There are many places to see and things to do in Chanute, Kansas. The small town is full of innovation and adventure. You can explore Sante Fa Park, the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum, and Howard’s Toys For Biggers.
Sante Fa Park
Sante Fa Park is one of the places in Chanute, Kansas that is a great place for children to spend time. This park is located off of Santa Fe Ave and Chanute 35 Parkway. The park is open to the public and has three playgrounds. There is also an old steam engine at the park, as well as a dog park and a boating lake.
Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is a tribute to the life and legacy of the American explorers and naturalists, Martin and Osa Johnson. Between 1917 and 1936, the Johnsons traveled the world recording wildlife and capturing the public’s imagination through their photography and films. Their images and films capture a time when few Americans traveled beyond their native land.
The museum features personal memorabilia and displays from the Johnsons’ travels. Martin was killed in a plane crash in 1937, but Osa continued to tour the world from her wheelchair, making motion pictures and lecturing. Martin and Osa were buried in Chanute, Kansas, and their graves can be found at the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum.
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is located in the town where Martin and Osa Johnson grew up. It is located inside an old train depot and is full of artifacts from the Johnsons’ expeditions. You can see old film splicers, a waffle iron, and other items that were used in their travels. The museum is popular with visitors from around the world.
While the museum is filled with images of African wildlife, it is also home to artifacts from the Johnsons’ adventures. The Johnsons’ expedition in 1929 took them to the savannas of Africa where they made the first motion picture of pygmies. They then went on to the Serengeti Plains and into the Belgian Congo to photograph mountain gorillas. The film was the first sound picture ever shot in Africa.
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is open to the public and has a number of partnerships with museums overseas. Those partnerships have enabled the museum to acquire many of its artifacts. The museum also boasts one of the largest collections of African art in the country, which includes Mende women’s dance masks.
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is a great place to learn about the rich culture and art of Africa. A variety of educational programs help visitors develop their knowledge of the continent. A collection of over 2,000 photographs by renowned explorers is another impressive feature. The museum also offers many fun activities for families.
The museum is governed by a twelve-member volunteer Board of Trustees, including honorary trustees, Jack Badal, Robert Ballard, Kevin Brownlow, and Eleanor & Pascal Imperato. The museum is also staffed by a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
The museum is small, but its collections are a visual feast. Most of the objects on display are from West Africa. Its permanent exhibition is somewhat lacking in details, but visitors can get an idea of the history and culture of these peoples in its research library. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum also maintains a library of seminal texts about the area.
Howard’s Toys For Biggers
Howard’s Toys For Bigger is a museum that features vintage and classic cars and memorabilia. If you’re visiting the area, you should take some time to check out their exhibits. They are open Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 4pm, and on weekends, by appointment.