By: The Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) | 7.25.24
A Small Town Full of Big Experiences
Wamego is located along the Kansas River, just a few minutes north of Interstate 70. This progressive and expanding community is only a 15-minute drive from Manhattan and 35 minutes from Topeka. Manufacturing is the cornerstone of the Wamego economy. The area also benefits from agriculture, value-added ag product development, regional retail and financial services, excellent healthcare and educational systems, and constantly evolving arts, entertainment, and recreational attractions.
With its proximity to major workforce centers, charming downtown area, historical landmarks, beautiful City Park, the Oz Museum, and numerous renowned festivals, Wamego’s strong community spirit and small-town atmosphere make it an ideal place to live and a destination you won’t want to miss.
Events Set Wamego Apart
Tulip Festival
Wamego explodes with color each spring when beautiful tulips from Holland bloom across the town, creating the perfect backdrop for the annual Tulip Festival. Held in the Wamego City Park, the festival features over 200 Craft and Artisan vendors and draws thousands of visitors to town each year.
In addition to the hand-crafted wares sold, you will find entertainment, food, and fun for the whole family. A variety of entertainment and musical performances are scheduled throughout the festival. Kids will get their cute-animal fix at the petting zoo and can jump to their hearts’ content in the bounce houses or ride on the Children’s Train when they need a fun, relaxing activity.
Food trucks from across the area and homemade ice cream on the Historical Museum lawn ensure you will not go hungry. Adults who visit Wamego for the Tulip Festival can visit the Beer/Wine/Cider Tasting Tent next to the bandstand.
And what would a Tulip Festival be without tulips? The cheerful flowers that surround the historic Schonhoff Dutch Mill in Prairie Town can also be found by the Historical Museum, throughout the Wamego City Park, downtown Wamego, near the Wamego Public Library, Railroad Park, and the Welcome to Wamego sign.
Celebrate Freedom July 4th
The city of Wamego takes great pride in hosting a 4th of July celebration that cannot be rivaled. With carnival rides and games all ages can enjoy, car and antique tractor shows, a downtown parade, and the #1-rated fireworks show in the state, visitors come from all over the country to celebrate with the community.
Whether you like exhilarating rides that whip you around or prefer the leisurely pace of slower attractions, the City Carnival has rides to fit all levels of thrill seekers. Visitors who ride the Ferris Wheel get an extra special view as the sun begins to set, and fireworks can be seen all around the town. And no carnival would be complete without traditional games and carnival foods–but be warned, the line for funnel cakes is always long!
The Main Street parade takes place before the big fireworks show begins. Classic cars from the auto show and floats designed by local organizations make their way down the parade route, and there is always enough candy tossed to the crowd to keep kids happy.
Wamego’s fireworks show is the highlight of their 4th of July Celebration. Rated #1 in the state, the display is uniquely funded through donations and run by the volunteer efforts of local pyrotechnic professionals; the show is truly a community effort. The display of thousands of incredible explosions has earned the city its nickname, “Boomtown.” Whether you grab a seat up front or watch from further away, you will have a fantastic view of the display, known nationally as the “finale that never ends.”
OZtoberfest
OZtoberfest is Wamego’s annual OZ-themed fall festival. Packed full of “OZsome Activities,” the festival attracts visitors from around the world. The festival features live music, an outdoor market with locally made items, a diverse food court, locally crafted beer and wine, character sightings, costume contests, OZ history, children’s activities, and much more.
OZtoberfest has activities to keep you immersed in the world of OZ throughout the festival. You can learn about OZ from experts, join costume contests judged by the OZ characters, or enter your pet in the Toto Look-A-Like contest. Look out for the Wicked Witch throwing fireballs, and bring the kids to meet Dorothy for storytime, or to blow bubbles with Glinda. As you walk around town, check out the whimsical statues of Toto, which have been decorated by local artists.
If you get hungry, you can sit on the patio at Toto’s Tacoz for local fresh-mex fare or visit any food vendors at the festival. Adult visitors can sample local craft and domestic beers and wine from the Oz Winery. This local winery features various Oz-themed wines, including A Witch Gone Bad, Drunken Munchkin, and Yellow Brick Road.
Another attraction is the annual auto show: Heroes, Hot Rods, and Motorcycles. Whether you enjoy displaying your vintage vehicle or simply appreciate classic cars on exhibit, this event is a must-see. It showcases historic military vehicles, antique cars, and motorcycles and raises funds to support veterans through Wamego High School’s Honor Flight Program.
Unique Attractions Make Wamego Worth The Stop
Oz Museum
Dorothy, Toto, and the Wicked Witch are synonymous with Kansas, making the Oz Museum a must-see whenever you visit Wamego. The magic of Oz comes to life at the museum as soon as you step through the doors of Dorothy’s Kansas home and begin your journey down the yellow brick road. Four galleries are filled with rare first editions of Frank Baum’s books, production notes from the original movie and the Broadway musical Wicked, and so much more. With over 100 years of Oz history on display, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of privately owned memorabilia.
Throughout the museum, you will find rarities from the original Wizard of Oz movie: Munchkin costumes, a sample of Dorothy’s gingham dress, the muslin tornado used in the film, and two of the only remaining Flying Monkeys are just a few of the items on display. Along your journey, you will also see life-size statues of the movie’s main characters. And, of course, the original Wizard of Oz movie can be viewed throughout the day in the museum’s mini-theatre.
Oz Winery
Located in the heart of downtown Wamego, the Oz Winery offers various wines crafted on-site. When you visit Wamego, you can book a Private Wine Tasting Party where guests can sample some of the winery’s most famous wines, including A Witch Gone Bad, Drunken Munchkin, and Yellow Brick Road. These tastings offer hor d’oeuvres created by their in-house Certified Pastry Chef that are perfectly paired with the wines.
Yellow Brick Road
Walk the Yellow Brick Road and take your picture at the entrance! Located on the 500 block of Lincoln Ave.
Totos Around Town
Embark on a delightful adventure through our streets adorned with “Totos Around Town,” an enchanting exhibit showcasing creatively designed and painted Toto statues by talented local artists, adding a touch of whimsy and charm to our Oz-themed community. Find all 18 of these treasures!
Historic Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail Road passed just a few miles west of Wamego, and the site is full of history. Remnants of wagon ruts from the pioneers’ wagon trains can still be seen here, and you can visit the Louis Vieux Cemetary and the nearby Cholera Cemetary. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Kansas River Valley and explore hiking trails at the Oregon Trail Nature Park, just a few miles east of the cemeteries, along the Oregon Trail Road.
Living Here
Wamego is known as for high quality living with great schools, a public library that punches above its weight, and walkability throughout. You’ll see kids riding their bikes to the park and pool, neighbors congregating on porches, and teens playing pickleball at the public courts. Centered in the middle of things, Wamego is a quick 12 minute drive to Manhattan and just 30 to 40 minutes to the outskirts of Topeka. Learn more about living in Wamego.
Want your business or event to be featured in the Wamego Community Spotlight? Contact Shanna Goodman at Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) at shanna@ecodevo.com.
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