Hey, not all of our trips are exotic or expensive.

I took an overnight trip this past Saturday and Sunday to Manhattan, Fort Riley and Junction City, Kansas. All are near I-70 and could provide an interesting break for folks driving across Kansas.

In Manhattan I visited the Sunset Zoo, Kansas State University Gardens, and the Insect Zoo. The Gardens and Insect Zoo are good for about a 45 minute break and cost only $1. The Sunset Zoo is pretty good for its small size, and has a different character than larger zoos. In many exhibits (for example the wallabies or prairie dogs) you are permitted to enter the pens with just instructions to remain on the paths.

In Fort Riley, I visited several museums, saw many monuments & statues and toured the first Territorial Capital of Kansas. These are all free. The Fort is a park like setting and worth a visit of 1-3 hours depending on your level of interest.

Junction City has less to offer. The Atomic Cannon right next to exit 310 is only good for the exercise of the climb up to the top of the hill.

But I did find a small restaurant with wonderful Korean food - Pusan Diner. I highly recommend it.

A more detailed trip report and my photos are at http://www.mightymac.org/05kansasweekend01.htm

Keith