You’ll find lots of unexpected hidden gems as you travel along Kansas I-70, and Salina, Kansas is no exception. This Kansas community is brimming with creativity and a vibrant public art scene that you’d expect to find in a much larger city.
Whether you’re looking for a hands-on art experience or simply searching for inspiration, Salina’s offerings are sure to serve as a spark. You can also learn about the history of the region at the incredibly interactive Smoky Hill Museum. Plus, Salina is home to iconic eateries like The Cozy Inn Hamburgers that have been feeding locals and tourists alike for more than 100 years.
Keep reading to discover offbeat things to do in Salina, Kansas, plus plenty of unique places to eat, drink, and stay during your visit.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Kansas I-70 Association. However, all opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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Offbeat Things to Do in Salina, Kansas
Find Inspiration in the Public Art Scene
If you’re looking for some artistic inspiration, you’ll find plenty in Salina, Kansas. Wander the SculptureTour Salina throughout downtown and marvel at the annually changing sculptures. Each spring, between 15 and 25 sculptures are selected and placed around Salina’s downtown for the community to enjoy. Throughout the year, visitors and locals alike are invited to vote for their favorite, which will then be purchased by the city to remain in Salina for everyone to enjoy.
Downtown Salina is also a great place to spot murals and snag a quick photo op. Don’t miss the Mural on the Mill, a beautiful large-scale mural by Australian artist Guido Van Helten on a grain silo just north of the downtown core.
Shop Around Downtown
In addition to ample public art, Salina’s downtown business district is full of unique small businesses to spend the day enjoying. Whether you’re looking to pick up your next read or find the perfect piece of decor for your home, there are no shortage of shops to visit along Santa Fe Avenue. The next time you’re in Salina, check out a few of my favorite local shops, including:
- Baron Mushmouse (141 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina, Kansas): This cozy home decor shop sells a mix of vintage and new pieces with a whimsical, cottage-core aesthetic.
- The Market Shop (101 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina, Kansas): If you’re looking for a gift, you’re sure to find something they’ll love at The Market Shop. From clothing and jewelry to kitchen implements and home decor, the selection at this local shop is truly impressive.
- Red Fern Booksellers (106 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina, Kansas): It’s no secret that I love an indie bookstore, and Red Fern Booksellers is a true gem. Pick up your next read or find a new adventure in their selection of Kansas-specific titles.
Explore the Smoky Hill Museum
Discover the history of Salina and the surrounding area at the Smoky Hill Museum. This hands-on history museum offers interesting ways for visitors of all ages to engage with local history, ecology and modern life in this part of Kansas.
Located in Salina’s former U.S. Post Office building, the Smoky Hill Museum opened in 1986. Today, the museum’s collections include thousands of items from the 1800s until present day. Discover the early history of the area in the “Crossroads of the Heartland” exhibit or head to “The Curiosity Shop” where kids can experience Kansas history through play.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Smoky Hill Museum also hosts rotating exhibits on a variety of topics.
Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.
Smoky Hill Museum, 211 W. Iron Avenue in Salina, Kansas
Visit the Salina Art Center
Continue your artistic adventure with a visit to the Salina Art Center. This local museum showcases a rotating slate of exhibitions in its galleries, and also hosts a variety of classes for artists of all ages. Whether you’re searching for inspiration or interesting in trying something new, this Salina spot is worth a stop.
Salina Art Center, 242 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina, Kansas
Discover Offbeat Gems Along I-70
Driving along the Kansas I-70 corridor? There are plenty of places worth pulling over along the way! Discover unexpected museums, roadside attractions, epic eateries, unique places to stay and so much more.
Unique Places to Eat & Drink in Salina, Kansas
Ad Astra Books & Coffee House
What’s better than a used bookstore? How about a bookstore with a coffee shop inside? At Ad Astra Books & Coffee House you’ll find just that!
Not only does this cozy bookshop serve as a community gathering place, but it also serves delicious coffees, toasts and more. Do some browsing, grab a beverage, and settle in to enjoy your latest read at this local cafe.
Ad Astra Books & Coffee House, 135 N. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina, Kansas
Blue Skye Brewery & Eats
Belly up to the bar at Blue Skye Brewery & Eats to enjoy locally-made craft beers as well as inventive wood-fired pizzas. This local brewery is a popular spot for lunch or enjoying an evening with friends.
During my last visit to Blue Skye Brewery, I especially enjoyed their unique mac and cheese pizza.
Blue Skye Brewery & Eats, 116 N. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina, Kansas
The Cozy Inn Hamburgers
Opened in 1922, The Cozy Inn is a Salina institution. Inspired by the creation of White Castle (just one year prior in Wichita, Kansas), Bob Kinkel began serving onion-filled sliders at this six-seat diner in downtown Salina. More than 100 years later, The Cozy Inn is still a popular spot to grab one of these bite-sized burgers.
Similar to the restaurant’s interior, the menu at The Cozy Inn is small and straightforward. Diners can order a single Cozy Burger for $1.79 each. The burgers come grilled with onions and the option to add ketchup, mustard and pickle. No need to ask: there’s no cheese here. The staff let me know that most diners order in the multiples and that — if you happen to be really hungry or are feeding a crowd — you can get 10% off when you order 100 Cozy Burgers.
The Cozy Inn Hamburgers, 108 N. 7th Street in Salina, Kansas
Prairieland Market
Snacks are an essential part of any road trip, and if you’re needing to stock up on grab-and-go items, Prairieland Market is the perfect stop. This specialty food store is located in the heart of downtown Salina and offers a variety of Kansas-made products as well as organic snacks and prepared meals. Whether you’re in need of an easy lunch on-the-go or just looking for something to snack on, this market is sure to have plenty of options to enjoy.
Prairieland Market, 118 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina, Kansas
Where to Stay in Salina, Kansas
As a slightly large community than some of the others you’ll find along Kansas I-70, Salina has plenty of options for accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a traditional hotel or a cozy short-term rental, there are lots of places to choose from.
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I would love to hear from you! What are your favorite offbeat things to do in Salina, Kansas?
