Kansas has a deep and diverse Native American history, reflected in a range of museums, historic sites, and cultural centers. Here are eight of the best places to explore and learn about this heritage:
1. Mid-America All-Indian Center (Wichita)
- The only facility in Kansas solely dedicated to American Indian culture, this center features exhibits on Native history, art (including a large collection by Blackbear Bosin), beadwork, jewelry, pottery, and baskets. It also displays flags from over 70 American Indian tribes.
2. Haskell Indian Nations University & Haskell Cultural Center and Museum (Lawrence)
- Haskell is the nation’s premier inter-tribal university, with a rich history as a boarding school for Native Americans. The Cultural Center and Museum houses exhibits and archives that celebrate tribal traditions and the university’s unique story. The campus also features a walking tour and significant public art and memorials.
3. Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site (Republic County)
- This museum encloses the excavated floor of one of the largest Pawnee Indian lodges, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of the Pawnee people who once inhabited northern Kansas. The site interprets Pawnee culture and their earth lodges.
4. Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site (Fairway, Kansas City Metro)
- Once an Indian boarding school from 1839 to 1862, the mission now serves as a museum with exhibits on Native history, the Indian agents, missionaries, and the Civil War. It is a Kansas State Historical Society National Historic Landmark.
5. Kansas City Indian Center (Kansas City)
- Established in 1971, this is the oldest continuously operated Native American center in the nation. It offers cultural activities, events, and social services for the Native community, aiming to preserve and foster American Indian cultural values1.
6. Wyandot National Burying Ground (Kansas City, Kansas)
- Also known as the Huron Indian Cemetery, this sacred site is the final resting place for an estimated 400–600 members of the Wyandot Nation who were relocated to Kansas. It is open to the public and offers a place for reflection on the hardships and resilience of the Wyandot people.
7. Kaw Mission State Historic Site (Council Grove)
- This historic stone mission was once home to 50 Kanza (Kaw) Indian boys from 1851 to 1854 and is located along the historic Santa Fe Trail. The site interprets the history of the Kanza people and their interactions with settlers.
8. El Quartelejo Ruins (Scott County)
- The northeasternmost example of a pueblo in the United States, this archaeological site was built by Taos Indians seeking refuge with the Apache. The ruins illustrate the diversity of Native cultures in Kansas and the region’s role in early Spanish and Native interactions.
These sites collectively offer a comprehensive look at Kansas’s Native American heritage, from ancient settlements and tribal education to contemporary cultural preservation and remembrance. Each provides unique insights into the histories, struggles, and ongoing contributions of Native peoples in Kansas.
Sources:
- https://legendsofkansas.com/kansas-historic-sites/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-America_All-Indian_Center
- https://www.travelks.com/blog/stories/post/three-native-american-historic-sites-to-explore/
- https://www.explorelawrence.com/things-to-do/history-heritage/native-american-heritage/
- https://www.ulc.org/ulc-blog/six-places-to-explore-native-american-culture-in-kansas-city