Looking for an interesting place to stop along I-70 in Kansas? Try the Moon Marble Company located south of exit 224 in Banner Springs, Kansas, a mere 20 miles west of Kansas City. Located at 600 East Front Street, the Moon Marble Company occupies an unassuming building that is much larger inside than it looks on the outside. Open from 10-5 Monday through Saturday, it’s a great stop for both children and adults. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to watch an artisan demonstrate how marbles are made. The glass artists explain the history of marbles and how they are made from 10:30 until 3:00 on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during the year, and daily in the summer.
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How I Found the Moon Marble Company
If you’ve been following us regularly, you’ve probably heard about my quest to visit all fifty states before I’m out of my fifties. I just turned fifty, so I have a little less than ten years to visit the remaining nine states I need. You may also have read about our trip to Colorado for the birth of our fifth grandchild, baby Ozymandias. If so, you know that I actually have to visit someplace in each state; driving through doesn’t count.
Our Trip
On the way to Colorado from Northeast Ohio, Dennis and I took I-80 and stopped in West Branch, Iowa, at the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, and in Hastings, Nebraska, the “birthplace” of Kool-Aid, before heading to Cheyenne, Wyoming and then down to Denver. Dennis flew home, and I stayed to wait for baby Oz to make his appearance. That meant I’d have to drive home alone. And, since I’d never been to Kansas and because Dennis was now working on a library move at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, I decided to take the southern route along I-70.
Why the Moon Marble Company ?
Okay, I admit it. I know nothing about Kansas. I did a little research on the national parks website and thought I’d stop at Fort Larned, which was about halfway between Denver and Columbia. It wasn’t a bad idea, but then I realized how far off I-70 it actually was. Scratch that idea–back to the drawing board.
The Roadside America App
Enter the Roadside America App. If you’re looking for a quirky place to visit, this is the website (or app) for you! You just drop a pin and see what’s around. That’s how I found the Moon Marble Company. After reading the description and reviews, I decided I would stop in Banner Springs.
The Kerry Roberts Park
If you are planning to stop around lunchtime, there is a little park on Kansas Route 7, just south of I-70 exit 224. The park has picnic tables and a small playground–perfect for a family lunch either before or after you visit the Moon Marble Company.
My Visit
When I first walked in, a sales clerk informed me that a marble making demonstration was just beginning. I walked back just in time to hear Sara Sally give her spiel and watched her. Not only did she make a marble, she also formed it into the shape of a rabbit with polka dots. Sara Sally told the audience how the Moon Marble Company came to be while making a decorative marble as guests listened attentively while sitting in a section of wooden bleachers.
After the demonstration, I wandered through the store. Touted as one of the eight wonders of Kansas, the Moon Marble Company store is a treasure trove of game and toys for the young and old. I could have spent a lot of money, but I limited myself to buying playing card holders for the grandkids. After two weeks of playing board games with J.R., I noticed that he had a really hard time holding cards in his hand, and I hoped that this would be a solution.
The Merchandise
As I said, the Moon Marble Company has all sorts of toys and games. From handmade marbles to art glass to hard-to-find toys and games, you can probably find it here. There was so much to look at.
This is super cool. A very nice place to take the kids to visit.
Such an insightful post, brings back the memories of playing when we were young 😊
Your post brought back memories of my old marble days at school. I used to love playing with marbles and collecting all the different colours and sizes. I would love to visit the moon marble company some day!
I live in Kansas, I will try to check this place out. It seems interesting.
Thanks for sharing this gem! I love when compnies show you a bit behind the scenes, like this company shows you how the marbles are made – how neat!
-Sarah from https://happylittletadpole.com
It is such an interesting place to visit. I would probably become a child again. Love to be there.
I love stores like that. Classic toys, handmade toys… So nostalgic for me. I used to play A LOT with marbles when I was a kid, but I’ve never seen one being made. My inner child will love this experience.
How interesting! I’ve never heard of the roadside app! I love finding quirky places to visit! I’ll definitely be checking that out
This refreshed my childhood memories about marbles. I loved to collect various designs and patterns marbles. This place looks unique to stop by on high way road trips. I am sure kids will love it. Thanks for sharing.
Heena – travelandhikewithpcos
My boys love marbles. We have them in all sizes. They would love see this place. Thank you!
Wow! This is so cool! I’ve been on the lookout for quirky little things to do on future road trips when we have children. This is perfect! Pinning this!
When I was a kid I was totally obsessed with marbles! This post made me remember why! What a neat store. I love how they give marble making tutorials, I bet that would have been a really awesome experience!
I also like the idea of a card holder. Although maybe a bit too old for it now, I know my kids would have greatly benefited with a little help with holding and organizing their playing cards!
Once again you provide us with a great post full of awesome adventures!
Thank you for sharing this. We’re actually planning a road trip this summer and Kansas City is one of our stops. We’ll definitely check the place out.
I have always been fascinated by marbles! When we were kids we used to play with marbles. would like to know the history or marbles and how they are made.
such a unique place and a lovely stop on a long ardous drive on a highway. Amazing write up on the glass being blown. I have seen that in quebec and it is mind blowing. The hard word, skills and dexterity required. Thanks for the toys and marbles.
Jerry Godinho
This is my kind of place! I would definitely be taking some marbles home with me after a visit here. I have never watched glass being blown, and I think that would be fascinating. I have a huge board in my living room for playing marbles too. I need to use it again. It has been far too long, and this post reminded me how much I enjoyed it when I was younger.
Toys, games, sweets. I am an adult but I love it all. the place looks lovely, I am sure it offers the best ever stuff
This is something I would never think to do but I know I would love it. I am fascinated watching blown glass being made so marbles would be no exception. Plus they all have names which is cool. I had so many marbles as a kid and I have no idea where they are. Probably were worth something too along with my comic books that I can’t find. Now theres a Marble playing app so kids don’t even need real marbles anymore. Sad!
What??? An app? That’s sad.
I always dreaded Kansas on my 50-state venture…glad to see there are some interesting points of interest there! Marbles are cool, so that is something to add to my list for Kansas!
Thanks for sharing! That seems very cool. I would love to see this if I am in Kansas! Saving this post!
My son would love this! If we ever get that way, definitely will have to make sure we stop and check it out. I love those types of unique out-of-the-way places!
That sounds really interesting. Would be so much fun to see a demonstration of how marbles are made.
This seems like a really great stop to discover something new while stretching your legs.
What an amazing little shop. thanks for sharing it. We have a local marble shop near us with similar merchandise. I love browsing the isles.
Its a great place to get unique toys like the classic Fisher Price, my children will love them!
I am almost POSITIVE I have visited here before… I’ll have to look back through my travel photos!
HI I love classic games and toys! It’s so nice to go on little adventures and explore new places. It just makes life more interesting Thanks! Melissa
This looks like a great place to take the kids. Marbles are such a classic must buy!