Oz Museum

Written by Leann Pettit
"You're not in Kansas anymore." Well, actually, you're very much in Kansas, but if you want to be transported to Oz, the only place to go is the Oz Museum in Wamego, KS. The museum is comprised of one man's Wizard of Oz memorabilia collection that has grown and grown over the years.

Expect to spend an hour or so here, as there is a lot to look at and a lot of Wizard of Oz history. The museum begins with re-created scenes from the movie, including the scarecrow and the wicked witch being smooshed by Dorothy's house. Then learn all about the Munchkins and how they were cast and how many of them there were on set.

The museum goes through each of the characters and actors, with memorabilia for each of them.

About three-quarters of the way through the museum, there is a very touching display of these very large stuffed Wizard of Oz toys. The display explains that the toys were ordered from a store that was in the WTC towers on Sept. 9, 2001 and sent out on Sept. 10, 2001. Just past that, sit down and enjoy the movie, which runs on a loop in the museum's theater.

As you exit the museum, there is a display of variations of The Wizard of Oz, including the hit Broadway musical and book by Gregory Maguire, "Wicked."

This museum is perfect for anyone who wants a taste of nostalgia, wants to learn something new about Oz, is a fan of the movie, a fan of pop culture, or, really, anyone.

Make it an Oz-themed afternoon! Just a block away from the museum is the Oz Winery, who does free wines tastings of their fun Oz-themed wines, including Squished Witch, Flying Monkey, Yellow Brick Road and more.