • The Wicked Witch’s death certificate signed and presented by the Munchkin Coroner in the movie
  • Scarecrow Ray Bolger’s passport
  • Yellow brick from L Frank Baum’s military grade school that inspired his book, later
  • Glinda’s the good witch of the North’s sparkling rhinestone and pearl brooch from the movie
  • Miss Gulch’s (Wicked Witch of the West) eye glasses from the movie
  • Encased in the floor outside the theater are the hand prints and autographs of a number of actors who played munchkins

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  The scenes have all 4 of the main characters, but also the Haunted Forest, Witch’s castle, Glinda, and the Emerald City.  Plenty of great photo ops for fans, big and little!        

What the Wheats think of the OZ Museum:

If you are a fan of the movie and/ or book (and really, who isn’t?), you will adore this gem!  From a movie that is over 80 years old, they have more original artifacts than I would have ever expected.  It’s not just games, toys & memorabilia that a collector has shared from a private collection.  The OZ Museum is curated for museum quality.  They still continue to add to their impressive collection.  Keep in mind, the infrequent times that the few, remaining pieces go up for auction, they usually sell for millions of dollars.  The National Museum of American History has a few pieces and many others have been hoarded by private collectors.  Also, they scrapped and re-purposed a lot of the movie sets and pieces.  People didn’t value, save, and collect things for future generations like we do now.  This little museum in Kansas is impressive and an absolute unique delight to walk through.  This business isn’t a huge money maker.  It’s obvious they do it because they love OZ just as much as we do.  The care and love they put into the museum and exhibits is obvious.  And I can’t thank them enough for plugging through and keeping this open to the public for all of us to enjoy and reminisce.  It is an American treasure for the whole world to enjoy.  The OZ museum in Wamego is worth your time and support if you’re ever in Kansas.  You can still donate online, if you’re not!  There are 2 other Wizard of OZ dedicated museums in the US.  But, this is the only one in Dorothy & Toto’s home state of Kansas.  Interestingly, we saw a farm-house and old metal windmill that looked so much like Dorothy’s farm, not far down the road! 

The All Things Oz Museum is in Chittenango, NY, the birthplace of OZ author L. Frank Baum.  A collector in Wausaukee, Wisconsin has created the Land of Oz museum.  We have not been to these, yet, but plan to, for sure!  There are also a few small, Wizard of OZ themed attractions or park areas in various states, too.  I’ll post more of those, in the future!

Our little Dorothy and Glinda in the Haunted Forest on the way to the Witch’s castle and on to the Emerald City!  

  • Another fun site for families that has movie fame is featured in my Winter at Clearwater Museum article.  

 

  • Our other Kids-Related Travel & Posts

 

  • Our Museum Travel Posts
  •  
  • Our Kansas Travel Posts

Good to Know:

  • Wamego is a small town.  There is plenty of free, street parking throughout.  
  • Hours–  Current Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day) are Mon- Sat 9a- 6p, Sunday 12-6p.  Their Winter hours are Mon- Sat 10a- 5p, Sunday 12-5p.  Even Christmas Eve from 10a-2p, but closed other select holidays.
  • Tickets are $9 for adults 13 & up and $7 for kids aged 3-12.  Membership passes are tax deductible and available online.  Online donations and sponsorships are also gratefully accepted.
  • Discounted admission is $2 off for active military families (with id).  $2 off for college students with id.  
  • Time– Take your time, enjoy the visit, read the exhibits.  It’s not overly crowded and very enjoyable.  The visit will take about 1- 2 hours, but can be done quickly if you’re in a hurry.
  • There is no food other than snacks on site, but Toto’s TacOZ mexican restaurant is 2 doors down!  Plenty of other mom & pop diners and food chains are available in town, too.
  • The Gift Shop is great and packed with so many unique things you’ll want.  We went a little overboard and still had a hard time paring down.  They are available online, too.  
  • Wamego has an annual OZtoberfest festival, one of the largest Wizard of Oz celebrations in the US.  Fans from around the world visit for costume contests, food, arts and crafts, live music, exclusive vendors, and special guests including Oz historians, authors and collectors.   

OZ Museum 

511 Lincoln Ave

Wamego, Kansas

OZsome OZ:

  • The Wizard of Oz- The Classic Edition (based on L. Frank Baum’s original version, not the movie).  Our girls have this version because we love the original book, too.  It’s a hardcover, 104 page chapter book with bright, colorful illustrations.
  • L. Frank Baum’s Classic Wonderful Wizard of Oz book, centennial edition.  Original illustrations, but not in color, as they were released in 1900.
  • Our  little ‘Dorothy’s Toto in a basket in top article photo.
  • Her Dorothy costume, in same.  
  • Our Glinda’s costume.
  • Wizard of Oz movie
  • OZ (HBO)- The Complete Seasons 1-6
  •  Legends of OZ: Dorothy’s Return- animated movie with Lea Michele, Dan Akroyd, Kelsey Grammer & Jim Belushi
  • Original Movie Soundtrack for Wizard of Oz
  • Return to Oz (Disney)
  • The Wiz with Diana Ross, Michael Jackson & Richard Pryor

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About me

Once Upon a Wheat

Terri & Bill Wheat

Hey, there! I'm Terri & my husband Bill and I have 4 kids (2 boys & twin girls + a pup!) and we've been traveling since our kids were little. At this mid point in my journey, I'm trying to shove as much as I can into this precious gift of life and squeeze all the joy and growth and learning I can out of it. Making memories that matter, building a life of joy & meaning, actively pursuing my greatest potential. I have a zest for life, for learning, for growth & I want to give you the resources & inspiration to have better vacations and get more from your life!

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Visit Dinosaur World in Florida!

Dinosaur World T Rex

Oh, the horror!  We came upon these T Rex brothers in the prehistoric forest at Dinosaur World and gave the kids quite a scare!  🙂    

‘Try to imagine yourself in the Cretaceous Period. You get your 1st look at this “6 foot turkey”. He moves like a bird. You keep still because you think his visual acuity is based on movement like T-Rex. But no, not Velociraptor. You stare at him and he just stares right back. And that’s when the attack comes. Not from the front, but from the side, from the other two ‘raptors you didn’t even know were there.  And he slashes at you with a 6 inch retractable claw, like a razor, on the middle toe. He doesn’t bother to bite your jugular like a lion, oh no… He slashes you here, or here… Or maybe across the belly, spilling your intestines. The point is… you are alive when they start to eat you. So you know… try to show a little respect.’

–  Dr Alan Grant, Jurassic Park

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Dinosaur World in Florida (and Kentucky & Texas!)

At Dinosaur World in Florida, the dinosaurs still roam.  Just an hour West of Orlando, in Plant City, is the rare chance to walk through the Cretaceous period.  Even amidst all of the super fun, cool things to do in Florida, yes, it’s worth it!  Especially if your kids are dinosaur fans!  And for dino-loving moms and dads like me and Bill, too!  In fact, if you have dinosaur-crazed kids, it’s a ‘don’t miss!’  Over 200 life-sized dinosaurs roam the swampy grounds of Dinosaur World.  Not just single color, painted concrete dino molds like those from the 1950s.  But with wrinkles and texture, veins, color variation, grooves, lumps, and muscle.  They’re not the only attraction at Dinosaur World, but they certainly are the stars!  Any time of year is a good time to visit, even in the pandemic.  Most of the activities are outdoors.  It’s not crazy crowded.  The Florida sunshine is out every day and the walk through the Cretaceous woods is relaxing and fun.  It’s a great place for families to spend half a day and to de-stress and unplug from the modern world!  Dinosaur fans shouldn’t miss!   

Even daddies feel like giddy little boys walking through Dinosaur World!  We ALL had a great time!

Highlights of Dinosaur World:

  • The life-sized dinosaurs definitely steal the show.  Frequently in small herds and packs, they put in the extra effort, here.  A boardwalk circles through natural areas shaded by centuries-old oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, palm trees & shrubs, and large ferns.  It definitely fits the prehistoric vibe and it’s fun to imagine you’ve traveled back in time!  Kids will enjoy being on the lookout to spot the next pack of dinos, grazing in the brush.  There are a few scenes where dinosaurs are being attacked by another.  But if your kids have learned much about dinos, at all, they know this is a reality.  And the dinosaurs & ‘injuries’ are not gruesome.
  • Prehistoric Museum– I was pleasantly surprised by the museum here.  I thought it would be silly and simple, focused on very young kids.  But they actually had interesting exhibits,  even for adults.  They have a number of real prehistoric fossils native to Florida.  There were well done cast ones, too, which are still very cool.  Their fossils include dinosaur eggs and dinosaur feces.  Yes, lots of little boys will have giggles about that!  Also trilobites and an Allosaurus claw.  Something we learned, dinosaurs have never been discovered in Florida.  Yet!  Many prehistoric mammals have been though, such as mastodons and saber tooth tigers.  The museum has animatronic dinosaurs in a prehistoric setting that are fun.   
  • Dino-themed Playground is fun for young kids, probably up to age 10.  It has slides, swings and dinosaur play & climb equipment.  
  • Fossil Dig–  (currently closed for Covid)  This is a 15 minute activity that’s included in admission for kids 3-12.  There are lots of fossils here for kids to scour and find.  We found plenty of shark teeth.  They have gastropods, some stingray barbs, and even Mosasaur teeth.  Kids are able to select their 3 favorite finds to take home as a souvenir.  It was a hit for all 4 of our kids!
  • Gem Excavation- Tickets can be purchased for their gem mining sluice to search for treasures that include minerals, arrowheads, or gems. 
  • Geode Cracker Activity-   Small geodes can be purchased that you can crack open to reveal their crystals.  
  • Walk around the Skeleton Garden of grazing dinosaur skeletons.   
Dinosaur World dino family baby dinosaur

Now how often do you get a chance to come across a Chasmosaurus family with babies and everything?!        

What the Wheats think of Dinosaur World:

We’ve passed the Dinosaur World in Kentucky a number of times with plans to visit.  But it was really neat to visit the Florida one, first.  All of the palm trees & shrubs, giant ferns shrubs, and swampy, mossy landscape really added to the Jurassic vibe!  It was easy to imagine that you’ve gone back in time!  There is not a full day’s worth of activities, unless you stretch it out and just make a day of it.  But, that’s actually ideal for kids this age who would be drawn here.  Not too long for fussy toddlers.  Enough to wear the kids out but not make them so tired that they’re cranky.  It has the right amount of things that won’t wear out parents, either, and kids will be satisfied that they can fit everything into a visit.  It’s not high tech, it’s not the bells and whistles of Orlando, but it’s great fun and we’d go, again!  

 

If Florida’s too far, you’ve got them in 2 other states.  Boys, girls, mom, dad, every one of us enjoyed our visit.  It’s not high tech like other Florida theme parks.  But dinosaurs are fun and life sized ones are extra cool!  We knew what it was and had a great time.  If you have little dino lovers in your family, you will, too!

Wheats’ Favorite Dinos!

 

  • How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?  Our favorite bed time story and dino book for littles when our boys were little.  We still have this book, it’s a classic!  
  • Dinosaurs, The World’s Most Terrifying Creatures–  This one!  Out of the many dinosaur books our boys had, this one is our family favorite.  Don’t tell I told, but my kids (including the girls) will still pull this book off our shelf and look through it.  Shh, I will too if I’m looking up a particular dino.  Super interesting facts & info, including size next to a human adult.  So good!  A must have for any child dino fan! 
  • Jurassic Park movie–  A classic.  Enough said.  
Dinosaur World dinosaurs

Double trouble and twice the bite!  Run fast and don’t look back if you come across Spinosaurus times 2!    

Good the Know:

 

  • Parking is free in a large lot.  
  •  
  • Hours–  Current hours are 9a- 5p, closed for select holidays.  
  •  
  • Tickets are currently $11.95 + tax for kids 3-12, $16.95 + tax for over 12 & adults, $14.95 + tax for Seniors, kids 3-12 are $11.95 each, and 2 & under are Free.  Annual, Combo & Group passes are also available. are tax deductible and available online.  Online donations and sponsorships are also gratefully accepted.
  •  
  • Discounts are available with membership of a number of other Florida attractions.  See their ticket page for current reciprocal discount partnerships.  Active Duty US Military receive FREE admission with a valid, active ID.    
  •  
  • Time– Take your time.  Spend 3 hours or so and get your money’s worth!  It’s large and mostly outdoors, so it’s not crowded, and the Florida sunshine is lovely!  
  •  
  • Food is not available on site, but Dine with Dinos! pizza delivery is available and, also, snack coolers are encouraged.  Picnic areas are available.  
  •  
  • Gift Shop- A large, 7,000 square foot shop has actual prehistoric artifacts (like dino teeth & trilobites), cute toys and games, fun apparel, books, movies, geodes, jewelry, and more. 
  •  
  • Special Activities–  Birthday parties are available here.  Also, Exploration Cave Show with Paleontologist-led tours through a cave, a dig site, and a work station (currently closed due to Covid).  Triviasaurus Game Show is currently closed due to Covid.      
  •  
  • Disability– Dinosaur World is handicap-accessible. Wheel chair rentals are $5 + tax.
  •  
  • Pets- Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome.
  •  
  • Check online for their changes to Covid precautions.  The dinosaurs are outside and masks must be worn for the indoor activities. 

Dinosaur World Florida
5145 Harvey Tew Road
Plant City, FL

Dinosaur World Kentucky

711 Mammoth Cave Rd
Cave City, KY

   

Dinosaur World Texas
1058 Park Road 59
Glen Rose, TX 

  • 🦖🦕 Our Other Dinosaur Travel Articles
 
  • 🧒🧒🧒🧒  Our Other Kids Travel
Ultrasaurus at Dinosaur World

Your chance to meet some Ultrasauruses and all their friends.  Don’t miss it!  

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About me

Once Upon a Wheat

Terri & Bill Wheat

Hey, there! I'm Terri & my husband Bill and I have 4 kids (2 boys & twin girls + a pup!) and we've been traveling since our kids were little. At this mid point in my journey, I'm trying to shove as much as I can into this precious gift of life and squeeze all the joy and growth and learning I can out of it. Making memories that matter, building a life of joy & meaning, actively pursuing my greatest potential. I have a zest for life, for learning, for growth & I want to give you the resources & inspiration to have better vacations and get more from your life!

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