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Visitors to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum are now being welcomed in the newly constructed visitor centre, an 8,400-square-foot expansion of the interim building used by the museum during its first 15 months of operation.
“It is a relief to finally have the permanent visitor centre finished as we desperately needed the space,” said Linda Schmitt, executive director of the Reno County Historical Society. “We had room for only fifteen chairs in the former waiting area, although our tours accommodate 28 people. The new facility makes waiting above ground far more comfortable and convenient.”
Plans are to add rotating exhibits to the above ground area for visitors to peruse before and after their trip 650-feet underground. Completion of the visitor centre marks the end of the major construction slated for the Kansas Underground Salt Museum.
Salt Museum attendance has consistently been strong during the 2008 year and weekly revenue totals are exceeding projections.
“Last winter was a learning process for us. We had to scale down our operations for a period because we were working off unrealistic numbers. However, our financial footing today is solid and we were thrilled to have 62,000 visitors underground in our first year of operations,” said Schmitt.
30-Ton Antique Train Moving to Underground Salt Museum
GE Engine No. 2, one of only three such engines ever built, returns to its home at the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. Built in 1919, the train ran along a short railway line that provided switching services for the Carey Evaporation Plant and Salt Mine.
“The train is a significant artefact that represents the history of the mine. We’re delighted we’re able to display it at the underground salt museum,” said Linda Schmitt, executive director of the Reno County Historical Society. “Seeing it at its rightful home is exciting, especially to the many train aficionados in the area.”
A rail bed of rocks is in place for the train and plans are to landscape the area around the train and include benches for visitors, as well as display information about the exhibit.
The Salt Museum is open to the public for tours Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
