fick fossil & history museum

143judithr

We found the notation in our AAA. book. And were pleasantly surprised by the range of exhibits from the fish fossils, gems & minerals ,dioramas of the West, antique firearms to the connection to Annie Oakley. We would never have made the connection if we had not visited the Fickle Fossil & History museum. It was a most rewarding experience.

621suzanneh

The fossils were pretty neat and it was also cool to see a history of the area since it used to all be underwater. Admission is free. Only negative is it's pretty small, but for a fast stop it's a great place to stretch your legs!

bonniem244

Okay, let's just say if you are looking for spectacular and highbrow museum experience, this is not the place for you. HOWEVER, if you'd like a fun look at different art, history of the area, as well as seeing dinosaur bones this is a great stop! I have three small children and they love it. Every time we come to visit great - grandma they beg to go. The price is perfect (free) and the people are so friendly. This is a great spot to stretch your legs and see some interesting artifacts.

Xybek

We were in Oakley for a week and it was closed every day. The people at the Buffalo Bill Museum said they might be open the next week. Like many of the local businesses - suffering. I'd call ahead if you are planning a special trip. The museum would make a nice combo with the new Smoky Valley Ranch nature area south of town.

256celestes

Went to Oakley to see several things and this was on the list. I checked the website to make sure they were going to be open and they were supposed to be but when we went to the museum they were closed for renovations...information they should post on thier website.

LauraW714

Vi Fick did a lot of art using unusual media, such as fossils, shells, bone, melted crayon, etc. Never have seen anything like it. She also has a lot of wood carving displayed. History was short but well laid out and interesting. The selling point of the Museum of course was the fossils, they have some of the rarest in the world. Well worth an afternoon.

U8311USrobertm

My son & I went to this museum, it small but very interesting. They had some pictures made from fossil bones

JudyH388

It's a great museum with a really good collection of fossils, minerals, military and historic memorabilia. There is also a nice little gift shop. This is one of the best museums we have ever seen! Well worth the time to stop and a nice break from a road trip.

Ancheviaggio

What a charming little treasure. Easy access from I70 and more than just a presentation of fossils. These little museums are becoming increasingly rare, but this one is a prime example of pride of place and heritage. The eclectic presentation of artifacts reflecting local history, culture and art with some significant paleontological specimens provides a delightful slice of Americana and a perfect 1-2 hour diversion amid a rather long and boring traverse of Kansas and eastern Colorado. The human scale for this little museum and the touching stories and reflections of the human stories told here leave one with a warm, if poignant, appreciation for this American prairie culture, straining from depopulation in the 21st century.

readytotravel95

My husband and I stopped here on a road trip home from Colorado, as my sisters and families had stopped here last year and loved it. We were not disappointed! This museum is not too far off the highway, easy to find, and has an incredible selection of local fossils. I go to many museums, and honestly do not remember seeing one with as many interesting fossils! There are also these really great pictures created from fossils, as well as other items - one uses rattlesnake rattles! I found these pictures very interesting as well. The older woman working there was also very nice and attentive. This is a perfect stop to break up any road trip, and learn a little as well.

BonnieH171

Attractive displays of the marine fossils found locally along with a comparative display of fossil samples from other states. Interesting display of local settler history as well.

kwiksilver36

We stopped in while driving across country. Small little museum with some fun specimens. We did not have a chance to finish going through, but we did like what we saw. The girl working there was really misinformed and somewhat rude to us, which was why we just ended up leaving.

Kitti29

I was lured to the Fick Fossil Museum by a teaser at the nearby Buffalo Bill Statue site, which promised a replica of Buffalo Bill's infamous hunting rifle "Lucretia Borgia" would be found there. I found that and so much more! Many interesting fossils from the Smoky Hill River basin area of Kansas that tell the story of Kansas' ancient history as an ocean bottom. The museum's namesake, one Vi Fick, was born and raised in that river basin. Her artwork -- all made with treasures found during fossil Jutes (e.g., tiny sea shells bloom again as tree leaves in a local pastoral scene and shark's teeth become the heads of deer). Completely self-taught, Mrs. Fick's artwork is funky and quite inspired. The elderly curator was very knowledgable and shared intimate details of the museum items and their donors. Well worth the stop!

Senorheath

We pulled off the highway for a break and spent 30 minutes here, wish we had more time. It's a great museum with a really good collection of fossils, minerals, military and historic memorabilia. There is a small gift shop, clean restrooms, and it is housed in the same building next to the city library.