Kansas has been through a lot, with many of our largest disasters being tornado related. Greensburg, Kansas made worldwide news when they were swept almost clean during likely the worst tornado Kansas has seen in decades. Thankfully, they've bounced back with even more to see! The world's largest hand-dug well is right here in Greensburg, and we think it's high time we take a little adventure into the depths.
Welcome to the inside of World's Largest hand-dug well, right here in Greensburg, Kansas.
The well is truly a feat of engineering, finished in 1888 and used as the town's original water supply. It measures 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide, which is a lot of work to be done by hand back then. Back in 1887 when it was started, the well cost $45,000 but today that would roughly equal $1.2 million.
If you stand at the bottom looking up, you can almost imagine just how much work had to be done to carry and install thousands of pounds of stone to build it. They have a chunk on display that weighs over 90 lbs, but is smaller than the ones used in the well. Wow!
The new museum, completed in 2012, covers local history as well as the amazing construction of this large feature attraction.
It also serves as a sort of memorial for the tornado wiping through town, leaving not much left behind. Items from the natural disaster and information about the event are displayed for anyone to see and learn about the town's history.
This beautiful museum is well known as one of the 8 wonders of Kansas, and is truly a sight you should see for yourself. Plus, there's much more to see in Greensburg to make a whole day's trip out of your visit.
The Big Well Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information about this well and museum, check out the official Big Well Museum Website or their official Facebook page.
If you've already seen the Big Well recently, why not check out these other great Kansas attractions that often get overlooked? If you have other ideas for us to cover, please submit them at this form here!
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