By Jeanni Ritchie
Visiting relatives in Kansas last month, we passed the Oz Museum in Wamego—and I was immediately intrigued. The popular attraction has made USA Today’s list of Top 10 Pop Culture Museums for several years. I had to visit.
Arriving with my cousin, Summer, on a Sunday afternoon, I discovered a town who wholeheartedly embraces L. Frank Baum’s Wonderful World of Oz. Tupelo has guitars; Wamego has Totos.
What started as a small-town dream has grown into one of the most immersive Wizard of Oz destinations in the country. From the Oz Museum to the Yellow Brick Road to the 19 Toto statues scattered throughout the city, the moniker on one of those painted pups says it all: “Yes, Toto, We Are in Kansas.”
Inside the Oz Museum: More Than Memorabilia
Located at 511 Lincoln Street, right in the heart of downtown Wamego, the Oz Museum houses more than 2,000 artifacts celebrating the Wizard of Oz universe—from L. Frank Baum’s earliest books to rare pieces connected to the iconic 1939 MGM film, and even items from the Broadway phenomenon Wicked.
The museum experience unfolds both chronologically and emotionally. Visitors move from early Oz literature and illustrations into familiar cinematic territory: costumes, props, collectibles, board games, and character displays that bring the story to life for multiple generations. Video monitors throughout the museum add context and production details, and The Wizard of Oz runs on repeat in the museum’s theater.
One of the most meaningful sections explores the Baum family history—along with a collection of all 14 of Baum’s Oz books. Interesting facts include Baum’s hated given name—Lyman—and a pseudonym, Louis F. Baum, used for his acting career.
Lifelike exhibits of the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, Glinda the Good Witch, and more make perfect photo backdrops within the museum, and a green curtain can be opened to take a peek at the Wizard.
One of my favorite photo ops inside the museum was the hot air balloon display, where visitors can climb in and pretend they’re being carried off to Oz. I went full F-5 tornado in my photos!
In the lobby, the Oz Museum gift shop offers exclusive apparel, collectibles, and souvenirs—a quick FaceTime with my mom allowed her to “shop” as well, and we ended up with an adorable scarecrow Christmas ornament. Summer found a “There’s No Place Like Home” beanie to add to my ever-growing collection.
The Oz Museum also plays host to the annual OZtoberfest, a family-friendly festival celebrating The Wizard of Oz with events like car shows, craft vendors, and other activities. Until the early 2010s, it was also a Munchkinland reunion, bringing together actors from the film for the weekend.
Step Outside: Walking the Yellow Brick Road
The Oz experience doesn’t end when you exit the museum doors—it simply changes form.
Just outside, visitors step onto Wamego’s Yellow Brick Road, a short, walkable stretch leading toward Wamego City Park. Along the way are hand-painted Oz murals—vibrant, storybook-rich, and made for photo ops—plus visitors from all over the world.
Or, in my case, you travel 720 miles and meet someone who lives just over 100 miles from you.
Summer and I snapped our photo beneath the iconic Yellow Brick Road sign—thanks, fellow Louisianian!—then followed the path paved with personalized bricks donated in memory and in honor of individuals.
We stopped for photos along the murals, including the Flying Monkey wings. Similar to Nashville’s angel wings murals—except here you’re cast as a guard under the Wicked Witch’s command—and sometimes it’s fun to be bad.
Totos Around Town: Embracing Oz Everywhere
Following the Yellow Brick Road through Wamego, it doesn’t take long to realize that Toto is everywhere. Each statue carries a bit of Wamego’s personality—playful, creative, and deeply rooted in community.
There are currently 19 Totos, and we visited nearly every one. My favorites were the “Somewhere Over the Reading Rainbow” Toto—with red glasses perched on the dog’s nose and his body made of storybook pages—and the red high-heel-chewing “It’s All About the Shoes” Toto.
Summer drove me through town to see some of the others. “Splash” Toto stood at the community pool, while “Patriotic Toto” watched over the Wamego Area Veterans Memorial.
“Toto in Tulips” pays homage to Wamego’s annual spring Tulip Festival, which draws record crowds for its beautiful displays of tulips, along with more than 200 vendors and 30+ food trucks.
Totos Around Town is an enchanting exhibit-turned-scavenger hunt showcasing creatively designed and painted Toto statues by talented local Kansas artists.
The Wonderful World of Wamego
What makes Wamego special isn’t just its dedication to Oz—it’s the community presence behind it. Nothing here feels mass-produced or overly commercial. Instead, the town reads like an artistic diary of its residents’ past.
Summer took me to the Sonic where her daughter Delayney’s friend spent a summer creating a Wizard of Oz mural. Sonic menu items were painted into the hands of the Tin Man, Dorothy, and the rest of the gang.
Elsewhere, a red community heart that simply reads “Wamego” popped against the white exterior wall.
This is not a city hidden behind a curtain. It stands in full view, arms open, welcoming visitors from everywhere.
Turns out, there really is no place like it.
