HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Strataca Kansas Underground Salt Museum is inviting Reno County residents to celebrate local history with a free, family-friendly event this weekend.
Salt Legacy Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free underground museum gallery admission to residents as a way to recognize the community’s longstanding connection to the salt mining industry.
Rachel Woods with Strataca said the event is designed both as a thank-you to local residents and an opportunity to highlight the region’s heritage.
“We are excited to give back to the community that helped build us and to celebrate the history of salt mining that shaped Reno County,” Woods said.
The event will feature a mix of underground tours and above-ground activities. Visitors can expect food trucks, children’s activities such as face painting and bubbles, and an Easter egg hunt scheduled for 11 a.m. An Easter Bunny will also be available for photos, and a pie-eating contest involving local officials and board members is planned for noon.
Additional attractions include displays from local vendors and appearances by Salt City Racing vehicles.
While admission to the underground museum is free for Reno County residents, reservations are required due to capacity limits. Tours run every 20 minutes, with a maximum of 28 per group, and participants must provide proof of residency at check-in.
Woods noted that many local residents have yet to experience Strataca, despite its prominence as a regional attraction.
“It’s always surprising how many people say it’s still on their to-do list,” she said. “We’ve added new exhibits and experiences, and this is a great chance to come see it all.”
Recent additions at the museum include updated exhibits and a new virtual reality experience expected to launch later this year, allowing visitors to simulate working conditions in a salt mine.
Children must be at least 4 years old to participate in underground tours, though activities will be available above ground for younger attendees.
Officials encourage residents to reserve a tour time in advance by calling Strataca, though walk-ins may be accommodated based on availability.
Salt Legacy Day aims to blend education, entertainment and community appreciation while showcasing the unique role salt mining has played in the development of Hutchinson and Reno County.