It is true that anywhere in the world when people who may not even speak English find out that you are from Kansas, they smile and say something about the Wizard of Oz. And just like L. Frank Baum made Kansas known worldwide, some marketing genius made Wamego, KS a worthwhile side trip for anyone passing through the state.
Wamego is located near Manhattan, KS and close enough to I-70 to make a detour. It doesn’t have any discernible claim to the Oz fame, except for actually being in Kansas.
If you are a Wizard of Oz fan you will find plenty of collectibles and memorabilia.
Downtown Wamego is pretty lively…
…store fronts are cleverly decorated.
Walter P.Chrysler was born in this house, but I don’t think this is the original location.
It was landed here by a tornado smashing an unknown woman.
We ate here surrounded by numerous old people in overalls.
Bonus – Kansas View…
…and two murals we caught in Topeka.
