World's Largest Czech Egg | Wilson, KS
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Happy Kansas Day! There are plenty of unusual, oversized attractions to be found in one of my favorite Midwestern states. But I couldn’t think of a more egg-celent way to celebrate by talking about the World’s Largest Czech Egg in Wilson, Kansas.
Stay tuned for later this year when I’ll be spending two full weeks driving I-70 across the state to discover some of the most offbeat stops the communities along this common thoroughfare have to offer.
Fast Facts
Dedicated: July 29, 2016
Height: 20 feet
Width: 15 feet
Weight: 8,000 pounds
Fun Fact: The art of painting eggs is known as “kraslice” in Czech culture.
The History of the World's Largest Czech Egg
In 1871, the Kansas Pacific Railway built Wilson Station. As a result, a large migration of Bohemian and Moravian immigrants from Czechoslovakia settled in and around Wilson, Kansas. With them came all sorts of Czech culture and traditions that shaped the growing community.
In fact, in 1967, the State of Kansas officially declared Wilson the Czech Capital of Kansas. So, it makes sense that the locals would want to find a way to pay tribute to their heritage. And what better way than with an extra-large attraction?
In the early 2000s, the community first had the idea to do just that by creating a giant homage to one of its most beloved traditions: the Czech egg. The project became a true labor of love and took more than 12 years to be fully realized.
In August of 2012, after nine years of fundraising, Hess Services Inc. based in Hays, Kansas delivered the fiberglass egg to Wilson. During the summer of 2013, volunteers worked to sand the egg’s surface smooth, and the following year, the base coat of black paint was added. In the summer of 2015, local artist and teacher Christine Slechta created the egg’s traditional Czech design, and worked with more than 50 local volunteers over the course of over 2,000 hours painting the oversized egg.
Finally, in 2016, Ellsworth, Kansas-based Maico Industries helped design, build and install the giant gazebo that houses the World’s Largest Czech Egg just in time for its dedication.
Plan Your Visit
You’ll find the World’s Largest Czech Egg in the charming community of Wilson, Kansas. Whether you’re just passing through or spending a few days in the area, this is a great part of Kansas to explore. The World’s Largest Czech Egg is free to visit and on view 24 hours a day.
If you really want to immerse yourself in Czech culture, plan to attend the local After Harvest Czech Festival, which is held the last weekend in July each year.
Address: World's Largest Czech Egg, 2520 Ave. D, Wilson, KS 67490
While you’re in Wilson, consider making a few additional spots (or even spending the night):
Book a stay at the Midland Railroad Hotel (414 26th St., Wilson, KS 67490), conveniently located across from the World’s Largest Czech Egg. Originally opened in 1899, this 28-room boutique hotel was once considered one of the most impressive hotels in the Midwest. While the rooms at this historic hotel are true to a 1920s era, they also include all the modern comforts and amenities you could want.
Or spend the night in a refurbished missile silo at Atlas Ad Astra Adventure Resort (354 4th Rd., Wilson, KS 67490). This is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in the area and is sure to make for a memorable night!
Another popular nearby spot is Wilson State Park (3 State Park Rd., Sylvan Grove, KS 67481), home to the 9,000-acre Wilson Lake reservoir.
Related Links
If you’re looking for other unusual things to do in north central Kansas, I compiled some of my favorites following a trip a few years ago.
Our napkin math says if you cracked this open you'd be able to make the equivalent of 540,000 two egg omelettes.
But please don't try!