Abilene, Kansas

After setting up camp in Abilene, we headed straight to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Like all the presidential libraries we’ve visited, it was fascinating — full of history and insight. We learned quite a bit about Eisenhower’s life and presidency, including the fact that the night before the D-Day invasion, he wrote a letter accepting full responsibility if it failed. To me, that is a true leader. He hadn’t even planned to run for president but was persuaded to do so because of his wartime leadership and popularity. One thing that really stood out to us: Eisenhower’s role in creating the Interstate Highway System. Inspired by Germany’s Autobahn, he signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, which shaped American infrastructure more than almost anything else.

On our last day in Abilene, which turned into quite the adventure! We started the day in Cawker City, home of the world’s largest ball of twine — over 46 feet around and weighing more than 27,000 pounds. From there, we headed to Lucas, Kansas, where we saw the quirky Toilet Bowl Plaza (yes, really!). The bathrooms there are decorated with all sorts of creative items glued to the walls, and outside there’s a giant toilet seat built into the wall. The also had a nice collection of Fork Art. Yes I said FORK art. We had a wonderful lunch at the only café in town and fabulous chocolate peanut butter pie. Lucas is also home to the Garden of Eden and the Grassroots Art Center, both full of folk art and fascinating local creations.

We wrapped up the day by visiting the world’s largest hand-painted Czech egg — because why not? It was a long but fun day, full of offbeat Kansas charm. By the time we got back, the front of our car was absolutely plastered with bugs — a sure sign we’d covered some serious miles!