 Great Overland Station in Topeka, Kansas began as a Union Pacific railroad passenger station on January 27, 1927. Along the way, it survived floods, was remodeled for railroad offices, abandoned in 1988, and damaged by fire in 1992. Railroad Heritage, Inc. leased the building from the Union Pacific Railroad to prevent the building's demolition. Union Pacific Corporation donated the station to Topeka Railroad Days, Inc. 6 years later, and the Great Overland Station Project Team was established to direct efforts to preserve the station and transform it into a railroad heritage museum. In June 2004, The Great Overland Station opened its doors. Ownership of Great Overland Station was transferred to Shawnee County Parks and Recreation in May 2021 and they are still working on their new business model. From February 4 - May 1, 2022 Great Overland Station is one of several venues participating in Topeka Dino Days! SUE: The T. rex Experience is built around a cast of "Sue" the Tyrannosaurus Rex from Chicago's Field Museum. There is also a cast of a Triceratops skeleton and a replica T. rex killing a Edmontosaurus. The two halls also have exhibits telling the story of the Cretaceous forests and the finding of Sue. Admission is $16.37 for adults and $13.10 for children and seniors. Timed tickets available in advance. Hours and pricing are yet to be determined for after the Sue: The T. rex experience exhibit. The Great Overland Station is quite beautiful, and this is a spectacular special event space, but Great Overland Station is still building toward its potential. Other then the structure itself, the biggest attraction is the 100 or so freight trains that pass the building daily. Perhaps more can be done with Topeka's connection to the Harvey House restaurant chain.
Great
Overland Station website Things
to do in Topeka Guide
copyright 2006-2022 by Keith Stokes |
