Just a short drive takes you so far from the ordinary to the wonders of outer space and to exotic subterranean chambers 650 feet below the Earth’s surface. In addition to the extraordinary Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center and Kansas Underground Salt Museum adventures, Hutch has a vibrant antique district, nature center, art galleries, and lots of very popular local restaurants. Plus there’s distinctive destination-style shopping you won’t find elsewhere. And you can do it all without the big city traffic, hassles, and frustrations.
Market Hutch FAQ
Q: Are there lots of choices for free activities and attractions?
A: Yes, the Reno County Museum's Oodleplex is an interactive display that educates as well entertains. Carey Park features a skateboard park, fishing, frisbee golf and much more! Get in touch with nature at the Hutchinson Zoo and the Dillon Nature Center. Cool off during hot summer days at the Fairgrounds and Avenue A Water Parks. Enjoy fun-filled evenings every Third Thursday. Visit visithutch.com for even more free activities and attractions!
Q: Is Hutchinson home to TWO of the 8 Wonders of Kansas?
A: Yes it is! The Kansas Underground Salt Museum as well as the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center are both designated as one of the Kansas Sampler Foundation's "8 Wonders of Kansas." The Kansas Sampler Foundation's purpose for the 8 Wonders series is to help the world get to know Kansas and to encourage the public to explore Kansas!
Q: The State of Kansas made an official designation for the "State's Movie Palace"...isn't that in Hutchinson?
A: Correct. Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre was named the "State Move Palace of Kansas" by the State Legislature in 1994.
Q: Who discovered salt in Hutchinson?
A: Salt was actually discovered in South Hutchinson by a man named Ben Blanchard. Blanchard had hoped to drive up real estate prices in the area by "striking oil" in 1887. But his highly promoted drilling actually struck one of the largest salt deposits, stretching from central Kansas into Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. The first salt plant opened in Hutchinson in 1888 and soon after 26 plants followed giving Hutchinson the nickname, "The Salt City."
Q: Why do some of the top college basketball coaches from around the country come to Hutchinson every year?
A: The coaches come to scout players at the National NJCAA Men¹s Basketball Championship which has been played in Hutchinson since 1949. The March event features 16 of the top two-year college teams from around the country and has proven to be a great source for outstanding players at the next level. (The Hutchinson Blue Dragons have won the tournament twice.)
