When Dorothy Gale clicked the heels of her ruby red slippers and stated, “there’s no place like home”, she was referring to Kansas. So, where is the Wizard of Oz in Kansas?
This tremendously popular book series that was later made into a movie was written by L. Frank Baum in 1900. Today, you can find many Wizard of Oz attractions throughout the Sunflower State.
Today, we’re sharing where you can find the best spots to experience the Wizard of Oz in Kansas.
Let’s get going!
Unfortunately, L. Frank Baum never designated a specific community in Kansas for Dorothy and her family’s farm. This leaves it up for debate and interpretation by the reader as to where they might reside. However, because no town was specifically stated, Liberal, Kansas, has become the self-proclaimed home to the Gale family.
The town has a population of only 20,000 or so and embraces the Land of Oz to attract visitors. They host an annual festival that celebrates all things Oz and has numerous attractions throughout the town, including Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz, a museum complex that recreates the world created by L. Frank Baum.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a trip to the Midwest, check out these 5 Things You’ll Actually Want to Do in Lincoln, NE!
Liberal, Kansas, is the home of the Yellow Brick Road. The museum is a part of the Land of Oz complex and recreates the famous pathway from the book and movie. If you’ve ever wanted to skip down the Yellow Brick Road like Dorothy and her friends on their way to the Emerald City, this is your chance.
On the other hand, the longest Yellow Brick Road is in Sedan, Kansas. It contains over 10,000 yellow bricks purchased by individuals and groups. On the other hand, it’s worth noting that this is more of a sidewalk than an actual road.
Whether you prefer the books or the movie, it can be fun to experience the Wizard of Oz in person. That’s why we’ve created a list of some of Kansas’s best Wizard of Oz attractions. With this list, you can maximize your time and experience as much as possible. Let’s dive in!
One of Kansas’s most popular Wizard of Oz attractions is the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas. It’s a unique experience dedicated to all things Oz. Visitors will find a collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and interactive exhibits celebrating L. Frank Baum’s famous story.
This is an excellent opportunity to explore original props from the movie and costumes used in the iconic 1939 film. The museum is an immersive experience that provides a magical journey through the Land of Oz. It’s great for all ages who enjoy the story.
As mentioned earlier, the town of Liberal, Kansas, takes the Wizard of Oz pretty seriously. Not only is it the home of Dorothy’s House, but also the Land of Oz museum. This is your chance to explore a recreation of Dorothy’s farmhouse, complete with furnishings and memorabilia from the movie. You’ll feel like you’ve walked straight into the movie and Dorothy’s life.
The Land of Oz Museum is also home to the Yellow Brick Road. You can skip down the path and enter the Emerald City and the Wicked Witch’s Castle. Amazingly, something new awaits you around every corner in the Land of Oz.
While not explicitly tied to “The Wizard of Oz,” many enthusiasts believe Coronado Heights inspired L. Frank Baum in the creation of the Emerald City. The beautiful panoramic views of the countryside are nothing short of stunning.
The castle at the top of the hill may have inspired the magical castle that awaited Dorothy and her friends in the Emerald City. Like the Land of Oz, Coronado Heights is a magical experience.
The story of the Wizard of Oz has inspired many people to get creative and embrace whimsy. The Oz Winery in Wamego, Kansas, combines a passion for the Wizard of Oz with the sophistication of wine tasting. Here, you’ll find a tasting room decorated in Oz-themed decor and bottles with names inspired by the story.
In addition to providing high-quality bottles of wine, the winery regularly hosts special events, tastings, and tours. These are great opportunities to learn more about the winemaking process and the world of Oz. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge of Oz or winemaking, it’s worth stopping at Oz Winery during your time in Kansas.
We mentioned earlier that the town of Liberal, Kansas, hosts an annual festival for all things related to the Wizard of Oz. This festival, Oztoberfest, is an exciting time for the community, where it comes alive with activities for all ages.
Whether it’s live entertainment, costume contests, or parades, Oztoberfest has something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a true Wizard of Oz, we recommend planning your trip around this celebration. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the season and the magic of the Wizard of Oz.
As you can see, Kansas fully embraces the Wizard of Oz. Each year, tourists from all over the country stop at these attractions all over the state. They’re united by their love for Dorothy, her friends, and her little dog, too. If you plan to visit Kansas soon and love the Wizard of Oz, add these spots to your travel plans.
