Kansas, named for Siouan indigenous people, known for sunflowers and tornados went for years without a state mineral. Thanks to a fourth grader and mineral collector, Casey Friend, Galena has taken its place as the state mineral for Kansas. A fine choice it is. Thank you, Casey!
Galena was mined in the triple-state corner, Missouri-Kansas-Oklahoma. Most of the rest of the state is more of a fossil wonderland than a mineral bonanza. Fossils are widespread but collecting requires permission from private land owners. So what do you do while visiting Kansas? How about a bike ride in a salt mine?
Kansas Underground Salt Museum also called Strataca, Besides underground tours it also host events including a bike race and a 5K.
