Smoky Hill Museum

Free Admission
- Tuesdays through Fridays 11 am-5:00 pm
- Saturdays 10:00 am-5:00 pm
- And by Appointment during non-regular hours.
- Closed on Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1997.

211 W Iron Ave

Salina, KS 67401

Phone 785.309.5776

Store 785.309.5775

museum@salina.org

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1997

River History Walks

Friends of the River Foundation and the Smoky Hill Museum are partnering to create guided river walks spotlighting the history of the Smoky Hill River as it runs through the heart of Salina. Salina’s past will come to life with info, stories, laughter, and more. When research is complete, seven different history walks will be offered featuring seven different sections of the river. Friends of the River Foundation is a proud funded partner of the Salina Area United Way.

*Thank you for your interest! Unfortunately, these tours are full. If you'd like to add your name to a waiting list, please call or email Nona Miller at the Smoky Hill Museum. 785-833-8023 or nona.miller@salina.org. And watch this site for future encore/new tours. Thank you again!*

Oakdale Park: The Heart of Community

June 21, 2025, from 9:30-10:45 am

*Thank you for your interest! Unfortunately, this tour is full. If you'd like to add your name to a waiting list, please call or email Nona Miller at the Smoky Hill Museum. #785-833-8023 or nona.miller@salina.org. And watch this site for future encore/new tours. Thank you again!*

Discover the history of Salina’s beloved Oakdale Park, hugged on three sides by the Smoky Hill River. We will explore how Salina made this bend in the river its community gathering spot, from horse racing to boating to the Smoky Hill River Festival. We also will touch on the adjacent South Park, a mostly forgotten park that once hosted both schools and a band shell. Learn how these parks played a vital role in Salina’s recreational and arts history. (Walk will take us around Oakdale Park.) Maximum: 30 participants

Iron Avenue: Salina’s Beginnings

July 26, 2025, from 9:30-10:45 am

Walk in the footsteps of Salina’s founders as we explore how the Smoky Hill River was integral to our city’s founding. Curving along the eastern edge of downtown, the river has seen everything from the first house to ferries, trains, mayhem, movies, and more. Come discover Salina’s early history with us. (Walk will take us along Iron Avenue and through Founders Park.) Maximum: 30 participants

Our Impact This Year

Volunteer Hours

546
Dollars Raised

16,684
Program Participants

12,748
People Reached

91,211

Allison K.

A great museum for the whole family! We were traveling from the kc area to Colorado and had to stop due to the interstate being closed. We saw the museum was open and were able to spend about 3 hours there walking around the museum. We have three kids, ages 2, 5, 7 who asked if we could go to it again on the way home. Thanks for allowing us to spend a good chunk of our day there! We will be back!