Smith, Jewell and Republic counties in North Central Kansas will host the fifth annual Big Kansas Road Trip May 4-7.

A project of the Inman-based Kansas Sampler Foundation, the Big Kansas Road Trip provides the public first-hand experiences in rural communities.

“It’s like a tri-county open house,” Co-Director Marci Penner said. “Each visitor creates their own plan of where and when to go to any particular place.”

Communities are asked simply to be good at being themselves and organizations, attractions and businesses are invited to help the public get to know them through a variety of activities.

Activities range from fire department fundraisers in Republic to eating pie on the porch in Burr Oak and Smith Center. Tours of a meat locker in Kensington and the Pro Hoe Manufacturing plant in Munden are scheduled.

From dawn to dusk, visitors are invited to walk the track of the world’s fastest dirt track in Belleville. Visitors are welcome to attend the livestock sale in Mankato on Friday. Wooden skating rinks are open in Formoso and Cuba, and while in Cuba people can rock on the famous Rock-a-Thon rockers. There are more than 40 other events designed to help the public get to know the culture of small towns.

Attractions include the White Rock Creek Scenic Back Road to Lovewell Lake and State Park, Lake Emerson, and the new Mammoth display at the Jewell County Museum in Jewell County; the Home on the Range Cabin, the Center of the 48 Contiguous States, and a Dutch Mill replica in Smith County; and the Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site, the National Midget Auto Racing Museum and the clock tower bridge in Republic County. Locally-owned restaurants will attract visitors in every town.

Photo opportunities in Norway, Cuba and Lebanon plus courthouses, museums, unique shopping experiences, trails, murals, vintage displays of wedding dresses and hair care products and endearing community touches are some of the options.

Visitors should make sure to check the schedule as many things only happen at specific times. Information about events, attractions, shop stops, restaurants, lodging and other pertinent information can be found at bigkansasroadtrip. com.