he told me to bring my bike and he would take me on a tour

Way out in western Kansas, about 16 miles north of Interstate 70, on the Post Rock Scenic Byway, is Lucas Kansas.  Home of the Garden of Eden.  The creation of S.P. Dinsmoor, who began this endeavor at the age of 64 in 1907. 

Outsider art at it's finest.  A great example of someone who loved what they were doing and didn't try to limit himself in any way. 

For the small sum of $8.00 you can have a guided tour, or just walk around by yourself and enjoy this quirky artistic expression. 

Please don't miss viewing Mr. Dinsmoor himself who is on display in his concrete coffin behind a glass wall.  Apparently there was a crack in the glass a few years back which allowed some air in and he is decomposing.  Still, he wanted to be displayed in this manner so I chose to participate. 

Lucas is a hub of wacky artistic expression.  Beginning as soon as you get off the highway and including the worlds largest souvenir travel plate.

As well as the worlds largest collection of the worlds smallest versions of the worlds largest things.  I did not make this up. 

The very best thing about Lucas Kansas though was meeting William.  On Main street.  Where he noticed me noticing the sign in the window of Brandt's Meat Market for homemade Bologna. 

He informed me that they were open Monday through Friday, and yes, in fact the homemade bologna was ring bologna just like my friend Annette turned me on to when I was a young co-ed at Marymount College in Salina Kansas in 1979.  He also made sure to tell me that their hamburger was very good, but not as good as the beef jerky.  There is nothing I like better about going to a new place than meeting a friendly, knowledgeable, resident.  

Clearly I will have to go back on a weekday for further exploring.  I think he told me to bring my bike and he would take me on a tour of the whole town. 

Comments

[Joan]

Gotta love people who walk to a different drum beat. That young man looks like a very capable tour guide by bicycle. Wonder what beat he walks to?

[Janet G]

I would love to see this great outsider art!!but maybe not Mr Dinsmore.

[Linda Watson]

You know, reading your blog almost makes me want to move to Kansas. Except, of course, there is no ocean.

[Marmie]

I would call it more central Kansas, but a very unique place that tugs at our hearts:) I work in this town, but live down the road. My mothers family has ties to Lucas and I am proud to say my children go to school here!

[Judy H.]

William is adorable. The Garden of Eden is a quirky, wacky place. We took our grade-schooler there many years ago, and when we asked her for her review of the GoE she was unimpressed and said it was 'just some concrete statues and a dead guy'. I, however, love it! :)

[Dawnri]

Wow! I loved this post - thanks for sharing. Am I not the only one who noticed "mrs." Dinsmoor looked 45 years junior to the Mr.???

That's not may/december. That's may/ice age. :)