Boomer Destinations: Hutchinson, Kansas
By Tim Trudell
In 1975, the United States and the Soviet Union united in outer space as the two nations completed the first joint space mission in history. The Apollo mission commander met two Soviet cosmonauts to shake hands after the two space capsules docked together.
It was the first international mission between the two countries, who less than two decades earlier launched the space race to see who could be the first to send a human into space and eventually on to the moon.
During two days of joint activities, the mission’s two Soviet cosmonauts and three U.S. astronauts conducted experiments and later exchanged commemorative items.
Hutchinson, Kansas, is home to the Cosmosphere, a museum that explores the space race, dating back to World War II. With artifacts and replicas, the Cosmosphere provides an accurate look into the history of space travel.
While it’s easy to spend a full day at the Cosmosphere, it’s not the only attraction beckoning visitors to Hutchinson. Strataca is an underground salt mine museum. Plan to spend two days in Hutchinson to truly soak up the experience.
Cosmosphere
From Sputnik and Soyuz to Mercury and Apollo, the rival space programs are the focus of the Cosmosphere. Using interactive exhibits, adults and children can participate as they learn about the major events surrounding the space race.
Artifacts and replicas are used to weave the American-Soviet space story. Uniforms, spacesuits and equipment are included as part of the exhibits.
Long before the Americans and Soviets sought to be the first in space, Nazi Germany utilized scientists to develop rockets capable of reaching space.
Using concentration camp prisoners as workers, scientists like Wernher von Braun created the V-1 rocket. Known as a buzz bomb, the V-1 – nicknamed “Hellhound” – was considered an early cruise missile. It was used during attacks on London in 1944.
The V-2 was a ballistic missile, reportedly responsible for the deaths of about 9,000 Europeans. The V-2 became the first rocket to reach space, in June 1944.
Following Germany’s surrender in 1945, the Americans and Soviets rushed to gain control of the V-2 program and its creators. The United States captured 300 rail cars full of V-2 rockets, along with scientists, including von Braun.
The V-2 was later used as the foundation for liquid fuel missiles and space launchers used by NASA.
The space race exploded in the mid-1950s, as the USSR launched Sputnik 1 as the first satellite to orbit Earth. The metal sphere traveled at a speed of about 18,000 sphere. It orbited the planet until early 1958.
The Soviets sent one of the first animals into space when Laika, a female dog, was launched into space as part of Sputnik 2, which took off on Nov. 3, 1957. Unfortunately, Laika died from hypothermia within hours of the launch.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the National Aeronautical and Space Administration in 1958 as the United States’ reaction to the Sputnik mission.
The Soviets again beat the Americans as Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space. The U.S.S.R. also led the way as Valentina Tereshkova became the first female to travel in space, orbiting the Earth during a three-day mission in April 1963.
While the U.S. was late to the game, it didn’t take long for it to overtake the Soviets and dominate space travel for decades.
The Mercury program launched the American space presence as the first seven astronauts were selected for the space program.
Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space as his mission took him on a suborbital flight a few days after Gagarin’s flight. John Glenn later orbited the Earth three times.
Liberty Bell 7, with Gus Grissom aboard, conducted the second manned American flight a few months after Shepard’s historic trip.
Grissom’s mission took a life-threatening turn when the capsule splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean. The escape door opened too soon, taking in water. As the capsule flooded, Grissom escaped and swam to safety. The module sank about three miles to the bottom of the sea.
In 1978, Cosmosphere leaders offered to recover the Liberty Bell 7, provided the module could be permanently displayed in Hutchinson. It was recovered July 21, 1999, 38 years to the date it sank. Visitors can see the Liberty Bell 7 at the museum.
The United States was the first – and only – nation to send astronauts to the moon. Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin were the first humans to walk on the moon, as part of the Apollo 11 mission. The U.S. has had 12 astronauts walk on the moon.
As you explore the museum, you’ll find a replica of Apollo 13, the failed lunar mission that successfully returned to Earth.
Since the Americans’ Apollo mission, they created the space shuttle program and currently participate in sending astronauts to the International Space Station. There’s research focused on reaching Mars.
The Cosmosphere also features a look at a NASA control center.
While at the Cosmosphere, check out the planetarium, which includes a unique program that tells visitors what planets and stars will be over Kansas the night of their visit.
The domed theater features 4K digital presentations.
Strataca
It’s not often that you can visit an actual working underground salt mine. Add in the fact that Strataca isn’t your ordinary salt mine, and you’re in for a treat.
It begins with a ride on the very elevator once used by employees. You’ll descend 650 feet, experiencing periods of darkness during a 90-second trip that send chills down your spine.
The main area of the mine – the Permian Room – reveals layers of sea life since the region was once part of the Permian Sea more than 230 million years ago.
With the temperature consistently maintained at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, Strataca is perfect for storing important documents and records.
Because of the consistent temperature and lack of humidity, Hollywood has long used Strataca to store original film prints, costumes and props. The “Wizard of Oz” – seemingly appropriate since Dorothy hailed from Kansas – was among the first films studios sent there for safekeeping. Other films include “Gone with the Wind,” while television series, such as “Friends,” are also stored at the mine.
Props include costumes for “The Dark Knight,” “Man of Steel,” and “Men in Black,” as well as the “Matrix” series.
The original New York Herald issue following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 is on display at Strataca.
The salt mine tour includes a tram ride through cavernous areas, with stops to view vintage equipment. You’ll pass areas where explosives were once stored for use.
Civil Defense officials used the salt mine as a possible safe zone during the Cold War. Sections of Strataca were set aside to house people, with canned goods and other food items stored, along with medical and dental equipment.
The Kansas City Federal Reserve office established an emergency office there.
It was a long-held policy that what went into the mine, stayed in the mine. Thus, while it’s not usual for piles of garbage to be included as part of a tour, it is at Strataca. Dating back to the 1950s, the trash piles provide a walk through Kansas history.
The Dark Ride takes visitors on a trip through pitch black areas, offering a feel of what miners experienced in the early days.
While Strataca provides tours, the mine is an actual working location. The active mining area is separate from the tour area.
Advance reservations are required at the mine.
Bogey’s
After working up an appetite exploring Hutchinson’s popular attractions, head to Bogey’s for outstanding casual dining. Locally owned, Bogey’s has been a Hutchinson favorite for almost 40 years.
Bogey’s menu features burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads, along with a variety of sides. Plan to enjoy a shake for dessert.
Hutchinson may be the last place you’d expect to find one of the best space museums in the country, but Kansas has long embraced the story of the stars. How many Midwest cities offer you the chance to travel to space and underground on the same day?
