Kansas Tourism Awards $421,820 in Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced $421,820 in Attraction Development Grants has been awarded to 10 recipients. The funding will be used to develop new tourism attractions or enhance existing sites across the state.

Attraction Development Grants assist in the development of travel experiences that will influence visitors’ travel decisions. The program also spurs economic growth through the creation of jobs, capital investment, revenue and number of visits.

“These grants are essential investments in the growth and development of communities across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Supporting new and exciting attractions enhances both the visitor experience and quality of life for existing Kansas residents.”

An additional $2,064,910 in matching funds will result in a total of $3,441,517 that will be invested in the approved projects.

The 2023 grant recipients:

• City of Garden City, Finney County, $40,000 – Buffalo Dunes Golf Course renovations
• City of Lyons, Rice County, $13,120 – Creation of the World’s Largest Salt Shaker
• Gunnar’s Bourbon Company, Chautauqua County, $70,000 – Distillery enhancements
• Jalu LLC, Douglas County, $31,700 –Bathhouse enhancements
• Kansas State Historical Society, Shawnee County, $40,000 – Kansas Museum of History enhancements
• Kansas Oil Museum, Butler County, $80,000 – Energy Education Center feature
• Morton County Historical Society Museum, Morton County, $5,000 – Landmark windmill replacement
• Oz Museum/Columbian Theatre Foundation, Pottawatomie County, $17,600 – Oz Museum exhibit
• Trego Sky View Foundation, Trego County, $44,400 – Drive-in theater enhancements
• Wabaunsee County Historical Society, Wabaunsee County, $80,000 – New exhibits at county museum

“Investing in the development of the tourism industry is a priority for Kansas Tourism,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Building new attractions and enhancing current experiences is how we continue to develop and market Kansas as a unique tourism destination.”

The Attraction Development Grant recipients were chosen based on the projects’ economic impact to the state, availability of leveraged funding, ability to complete the project within 18 months, and the presence of a sound business and marketing plan. Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. For more information about Attraction Development Grants, click here, or contact Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.