The High Plains Museum is managed by the city government of Goodland. It was in 1979 when the building was expanded to be able to accommodate a full sized patented helicopter that is first in America. This craft was made by WJ Purvis and also CA Wilson way back in 1909. The invention was completed with the help of other stockholders buying shares and contributing to the invention.

The unique history of Kansas can be depicted through some of the displays in the museum. Its collection amounts to about 8,000 items that can educate visitors of all ages, especially the students who are taking up their history subjects. It also has permanent exhibits that also tell the story of the pioneer people who lived in the area in the past.