Salina is situated in north central Kansas at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 135, near the geographic center of the contiguous United States. The city is centered in one of the largest wheat producing areas of the world and serves as a regional trade center. Residents and visitors to Salina enjoy the excellent cultural opportunities offered through the Salina Art Center, Smoky Hill Museum, Salina Symphony, Salina Community Theatre, and Art Center Cinema. Each year over 80,000 people come from across the country for the Smoky Hill River Festival to enjoy children's activities, good food, fine art exhibitions, music and crafts. The community’s ideal living conditions and excellence in participation, communication and leadership earned Salina the All-America City award by the National Civic League. Best Western Salina Kansas.
Things to do in Salina
Art Center Cinema
The Salina Art Center Cinema presents imaginative, contemporary films with a new film each week. The 90-seat cinema features state-of-the-art equipment, including Dolby surround sound, as well as a snack bar. Call or check the Art Center Web site for current showings. Located at 150 S. Santa Fe. Call 785-452-9868 for more information.
Central Mall Aquarium
Kansas’ largest free-standing aquarium features a wide variety of marine life in an environment that simulates a typical native water habitat. The aquarium is home to nearly 100 native fishes, including channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, wipers (white bass and striped bass hybrids), largemouth and white bass, and walleye. Located in the Central Mall in South Salina at the corner of 9th and Magnolia. Call 785-825-7733 for more information.
Historic Downtown District
Salina’s historic downtown district offers distinctive shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. The district is home to numerous cultural facilities including the Smoky Hill Museum, Salina Art Center and Cinema, Salina Community Theatre, Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts and more, as well as unique specialty shops and a variety of eateries. A guide with a self-guided walking tour map is available at Salina Downtown, 114-A S. 7th or the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. Call 785-825-0535 for more information.
Jumpin' Joe's Family Fun Center
Enjoy family fun at Jumpin’ Joe’s. The amusement park offers miniature golf, go karts, rookie go karts, laser tag, arcade games, concessions, prizes, party facilities and more. Located 1 mile south of Crawford on Centennial Road. Call 785-827-9090 for more information.
Lakewood Discovery Center and Nature Area
Lakewood Discovery Center is a nature education center with learning stations that cover topics such as bird identification, insect life cycles, geology, prehistoric life, urban wildlife habitat and more. Call 785-826-7335 for more information.
Lakewood Park
Beautiful Lakewood Park offers nature trails, a natural wildlife habitat, picnic areas, playground, tennis courts, fishing, ballfields and a Frisbie golf course. Home of the Parks & Recreation Environmental Education Program. Located at 1323 E. Iron. Call 785-309-5765 for more information.
River Bend Golf Course
Open to the public, River Bend is a 9-hole, par-3 course that provides holes ranging from 100-180 yards. Located at 4701 S. Ohio. Call 785-452-9333 for more information.
Rolling Hills Zoo
More than 80 species of animals call the Rolling Hills Zoo home. Many of the species are rare or endangered. Guests can stroll the beautifully landscaped park and observe orangutans, rhinos, leopards, aardvarks, and many others in spacious, naturalistic habitat settings. The zoo offers tram rides, concessions, a gift shop, and picnic area. Located at 625 N. Hedville Road. Call 785-827-9488 for more information.
Salina Art Center
The Salina Art Center is recognized for its regional, national, and international exhibitions of the visual arts. A popular hands-on interactive area attracts children of all ages. The center also is home to a state-of-the-art cinema that presents weekly contemporary films. Located at 242 S. Santa Fe. Call 785-827-1431 for more information.
Salina Bicentennial Center
The Salina Bicentennial Center is a versatile 7,645 seat arena that hosts numerous conventions, concerts, sporting events, and family entertainment. Located in Kenwood Park at 800 The Midway. Call 785-826-7200 for more information.
Salina Community Theatre
Salina Community Theatre brings a variety of quality productions throughout the year to the community. Located at 303 E. Iron. Call 785-827-6126 for more information.
Salina Municipal Golf Course
Salina’s 18-hole municipal golf course provides golfers with an opportunity to play par 3, par 4, and par 5 aspects of the game. Located 2500 E. Crawford. Call 785-826-7450 for more information.
Salina Speedway
Salina Speedway offers auto racing excitement in a family atmosphere. Saturday nights during racing season feature IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks and 360MODS. Located at 2841 S. Burma Road. Call 785-825-0077 for more information.
Smoky Hill Museum
Housed in the original Salina Post Office, the Smoky Hill Museum recounts the history and heritage of the Smoky Hills region. In addition to a series of changing exhibits, ongoing exhibits include a full-sized sod dugout. Children will enjoy exploring One Keeper's Place where use clues to solve a “history mystery.” The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs throughout the year. Located in downtown Salina at 211 W. Iron. Call 785-309-5776 for more information.
Smoky Hill Vineyards & Winery
Prior to Prohibition, Kansas was a top grape producer in the country. When Kansas wrote a prohibition on alcohol into its Constitution, local Kansas growers had to sell their vineyards. Today, eighty acres of rich Kansas soil have been resurrected as the Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery. Guests are invited to visit the family-run business to learn about and sample Kansas wine. Located approximately 1.5 miles north of Salina on US Highway 81. Call 785-825-2515 for more information.
Starlite Skate Center
Starlite Skate Center offers wholesome Family Fun! The center features a maple skating floor, quad or inline skates, snack bar for treats, special lighting and music. Located at 2661 Market Place. Call 785-827-6861 for more information.
Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
Located in Salina’s historic downtown district, the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art venue housed in a restored 1931 gem. A diverse array of performances are brought to the theatre throughout the year, including classical and popular music, dance, orchestra and theatre. 163 S. Santa Fe. Call 785-827-1998 for more information.
Yesteryear Museum
The Yesteryear Museum is operated by Central Kansas Flywheels, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the collection, restoration and exhibition of antiques that reflect the American heritage. An eclectic assortment of exhibits includes an 1880’s print shop, 1869 Swedish Bible, Boy Scout memorabilia, yardstick and brick display, Kansas-made Currie Windmill shaving mug collection; children’s toys and more. The museum hosts the popular ByGone Days each spring, and the Antique Engine Show and Antique Tractor Pull each fall. Located at 1100 W. Diamond Drive. Call 785-825-8473 for more information.