Prairie Education Lab : Exhibits : Smoky Hill Museum

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1997

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Prairie Education Lab

The Dugout is a full scale replica of Salina's first home. In 1858 William Phillips built his dugout along the banks of the Smoky Hill River.

Experience some of what life was like on the 1858 frontier. Imagine life in a one room sod dugout. Visit the Learning Tree to read books, complete the Seasons of the Smoky Hills Activity Pamphlet and test your knowledge of prairie animals.

Salina's First Home

The Dugout is a full scale ...

Salina's First Home

The Dugout is a full scale replica of Salina's first home. In 1858 William Phillips built his dugout along the banks of the Smoky Hill River.
Hands-on Experience

Experience some of what life ...

Hands-on Experience

Experience some of what life was like on the 1858 frontier.
One Room

Imagine life ...

One Room

Imagine life in a one room sod dugout.
Frontier Comforts

Try out ...

Frontier Comforts

Try out the rope bed with buffalo robes.
Learning Tree

Visit the Learning Tree ...

Learning Tree

Visit the Learning Tree to read books, complete the Seasons of the Smoky Hills Activity Pamphlet and test your knowledge of prairie animals.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

For Step Up to the Task exhibit and Street Fair
For Step Up to the Task exhibit, the Growing a Community platform and Street Fair
For Step Up to the Task exhibit
For A Place to Call Home traveling exhibit
For A Place to Call Home traveling exhibit
For A Place to Call Home traveling exhibit
For A Place to Call Home traveling exhibit
For the From Sod to Stone area
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For the Street Fair's Serious Eaters Contest
For the Street Fair's Serious Eaters Contest
For Street Fair
For Street Fair
For Street Fair