The Eight Wonders of Kansas

As the rest of the world struggles to decide on seven new wonders of the world (www.new7wonders.com), Kansas is trying to go one better by naming the Eight Wonders of Kansas. Among the 24 natural or man-made finalists is the hand-dug Big Well, considered an engineering marvel when it was built in 1887. A fatal tornado recently tore through its hometown, Greensburg, filling the 109-foot well with debris. Visitors can no longer walk to the bottom. Although the Big Well likely will receive votes, it faces competition from the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, above, and the Garden of Eden, a series of sculptures created by an eccentric Civil War veteran. Natural-attraction finalists include the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the Gypsum Hills. To see finalists and vote (polls close Dec. 31), go to www.8wonders.org.