Located near the eastern terminus of the Outlaw Scenic Byway, this collection of vintage windmills is a must-see on any Cornhusker State road trip. The open-air museum features nearly 30 windmills that date back to 1880 – 1930, many of which are in working condition. This quirky roadside attraction was made possible by the local Leonard Gill Family, in an effort to preserve a piece of prairie heritage.
Most of the windmills are from the Howard and Barvetla McLain Collection of Carroll, Nebraska. They were moved to the site and restored by Marvin Baker of Pender, Nebraska. In some cases restoration was an arduous process, as parts had to be fabricated, because they were no longer available commercially. The result is an impressive and very rare exhibition of what’s billed as one of the finest collections of vintage windmills in the world.
The windmills are located on the south side of Highway 20, in front of the LP Gill Landfill. There’s no real parking area, but there is a wide level dirt space where you can pull over to get a better view of the site. In dry weather it’s possible to walk around the grassy area where the windmills are planted, but after a rain it can get pretty muddy. Even if you can’t manage the walk over the grass, it’s still worth a stop to catch a panoramic view of the windmills on the horizon. It’s an impressive sight indeed.
Tickets are now available for the 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills, which is slated for Saturday June 14, 2025. A eclectic mixture of classical music and cowboy culture, this day-long event celebrates the history, ecology and culture of the last stand of native tallgrass prairie. This years concert will be held at the Evans Family Ranch in Chase County, Kansas. Although the venue changes yearly, great care is always taken to insure this popular event is accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Wheelchair Access at 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills
The Evans Family Ranch is large, and the concert site is located a good distance from the ticket gate. That said, accessible parking will be available to anyone who has a placard, and there will be limited golf cart transportation to the front gate for folks who cannot manage the walk. A special entrance lane will be designated for disabled patrons, where wristbands that allow access to accessible seating and transportation will be available.
Most attendees walk over the rock and dirt covered prairie to the concert site; however accommodations will be in place for folks who can’t manage the walk. A lift-equipped shuttle bus will transport wheelchair-users and slow walkers to the concert site. From there, a separate shuttle will be available to transfer folks with special assistance wristbands between the waiting area, the Patron Tent and the ADA concert area. Accessible porta-potties will also be located throughout the venue.
The Grand Finale
Now in its 20th year, the Symphony in the Flint Hills will celebrate its Grand Finale in 2025. Says Mary Ice, Board Chair of Symphony in the Flint Hills, “This 20th anniversary represents a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and the many possibilities ahead for sharing our mission.”
Gates will open at 1 PM. During the afternoon, lectures and activities will be presented in the tents near the concert site. There will be level access to all tents, where you’ll also find a silent art auction, adult libations, and a scrumptious BBQ dinner with all the trimmings. The sunset concert is the highlight of the day, but plan to arrive in the early afternoon so you can enjoy the other activities.
You’ll never forget the experience of listening to the music of the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra set against the backdrop of the tallgrass prairie. As the sun sets, cowboys appear on horseback on the horizon, and then slowly make their way down to the stage area. And when the show nears an end they ride off into the distance. It’s probably the only symphony performance where you’ll feel comfortable in blue jeans and cowboy boots.
And in keeping with tradition, the performance concludes with a rousing sing along of Home on the Range. Afterwards, guests are welcome to linger on and enjoy the night sky, or maybe listen in on the story circle, or indulge in a little dancing. Whatever you choice, you’ll have a full day of fun on the beautiful Kansas prairie.
Advance tickets are required for the 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills, and they can be purchased at symphonyintheflinthills.org. Plan ahead though as tickets go like hotcakes, and this popular event always sells out.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
1402 Highway 20
