Although Dorothy and Toto blew in from Kansas in 1939, it was not until 1981 that her home was found; and it is a perfect RV Short Stop for families.
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| Dorothy’s House in Kansas |
A handful of promotion savvy citizens from Liberal, in southwest Kansas, found a small, 1907 farm house outside of town and moved it to the Coronado Museum grounds. It was transformed by volunteers into a replica of the house shown in the award-winning movie. Then-governor John Carlin christened it the official home of Dorothy Gale.
The life-sized wood-framed house closely reflects the one that L. Frank Baum wrote about in the classic American children’s novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Visitors can enter the Land of Oz by stepping into a 5,000 square-foot animated exhibit space and continue their magical journey. The Land of Oz is a walk-thru series of dioramas inspired by the film and created by Kansas native Linda Windler.
Visitors follow a painted Yellow Brick Road as a local ‘Dorothy’ guide stops at displays and recites key plot points and dialog from the film. Along the way visitors will meet Munchkins, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion.
There are unique memorabilia, including the actual model of the house that was used in the tornado scene in the 1939 movie. However, do not look for the actual red shoes worn by Dorthy. “An actual pair would cost about a million and a half dollars,” said guide Dorothy. “They’re Hollywood’s most expensive memorabilia.”
Save time to visit the Seward County Historical Museum which “features items that helped to settle the territory during its Wild West heyday. The museum houses a large collection of things that gave the area a more civilized tone, including a beautifully restored ornate antique organ, quilts, and home furnishings.”
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| Seward County Historical Museum |
If you go:
Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz
Seward County Historical Museum
(620) 624-7624
567 Yellow Brick Road
Liberal, KS 67901
Directions: East edge of town. One block north of US 54, at the corner of Virginia Ave. and Cedar St. / Yellow Brick Rd.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 1-5 pm; (closed Mondays off-season, Labor Day-Memorial Day)
Admission: Adults, $7; Children, 6-18, $4.50; Under 6 free; Seniors: $5.50.
— Julianne G. Crane
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A couple of years ago on our way home from Arizona, we spent three days in Liberal, Kansas due to the high winds. Liberal has many things to see including Dorothy's house and museum. And, at the local fairgrounds there is full hookup RV parking for a reasonable price. It is located near the airport (a WWII B-24 pilot training base)that has an excellent air museum.