hopalong cassidy cowboy museum at prairie rose

We here in Benton just call it the "Prairie Rose", or "Prairie Rose Chuckwagon". There is a long story behind it, and you will most likely enjoy finding out some of the "hidden" history if you will of the Prairie Rose. Let's just say, it went from a thriving Chuckwagon dinner playhouse and tried to grow too fast with little thought into a Theme Park in Park City, KS that ended in a lost treasure, a Theme Park that only was open for a short time and someone ending up in Prison! Sounds like a "Movie of the week," But this really happened, and I got to see most of it from behind the scenes! Yes, new owners have the Chuckwagon and one of the original band members is still heading the show. Check it out! You won't be sorry! Oh, yeah, and the food is good too! :)

Beautiful and well kept grounds. Buildings are clean and museum pieces displayed very nicely. Free popcorn in the theatre was a nice treat.Our family had three children, 3-5-8 years old. I wish there were kid friendly activities. In total, we spent $20 for all three kids for a wagon ride, museum visit and dinner show. We would have gladly paid more for a "cowboy" experience.The owners obviously take great pride in their business and were very kind and friendly.

When my husband told me he had tickets to the Prairie Rose for Valentines, I have to say I wasn't exactly overjoyed. Actually I was a little skeptical. But I thought ,well at least the kids will be at grandma's so if nothing else it will be some us time. We arrived at a little before six so we missed the wagon ride and movies but we did enjoy the player piano even if it was a bit out of tune. The place was full so we ended up sitting on a padded bench. No back rest but good for snuggling! They start the show with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer . Then they asked about birthdays and where people were from. There were people there from China and Australia on the night we went! Next we introduced ourselves to those around us. We got to meet several new people and it made the evening much more enjoyable. When the food arrived it was miraculous! They were so efficient ! The food was delicious ! It was brisket, sausage link, baked beans, baby potatoes, and biscuits! YeeHaw! They kept coming around to refill any food you wanted more of. If you wanted a second biscuit you had to catch it! For desert they served heavenly apple cobbler ! Once the show started I was transported to Branson ,Missouri. I don't think I have laughed so much in years! The music was awesome and the jokes corny but funny! I jut kept thinking why is this show in Benton,Ks when it could be on the strip in Branson. We have already made plans to go again and this time we are bringing our kids and my brother 's family. (They are Branson vacationers so I know they will love it!) The Prairie Rose is truly a Country Western gem in the middle of the prairie!

First off, this is A LOT more than just the Hopalong Cassidy Museum. That is only a small part of the attraction. Gates open at 5:00 and there's the Hopalong Cassidy Museum and Happy Trails Theater to tour before the chuck wagon meal. There's also wagon rides through the beautiful grounds and lassoing and fun "kid" activities. I'm not a "cowboy memorabilia" fan, but greatly enjoyed the atmosphere. Upon entering the Opera House, you can shop at the Mercantile and listen to the player piano. The dinner bell rings at 6:15. A delicious all you can eat chuck wagon meal is served at 6:30. The staff has serving down to an art! After the meal is cleared, the Prairie Rose Rangers put on a fabulous musical show.....wow, what great musicians! Rose Rose is about 15 miles from Wichita. It was a great evening of entertainment!

IF you are a Hoppy fan, go. Otherwise, it's boring and a million miles from anywhere. I went with my boyfriend who collects Western memorabilia. He loved it, me not so much.

My husband's company had it's Christmas party there. The museum is great, there is a room that plays old B/W cowboy (Hopalong Cassiday) movies on big screen, There are many activities going on like Hay rides etc..