LYONS, KS SALT CARS
A Colorful Tribute to Lyons’ Salt Story
All around Lyons, retired salt mine cars have found a vibrant new purpose. Once used in the local mines, these small steel carts now serve as rolling pieces of public art—each one hand-painted and displayed at a different stop around town. The Salt & Art Project celebrates the industry, workers, and community spirit that have helped make Lyons “worth our weight in salt.”
Find Them all
Follow the Salt Car Trail
Ten salt cars, donated by Lyons Salt and Compass Minerals, have been transformed by local artists into colorful landmarks. Every car has its own design, personality, and connection to the business or organization that hosts it, so no two stops are quite the same. Use the Salt Car map to create your own self-guided art tour, snap photos, and let the trail introduce you to local shops and community spaces.
Where History Meets Creativity
Salt has been part of Lyons’ story since it was discovered here in the 1880s, and the painted salt cars offer a fresh, creative way to honor that legacy. Pair the Salt Car Trail with a visit to Salt Miners Park, the World’s Largest Salt Shaker, and the “Worth Our Weight in Salt” mural for a colorful experience where industry, art, and small-town pride come together.
