Coronado Quivira Museum
Explore the rich history of Rice County, Kansas through our permanent and rotating exhibits spanning Spanish exploration, Indigenous cultures, and pioneer heritage.
The Coronado Quivira Museum houses a remarkable collection of artefacts, documents, and interpretive displays that bring to life the layered history of central Kansas.
From the legendary expedition of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado in 1541 to the vibrant culture of the Wichita people and the bustling commerce of the Santa Fe Trail, our exhibits connect visitors to stories that shaped a nation.
In 1541, Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado led an expedition north from New Spain in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. His journey brought him to the plains of central Kansas — the land the Wichita people called Quivira.
Long before European explorers arrived, the Wichita people thrived on the Kansas plains in a region they called Quivira. This exhibit explores their sophisticated culture, trade networks, and enduring connection to the land.
From 1821 to 1880, the Santa Fe Trail served as a vital commercial highway linking Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rice County sat squarely on this storied route, and the museum preserves the stories of the merchants, soldiers, and settlers who travelled it.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free for children under 12. Group tours available by appointment.
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