Salina

Salina (sah-LIGH-nah) is the county seat of Saline County in central Kansas, with a population of about 47,000 (2020). Founded in 1858 and named for the salty Saline River, the town grew as the westernmost stop on the Smoky Hill Trail, serving as a trading post for westbound immigrants and gold prospectors bound for Pikes Peak. It boomed again in the 1940s-1950s when the Smoky Hill Army Airfield was built for World War II strategic bombers. Today, Salina is a regional hub with a strong arts scene, the Rolling Hills Zoo, and a charming downtown.

The climate features hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. January is the coldest month, July the hottest, and May the wettest. The region is prone to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. The most pleasant times to visit are spring and fall.

By Plane

Salina Municipal Airport serves the area.

By Car / Road

Salina is served by two major highways: Interstate 70 (east-west) and Interstate 135/US-81 (north-south). It is roughly 100 miles northwest of Wichita (about 1.5 hours) and 170 miles west of Kansas City (about 2.5 hours). K-140 highway provides access from the southwest. Greyhound Bus has a stop at 671 Westport Blvd at the intersection of I-135 and West Crawford Road. Several hotels are nearby on West Crawford Street.

By bus: Salina CityGo (phone 826-1583 local, 1-855-577-4337) is operated by OCCK Inc. Buses run 6AM–9PM Monday through Friday, 9AM–5PM Saturday. No Sunday service. Rush hour buses run every 30 minutes; other times hourly. One-way fare $1; day pass $2; 6-ticket book $5; monthly pass $35. Children under 10 ride free. Buy passes from the driver or OCCK Office at 1710 West Schilling Road.

Five routes serve the city: Red, Blue, Yellow, Purple, and Green. The main downtown transfer point is at South 7th Street and Walnut Street. The Purple line goes to Dillons and Walmart. The Yellow route goes to Walmart, Central Mall, Sam's Club, and Target. The Green route services hotels along Broadway and near I-70.

• Rolling Hills Zoo — 625 N Hedville Rd (six miles west via I-70 to North Hedville Road exit 244, then south 2 miles), +1 785-827-9488. Over 100 species of wildlife and a 64,000 square foot museum.

• Smoky Hill Museum — 211 W Iron Ave, +1 785-309-5776. Tu-F noon-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. Regional history museum. Admission and guided tours free.

• Salina Art Center — W-Sa noon-5PM, Su 1-5PM. Non-profit arts organization with galleries. Tours by appointment. The associated Salina Art Center Cinema shows films as visual art.

• Yesteryear Museum — 1100 W Diamond Dr, +1 785-825-8473.

• The Land Institute — 2440 E Water Well Rd (from I-135 exit 88, east 2.5 miles), +1 785-823-5376. Call to schedule a tour between 8AM-5PM, M-F.

• Blue Heaven Studios — A recording studio with historical significance.

• Smoky Hill River Festival — 730 Oakdale Dr. Annual arts festival in Oakdale Park, held a weekend in early June (Thursday evening to Sunday evening). Features food, musical performances, art displays, and artist showings.

• Salina Community Theatre — Box office: M-F 11:30-17:30. Non-profit theatre with live performances and theatre education.

• Stiefel Theater for the Performing Arts — 151 S Santa Fe Ave, +1 785-827-1998. Notable acts since 2003 include Boz Scaggs, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, and REO Speedwagon. Home to the Salina Symphony.

• Cozy Inn — 108 N 7th, +1 785-825-2699. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM. Six-stool diner with sliders and a limited menu. One of the very first hamburger stands with indoor and outdoor seating. If you sit indoors, be ready for the onion aroma to permeate your clothing.
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• Downtown Salina Shops — The downtown district features antique stores, art galleries, and specialty boutiques in the historic buildings along Santa Fe Avenue and Iron Avenue.
• Central Mall — Regional shopping mall with national retailers and local shops.

• Abilene (30 miles east, ~30 min) — Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
• Lindsborg (25 miles south, ~30 min) — "Little Sweden, USA" with Swedish heritage and art.
• Hutchinson (60 miles south, ~1 hr) — Kansas Cosmosphere and Underground Salt Museum.
• Salina Art Center Cinema for independent and art-house films.
• Wichita (100 miles south, ~1.5 hrs) — Kansas's largest city.