Trip Planner: USA / Kansas / Chanute / Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum

Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum, Chanute

4.8

Specialty Museum · Hidden Gem · Museum

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Have you experienced sailing in a small boat across the Pacific with adventure author Jack London or photographing lions on safari with George Eastman in Africa or escaping the pursuit of hostile South Seas natives or climbing a snow-capped Mt. Kenya on the equator or flying over dangerous uncharted territory in Borneo?

You can experience these things and more through the lives of Martin and Osa Johnson. Documentary filmmakers, photographers, explorers, naturalists, and authors, the Johnsons traveled the world from 1917 to 1936 when few Americans ventured beyond our shores. They captured the public’s imagination with their films and books of adventure in distant exotic lands.

Ranked the Number 1 Museum in Kansas, the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum features award-winning exhibits of the Johnsons’ lives and adventures, African cultures, and changing themes of special exhibits. The museum offers visitors educational programs throughout the year for children and adults. Regular showing of Johnson films and a large research library are also available. A museum shop, Osa’s Ark, is part of the museum and offers unusual and one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.

Work out when and for how long to visit Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum and other Chanute attractions using our handy Chanute attractions planner.
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Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

52 reviews

Google

4.7

By Leon67203

Worth the time and the effort to stop and see the well curated and maintained exhibits. Although a substantial number of exhibits were not collected by the Johnsons, they do contribute to what must...

Worth the time and the effort to stop and see the well curated and maintained exhibits. Although a substantial number of exhibits were not collected by the Johnsons, they do contribute to what must... more »
By NancyMarie1951

This museum far exceeded our expectations. It felt like a big city museum due to its high quality displays & photographs. The introductory film was fascinating and the curator generously sent us...

This museum far exceeded our expectations. It felt like a big city museum due to its high quality displays & photographs. The introductory film was fascinating and the curator generously sent us... more »
By Karyn W

My family wanted to do a day trip and the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum seemed within the right distance and pretty cool sounding. It is a collection of information that the couple found while.... more

My family wanted to do a day trip and the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum seemed within the right distance and pretty cool sounding. It is a collection of information that the couple found while.... more »

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Google

By Stephanie Powers

Can't miss this treasure! Beautiful artifacts and wonderfully curated exhibits. Located in an old train depot, there's so much to learn and explore. Plus, the museum is fun for the whole family. Kids can put on safari outfits and go on a scavenger hunt through the rooms. Martin and Osa Johnson led such adventurous lives, they're an inspiration for us all. Follow them on Insta, FB, or their website to find out about their special programs & events! Often admission is free thanks to amazing donations!

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By Bill Dauben

We were early getting into Chanute today so I searched for something to see. Not much in this little town but did see a Museum so I decided to take the boys here. They were a little apprehensive to go but said that was fine. Free parking when we arrived and I guess on Saturday it's free to enter. The lady at the desk took us in to watch a short video. Although I wasn't sure I wanted to watch it, it really is a must see. You understand so much as you walk through the museum with that short 10 min video. It's really a must see if you are not familiar with what the museum is all about. The best part of this was my boys really enjoyed it. From the interactive musical instruments you are allowed to play with and the gong which they hit multiple times, they really had a good time.

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By Penny Schaefer

Although I had never heard the story of the Johnson's, I found this museum to be very interesting. View the videos first to get a feel for the Safari moviemaking background. There are activities for children in several rooms. Not sure a young child could sit still for the movie. I wish some of the artifacts had more associated details, such as dates, item description. Several did, but many didn't.

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By Tom Scruggs

Fabulous museum with very friendly, informative staff!! Many educational, interesting exhibits with tales, film and photos of the Johnson's fascinating travels in an era long past. We spent several hours here and would definitely return- well worth your visit!

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By Maria Marks

We want to express our gratitude to the creator and staff of your museum, very informative tours of the museum. We visited you twice, and each time it was at the height of goodwill, they introduced us to the exposition with passion and professionalism.

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