While in town for the Kansas City Mini Maker Faire, we had the chance to visit the HMS Beagle, which is a gem of a science store located in nearby Parkville. Started by John and Carol Kuhns, they stock an impressive range of geeky equipment, from telescopes to model rockets, rock tumblers, and Arduinos. In addition, they also host science club meetings, star gazing parties, fossil digs, and other fun-sounding activities. If that isn’t enough, they are also the home of Make: KC, an enthusiast group for Makers that meets in their shop on Tuesdays.
If you’re ever in town, I’d definitely recommend checking the place out, and perhaps even catching a workshop! John took the time to show us around and give us a tour, and here are some of the things I spotted on the shelves:
Chemicals galore, for doing serious science experiments, making fun explosions, and mixing custom fragrances,
lots of good looking glass for chemical experimentation,
fish fossils that the proprietors found and prepared by hand,
and even a friendly guard dog!



That is all I can say. It’s awesome, and I truly regret we don’t have a similar place here in Scotland (well, I haven’t seen one yet!). If I ever find myself in Kansas (unlikely) I will make a point of visiting! Well done!
Missouri, not Kansas. It’s kind of a big deal around there.
Parkville’s underground library at the university is pretty neat.
Ah, my apologies…I had assumed Kansas City was in Kansas…I see from teh-googles that it’s not…
Great post, Matt!!
The HMS Beagle has been voted Coolest Store in Kansas City for two years in a row for a reason!
Thanks Matt for the mention. John and Carol have been very supportive of our Make:KC group even keeping the store open late on evenings for our meetings and activities.
Vince Thompson
Make:KC
makekc.org
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