Prairie Museum of Art and History

The Prairie Museum of Art & History sits on a 24-acre campus in Colby, Kansas, operated by the Thomas County Historical Society since 1959. The 21,500-square-foot main building houses rotating art exhibits and the Kuska Collection — a lifetime assembly of dolls, glassware, ceramics, toys, and furniture that connects High Plains local history to international cultural narratives. Outside, a preserved cluster of historic structures includes the Cooper Barn, the Lone Star Church, a sod house, and a one-room schoolhouse, offering event backdrops that feel genuinely rooted in the region. The Cooper Barn — the largest barn in Kansas and voted an 8th Wonder of Kansas Architecture in 2008 — anchors the venue's event offerings. Its loft accommodates up to 700 guests and includes a permanent stage, a grand staircase, a kitchenette, and a chairlift. The 1915 Lone Star Church, a white-painted country church north of Gem, Kansas, seats approximately 100 for ceremonies. The Garvey Education Room provides a smaller, climate-controlled gathering space for up to 50. All rental guests receive complimentary museum admission to tour the grounds and exhibits.