travel kansas

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Sep 26, 2022

The midwestern state of Kansas is most famously known as the backdrop for the American film classic The Wizard of Oz, but the Sunflower State has so much more to explore than what most people know from the movie.

As the 15 th largest state by size, Kansas is rooted in agriculture, as evidenced by the endless fields of wheat and corn, and the tallgrass prairies, which remain one of the state's most important natural attractions.

A strong Native American history is proudly showcased in displays like the Keeper of the Plains and the Mid-America All-Indian Center in Wichita.

While Kansas has a tranquil, historical, and natural ambience, the state also immerses visitors in the authentic flavor of the wild west by preserving historical areas like Boot Hill and Fort Larned , which have changed little since Buffalo Bill came through in the 1800s.

Kansas is also a great place to visit for art and music lovers, as well as those who thrive on speed and adventure. Catch a race at the Kansas Speedway or daydream about becoming a daredevil at the Evel Knievel Museum.

Learn more about the best things to do with our list of the top tourist attractions in Kansas.

1. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens

2. kansas state capitol, topeka, 3. sedgwick county zoo, wichita, 4. eisenhower presidential library, museum, and boyhood home, abilene, 5. tallgrass prairie national preserve, 6. cosmosphere, 7. boot hill, dodge city, 8. evel knievel museum, topeka, 9. spencer museum of art, lawrence, 10. flint hills discovery center, manhattan, 11. monument rocks, 12. fort larned national historic site, 13. keeper of the plains and mid-america all-indian center, wichita, 14. kansas speedway, 15. overland park arboretum & botanical gardens, 16. oz museum.

Visiting Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is one of the top things to do in the city of Wichita . The gardens celebrate horticulture in a magnificent manner.

Open year-round, the facility has nearly 30 themed gardens to explore. Try a walk into the imaginative and educational Downing Children's Garden to experience the Monster Woods exhibit or watch kids play in the treehouse.

Stroll through the Shakespeare Garden to see plants and flowers representative of the Elizabethan era. Enjoy the Butterfly gardens and the Koi pond pavilions as you walk the 17-acre site, taking in the beauty of the landscape, the sculptures, and more than 4,000 species of plants.

Address: 701 Amidon Street, Wichita, Kansas

Official site: http://www.botanica.org/

Brush up on your Kansas knowledge with a walk through the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka.

This capitol complex covers about 20 acres in the heart of downtown and is considered a treasure among architectural enthusiasts. The French Renaissance-style building took 37 years to complete after the first stone was set in 1866.

The murals, sculptures, and regular programs at the capitol are always captivating, but for a truly unique experience take the free Dome Tour . This is for visitors who are physically capable of walking up the 296 steps for a close-up view of the dome and a spectacular panoramic view of Topeka from the top.

Address: SW 10th and SW Jackson, Topeka, Kansas

Official site: http://www.kshs.org/capitol

One of the top attractions for families in the state of Kansas is the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita.

Children will be thrilled with over 3,000 animals across 400 species. Highlights include elephants, gorillas, lions, chatty kookaburras, and even tigers.

You can tour the zoo on foot or take the free tram, which runs on the hour with ongoing narration. If you find yourself at the zoo on a weekend, an even better option is to take the boat tour, which leaves every half hour (additional fee).

Animal interactions are available and include spending time with penguins, rhinos, tortoises, and others for an additional fee. The easiest, and cheapest, animal interaction is giraffe feeding. These gentle giants slowly extend their long necks down to you and grab the vegetables from your hand with their giant tongues.

Address: 5555 W Zoo Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas

Official site: https://scz.org/

Even if you know nothing or very little about President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a visit to his boyhood home and Presidential Library while sightseeing in Abilene will make you appreciate his contributions to American politics and society.

The complex features five buildings: The Presidential Library with exhibits and research archives; a museum; a visitor center, which sits on the site of Eisenhower's former elementary school; a meditation building; and his boyhood home.

The museum has recently been updated to include the latest interactive exhibits. Now you'll be able to hear and see Ike and Mamie speak about the causes closest to their hearts. Be sure to look in the gift shop for unique politically themed gifts and some replica "I Like Ike" campaign memorabilia from the 1952 Presidential election.

Address: 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene, Kansas

Official site: http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/#

Have you ever wondered what the American West looked like before farms with orderly fields of corn and wheat? If so, plan a visit to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Kansas Flint Hills .

With less than four percent of America's original 170 million acres of land left as tallgrass prairie, this location is one of the only places to visit in America to experience the majesty of this unique ecosystem in its original form.

You can take a bus tour, a self-guided cell phone tour, or hike the area at your leisure. One of the most special ways to experience the tallgrass prairie and its ties to America's heartland is during one of the special events that are scheduled throughout the year. One of the most popular is an open-air symphony concert.

Location: 2 miles north of Strong City on K-177, Kansas

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/tapr/index.htm

One of the most popular family attractions in Kansas is Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, which is focused on space education. This facility has hands-on experiences to help visitors relate to the advancements in space exploration.

Dr. Goodard's Lab is popular with kids as they engage in live demonstrations showing the power of rockets. Younger kids have their own section of the museum at CosmoKids, which is filled with interactive play experiences teaching about things like gravity.

Take in one of the daily shows at the Justice Planetarium with a full sensory experience. Through the immersive projection shows, learn about how the night skies change with the seasons as well as the efforts underway to make traveling to Mars a reality someday.

There is also a Digital Dome theater that shows 4K documentaries throughout the week.

Address: 1100 N Plum Street, Hutchinson, Kansas

Official site: https://cosmo.org

Do you want to experience what the Wild West was like during the 1800s? Then plan a visit to Boot Hill in Dodge City, where things have changed very little since 1870.

The Boot Hill Museum has thousands of artifacts and photographs depicting Dodge City in its early years, from businesses to the social scene.

To put things into perspective, take a stroll through some of the historic buildings like the schoolhouse and Fort Dodge Jail. Get a glimpse into what the General Store and local Saloon were like in the early 1900s.

The best time to visit is when there are special events, like the re-enactment street shootout of the Boot Hill Gunfighters, which takes place twice a day in the summer.

Address: 500 W. Wyatt Earp Boulevard, Dodge City, Kansas

Official site: http://www.boothill.org

There was only ever one true American daredevil–Evel Knievel–who wowed audiences with his death-defying motorcycle stunts.

The Evel Knievel Museum is located in the Historic Harley-Davidson store in Topeka, with an impressive collection of artifacts and information about the legendary stuntman.

The building has two stories of collections, which range from Evel Knievel's motorcycles and helmets to colorful costumes. If you have ever wanted to be like the daredevil, you can try the 4-D jump experience or the Broken Bones interactive display to get the full scope of what living life on the edge is like.

Address: 2047 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas

Official site: http://evelknievelmuseum.com

What makes the Spencer Museum of Art unique for art lovers is that it is the only art museum in the state that houses more than 45,000 pieces in all forms of media. The collection is located on The University of Kansas in Lawrence, so it has an academic slant that cross-connects art and experience in an interdisciplinary way.

The permanent collections include African, Asian, European, American, Latin American, and Native American art among others. There are regular changing exhibitions that focus on various artists and mediums, as well as visitor programs throughout the year to engage art connoisseurs on a deeper level.

Address: 1301 Mississippi Street, Lawrence, Kansas

Official site: http://www.spencerart.ku.edu/

One of the most fascinating interactive centers in Kansas is at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan.

While the center focuses on the history of the Flint Hills, it is actually a deep lesson on some of America's most fundamental nature, wildlife, inventions, and pop culture. The museum is part science and part culture, with exhibits that look at things like conservation of the North American bison and the ecosystem in the tallgrass prairies.

Catch a showing in the Immersive Experience Theater , where you will feel the winds of the Flint Hills blowing your hair as you watch the film on the history and evolution of the area.

Be sure to step out on the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the city and wrap up your visit with a bite to eat or purchase a locally made gift at the nearby Blue Earth Plaza.

Address: 315 S. 3 rd Street, Manhattan, Kansas

Official site: : https://www.flinthillsdiscovery.org/

Seeing the natural formations at Monument Rocks is one of the best ways to fully appreciate the natural beauty that exists in Kansas. This National Landmark is also called the Chalk Pyramids. While they sit back a distance from the highway, you can still see them.

The formations are located about 20 miles south of Oakley in western Kansas and are accessible near US-83, where you will find a few signs for the turnoff. It is believed that the massive formations developed over 80 million years ago, when the area was underwater. Definitely take your camera!

Military history buffs will appreciate a visit to the Fort Larned National Historic Site in Larned .

The site is set up like an 1860s army post called the "Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail," which housed troops. The site has a fort and other buildings that have been preserved from when Buffalo Bill came through the area.

The complex is a thorough education on the Indian Wars, which are an important part of American history. You'll find exhibits and educational programs, but the most exciting way to visit is during a re-enactment and one of the scheduled living history events.

Address: US Highway 156, Larned, Kansas

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/fols/index.htm

Native American roots run deep in Kansas, and to get an understanding of their importance, visit the Keeper of the Plains statue at Keeper Plaza in Wichita.

The 44-foot-tall Keeper of the Plains steel statue stands over the public plaza, where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers merge through downtown. The land in the area is sacred to Native Americans, and the plaza commemorates the important history and role that Native Americans have in the area.

Stroll around the plaza and make your way to the Mid-America All-Indian Center to learn more about the Native American culture. The must-see event at the plaza is the "Ring of Fire" spectacular display, which takes place nightly for 15 minutes. Times change in the summer and fall.

Address: 650 North Seneca Street, Wichita, Kansas

Fulfill your need for speed at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City .

The speedway is known for its spectacular fan experience, with more than 200 motorsports events throughout the year. The track hosts NASCAR touring series races and special events throughout the year, including concerts.

Race fans can try a garage experience or get pre-race passes that get you up close to the drivers and track. The ultimate fans can keep an eye out for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which is available at the track a few times a year.

Address: 400 Speedway Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas

Official site: http://www.kansasspeedway.com

The beautiful landscape at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is one of the top experiences in the state. Located close to Kansas City, there are more than 300 acres that transition from gardens to open prairies and water.

Nature enthusiasts can print a map and seek out the variety of gardens to identify some of the 1,700 species of plants. Some of the notable gardens are the International Sculpture Garden, the Children's Garden, the Xeriscape Garden, and the Train Garden where you can enjoy the view from the deck of a caboose.

Most people enjoy taking a self-guided tour of the grounds, but daily guided tours are available for a fee. Make a full day out of your visit and plan for a hike on the arboretum's six miles of trails where you can experience more of the diverse ecosystems that the center supports. A highlight is the bridge system suspended over the Blue River tributary.

Address: 8909 W. 179th Street, Overland Park, Kansas

Official site: https://www.opkansas.org/recreation-fun/arboretum-botanical-gardens/

Fans of the classic movie The Wizard of OZ will enjoy the OZ Museum in Wamego, which is dedicated to everything related to the pop culture classic. Get lost along the yellow brick road inside as you explore the exhibits, with more than 2000 artifacts on display.

The museum has collected historical information from the making of the movie and its characters. It has also preserved iconic memorabilia, including a commissioned pair of Dorothy's famous ruby red slippers, which are covered in more than 3,500 Swarovski crystals.

More than 100 years of OZ-related history is housed in the exhibit halls, from books and music to board games. Some of the more whimsical exhibits include a replica of the Haunted Forest sign made famous in the film and set props used for the munchkin house. You will also see rare items like production notes that were used for filming.

Address: 511 Lincoln Avenue, Wamego, Kansas

Official site: https://ozmuseum.com

More on Kansas

Getty Images/Moment RF

Wicked witches and yellow-brick roads, pitched battles over slavery and tornadoes powerful enough to pulverize entire towns are some of the more vivid images of Kansas. But the common image – amber waves of grain from north to south and east to west – is closer to modern reality.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cosmosphere

Possibly the most surprising sight in Kansas, this amazing museum captures the race to the moon better than any museum on the planet. Absorbing displays…

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

This 11,000-acre national preserve, 2 miles northwest of Strong City, is a perfect place to hike the prairie, with its 40 miles of scenic trails. Bison…

Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site

It took real guts to challenge the segregationist laws common in the US in the 1950s and the stories of these courageous men and women are here. This…

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Six miles west of town, Fort Larned National Historic Site is a remarkably well-preserved 1860s fort in an evocative setting. It's well worth the trip to…

Garden of Eden

In 1907 Samuel Dinsmoor began filling his yard with enormous concrete sculptures reflecting his eccentric philosophies relating to contemporary life and…

Old Cowtown Museum

An open-air museum that re-creates the Wild West (as seen on TV…). Over 50 pioneer-era buildings, staged gunfights (April to October) and guides in cowboy…

Eisenhower Presidential Center

Fittingly set against a backdrop of grain elevators, the rather regal Eisenhower Presidential Center includes Ike's boyhood home, a recently redesigned…

Home on the Range Cabin

The iconic song of the American West, 'Home on the Range,' was written by Brewster M Higley in 1871 at a remote cabin in northern Kansas. Today you can…

Latest stories from Kansas

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Tips & Advice

Jan 4, 2023 • 4 min read

If you're fed up with your hometown and find yourself fantasising about a fresh start, these places will pay you to relocate there.

Nov 27, 2020 • 2 min read

Sep 17, 2020 • 2 min read

Nov 11, 2019 • 6 min read

Jul 8, 2019 • 5 min read

Jan 14, 2015 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Kansas

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Current Issue
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

20 Top Things to Do in Kansas

Jess Hoffert is the custom projects editor at Meredith Travel Marketing, where he gets to dream up and produce inspiring print and digital content for clients including Kansas Tourism, Visit North Carolina, Explore Minnesota, Travel Wisconsin and Visit Montana. He holds a B.A. in journalism from Drake University in Des Moines, and was previously a staff editor at Midwest Living. When he's not on the road, you can find him building LEGO sets and watching the latest binge-worthy show with his partner, Andrew, and cats, Leo and Max.

Like its endless-sky sunsets, the Sunflower State expands horizons with urban exploration in Wichita; treks through OZ and otherworldly rock formations; and cultural experiences in Topeka, Salina, Dodge City and beyond. Top off your adventures with saucy barbecue in Kansas City, Swedish cuisine in Lindsborg or nostalgic eats along Route 66.

Roam Free in the Flint Hills

Though cattle and cowboys still roam these pastoral lands, there's no need to saddle up to experience this last big stand of tallgrass prairie in North America. Get oriented at the interactive Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, then hike the nature trails that crisscross nearby Konza Prairie Biological Station. In the heart of the Flint Hills, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve immerses visitors in its 11,000-acre prairie with ranger-guided tours and Southwind Nature Trail hikes to bison pastures and scenic overlooks. Continue your adventure along the 47-mile Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.

Marvel at Wichita Museums

Five of Wichita's culturally rich museums make their home along the Arkansas River, and a riverfront walkway provides easy access. Actors in costume recapture Wichita's frontier days at the Old Cowtown Museum. See a miniature version of 1950s Kansas with more than 50 animations at Exploration Place, then observe some of the 10,000-plus works of American art at the Wichita Art Museum. The most popular piece of art along the river, though, is the 44-foot-tall Keeper of the Plains by local artist Blackbear Bosin. See more of his work at the Mid-America All-Indian Museum.

Make a Splash in Kansas Lakes

Red sandstone cliffs and pillars interrupt the shoreline of Wilson Lake, the self-proclaimed Clearest Lake in Kansas. Within Wilson State Park, lake lovers fish, paddle, boat and swim while mountain bikers conquer the 25-mile Switchgrass Trail that snakes through Smoky Hills canyons. Steady breezes draw a seafaring following to Cheney Lake, one of the nation's top sailing and windsurfing lakes. In Lawrence, fish Clinton Lake's clear waters for channel catfish and walleye. A one-stop marina with 590 boat slips and rentals provides the perfect launch point for fun on the water.

Salute Eisenhower in Abilene

Abilene's star attraction, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home received a major upgrade in 2019 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of D-Day. In exhibits using multimedia, Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower tell their life stories in their own words, sharing how the hometown boy became a war hero, Army five-star general and president of the United States. A young Ike likely heard tales of Abilene's cattle town days, re-created in Old Abilene Town , where make-believe gunfights erupt in the street. Next to the historic depot, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad embarks on trips through the Smoky Hill River Valley.

Rock Your World in Northwest Kansas

For decades, travelers would speed right past Kansas' best natural secret: the state's largest Niobrara chalk formation, tucked in a valley between Scott City and Oakley. Today, this mile-long treasure chest of 100-foot-tall rock faces and pillars is Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park . Hike a scenic rim trail around the towering city of stone. At Monument Rocks, a surrounding sprawl of shortgrass prairie makes these 70-foot-tall Niobrara chalk pillars and arches look taller than they are. In the far northwestern reaches of Kansas, the yucca-studded gullies of the Arikaree Breaks sprawl for more than 30 miles. Stop at Lookout Point for the best views.

Uncover History in Topeka

Topeka's Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site , formerly Monroe Elementary School, recalls the 1954 Supreme Court desegregation case. Engage with park rangers, powerful photos and videos, plus the restored kindergarten classroom, to understand the landmark decision triggered at this school. Head across the street to see a 130-foot-long mural that depicts the legacy of the case. The nearby State Capitol soars 17 feet higher than the U.S. Capitol in D.C. Tilt your head up for a dazzling view of the inner dome, featuring 256 glass panels and a 900-pound chandelier.

Soak Up the Beauty of Kansas Gardens

Open year-round, Wichita's Botanica celebrates the seasons with flower festivals, concerts and the illuminating finale: gardens aglow with 2 million holiday lights. Sculptures, water features, 4,000 plant species and a restored 1949 carousel accent more than 30 themed areas. Once a rarity on the treeless prairie, the wooded Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine (30 minutes south of Wichita) flourishes a century later with flowering pathways and a rich pastoral spirit. Robin Macy, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, tends the haven and its events, beginning each April with Art at the Arb set amid 40,000 tulips.

Catch a Game or Sports Event in Kansas City

Game on! Catch a Sporting KC soccer match under the canopy roof of Children's Mercy Park, voted one of the most intimidating to play in all of Major League Soccer. (The fans are passionate.) Be a spectator at Kansas Speedway or get behind the wheel yourself during the NASCAR Racing Experience, which lets adrenaline fiends take an exhilarating ride along the oval track. In 2021, the T-Bones of the American Association of Professional Baseball became the Monarchs, honoring the KC team that dominated the old Negro Leagues for decades. Watch them knock one out of the park at Legends Field.

Cruise Kansas Route 66

The 13 miles of Route 66 that clip southeast Kansas come pre-packaged with vintage delights. In Galena, a 1951 Hudson Hornet modeled after Doc Hudson's character in Cars sits near the 1939 gas station housing Gearhead Curios. Tow Tater, the inspiration for Tow Mater in Cars, welcomes visitors to Cars on the Route, a 1934 service station. Continue the nostalgic trip by pulling a glass-bottled soda from a red metal cooler at Nelson's Old Riverton Store. At 98 years old, it predates the Mother Road itself. Leave your mark by signing the guest book walls at the Kansas Route 66 Visitors Center inside a 1930s-era Baxter Springs gas station.

Get Schooled in Lawrence

The city of Jayhawks hums with energy both on and off the University of Kansas campus. Exhibits on dinosaurs, bugs and mammals win the KU Natural History Museum national recognition. The museum gallery at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics displays the world's largest stained-glass American flag. And KU's Spencer Museum of Art holds 45,000 works spanning eras and continents. Not far from campus, pedestrian-friendly Massachusetts Street buzzes with indie shops, hotels, restaurants and bars. Try Neapolitan-style pies made with Kansas flour at Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar and sip highbrow cocktails at John Brown's Underground.

Dig into Kansas Barbecue

Kansas City crowns itself as the Barbecue Capital of the World for having more than 100 places to savor slow-roasted meat in the metro area. Hungry visitors line up outside a former gas station to try the signature Z-Man brisket sandwich at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Q. In a small house-turned-restaurant, Woodyard Bar-B-Que lists chili topped with burnt ends among its specialties. With more than 30 barbecue restaurants in Wichita, the intoxicating smell of meat cooking over smoldering wood is never too far away. Seasoned with 14 spices, the spareribs at Bite Me BBQ cook 16 hours for juicy, fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Savor Swedish Heritage in Lindsborg

Visitors from Scandinavia say Lindsborg feels more Swedish than Sweden with all of its traditional festivities. Get the lay of the land from atop Coronado Heights, a 300-foot-tall bluff with a castle-like stone shelter. Then feast like royalty at Crown and Rye, a bar and restaurant serving Köttbullar (meatballs with egg noodles in a beef cream sauce). Another Swedish tradition is the Dala horse, inspiration for a herd of Wild Dala Horses found around Lindsborg. To locate the painted wooden creatures, grab a guide in town or online. If you like the look, take home a personalized Dala-shape house sign from Hemslöjd.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Oz

At Wamego's OZ Museum, learn how a children's novel about a Kansas farm girl swept up in a tornado became one of the most-watched movies of all time. A whimsical facade invites visitors inside to see more than 2,000 artifacts, including L. Frank Baum books, photos signed by the stars and 1939 movie production artifacts. Dorothy herself leads your whirlwind tour at Dorothy's House and the Land of Oz in Liberal. Meet up with the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion on the magical yellow brick path to the Wizard, plus tour Dorothy's farmhouse and an Oz memorabilia display.

Experience the Wild West in Dodge City

Long before Gunsmoke fame, Dodge City defined the Old West, triggered by a stream of Santa Fe Trail voyagers. Proof remains in trail ruts carved across grasslands west of town. Follow a walkway and interpretive signs to view some of the most clearly defined wagon ruts along the trail. Relive Dodge City's notorious heyday at the saloon, jail and general store, as well as through gunfights on Front Street at Boot Hill Museum . At the interactive exhibit hall, feel the floor shake during a simulated buffalo stampede. Time your visit right, and you can enjoy rodeos, a longhorn cattle drive and a Western parade during Dodge City Days.

See Kansas Sunflowers

No place says "Sunflower State" like Grinter's Sunflower Farm near Lawrence. For more than 50 years, the Grinter family has grown 40 acres of sunflowers for the public to stroll (sunup to sundown). Social media and word of mouth have helped the farm's popularity go supernova. In late August, thousands come to enjoy the petals' two-week peak. Avoid crowds by visiting on a weekday or early weekend morning. Feel free to cut blooms, though a $1 donation is encouraged for each stem. The Sunflower General store offers souvenirs and homemade baked goods on weekends.

Blast Through Mines and Space in Hutchinson

A double dose of world-class attractions takes you above and below ground in Hutchinson. At Cosmosphere, the Space Race relaunches at the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts. Kansas' only Smithsonian-affiliated museum boasts a flown craft from the first three human-carrying space programs—Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. It's not just another day in the salt mines at Strataca. A 6-ton hoist drops you 650 feet down through a frozen aquifer and layers of rock to a museum in a former section of a salt mine. Explore detailed underground exhibits and learn about the types of things stored underground, including movie memorabilia.

Ride Along the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway

Flat mesas, deep canyons and buttes complement green cedar trees and prairie grasses along this 42-mile route through the rusty Red Hills. Ride horses, assist with livestock chores, catch a fish, take a hike through hilly pastures, or just enjoy the view before turning in for the night at the Gyp Hills Guest Ranch. Four miles away in Medicine Lodge, learn about the hatchet-wielding temperance leader who smashed law-breaking saloons at the Carry Nation Home. Travel west to Lake Coldwater to cool off with swimming, boating and fishing. Keep an eye out for wintering bald eagles, migrating white pelicans and ospreys.

Celebrate Humboldt's Revival

A small but devoted team of entrepreneurs has launched an effort to update this small eastern Kansas town in big-thinking ways. Scandinavian-inspired rental cabins perch around a large fishing pond at Base Camp. Guests can rent bikes and hop on the adjacent Southwind Rail Trail, or extend their journey along the 51-mile Prairie Spirit Trail. Order a flat white or chai latte at Humboldt Mercantile and browse a selection of Kansas-made goods while the barista fixes your drink. And be sure to snap a selfie beside the mural of the town's notable water tower, with the motto "Life is fine in Humboldt."

Observe Wildlife Around Great Bend

Along North America's most important bird migration route, arrive at sunrise to watch a pod of pelicans take flight off the waters of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. The massive marsh hosts hundreds of thousands of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds in spring and autumn. A stop at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center explains the international importance of this inland freshwater marsh (the largest in the country). Swoop through Great Bend Coffee for a latte before flying south toward Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, a rare-in-the-Midwest inland saltwater marsh where trails lead to closer views of ducks, geese and several endangered species.

Be Immersed in the Art of Salina

Even longtime locals are likely to find something new each time they visit Salina's booming downtown. A revitalized streetscape continues to bring fresh eats, attractions and murals to the city's core. The 100-foot-tall Mural at the Mill by Australian artist Guido van Helten wraps around three sides of a flour mill, and it's the first of many murals coordinated by the Salina Kanvas Project. Twenty sculptures dress up downtown sidewalks on the city's SculptureTour. Works change every spring and pedestrians vote for their favorite. A 1931 art deco showpiece, The Stiefel Theatre hosts live performances beneath a restored neon spire.

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Kansas (KS) » 17 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Kansas

17 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Kansas

Kansas , also known as “The Sunflower State” and “The Wheat State”, offers some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights and places to visit! Just browse through these awesome pictures and be amazed by it’s beauty. Did you know the state has the longest railroad bridge, called the Rock Island Bridge.

1. Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark

The Monument Rocks were one of the first landmarks to be declared a National Natural Landmark. The large chalk formations are impressive and unmissable, rising unexpectedly from the flat farmland surrounding them on all sides. They reach up to 70 ft in places and it is possible to see fossilized sea life embedded in the chalk. The famous ‘Keyhole’ is a large gap in one of the monuments and offers the perfect window on a setting Kansas sun. Afterwards, pay a visit to the nearby Keystone Gallery. The gallery describes itself as fully “off-the-grid”, generating its own power from solar and wind energy. Here you will find fossils on exhibit and for sale, alongside art and souvenirs, making it the perfect excursion for geology fans.

2. Mushroom Rock, Mushroom Rock State Park

The Mushroom Rock State Park features many captivating rock formations called ‘hoodoos’. These strange formations are formed through uneven erosion and weathering, giving the rocks the appearance of mushrooms. The small state park offers unique surroundings and has been labelled one of the ‘Eight Wonders of Kansas Geography’. The rocks have historically been used by Native Americans and pioneers alike as landmarks and meeting places, evidenced by generations-old graffiti on some of the rocks.

3. Drinkwater and Schriver Flour Mill, Cedar Point

The Drinkwater and Schriver Flour Mill (commonly known as the Cedar Point Mill) has been a Kansas landmark since 1875, when the stone building we see today was completed. Standing by a stone dam in the Cottonwood River, the mill was originally a sawmill. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the mill is a historical landmark situated in idyllic surroundings. Both the mill and the river are reminders of pioneer America. The mill is currently being renovated to represent this time more accurately to visitors.

4. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest wetland in mainland United States. It is a resting area for millions of migrating birds, and home to many other types of animal including raccoons, beavers, turtles and snakes. This makes it an ideal wildlife-watching spot. The Wildlife Area features trails for walkers and is a perfect getaway for nature-lovers.

5. Wetlands near Lawrence

The Baker Wetlands are an incredibly diverse natural habitat for a number of birds, animals and plants. Baker University currently manages the wetlands and uses the land to teach students about biodiversity. The university has made extensive plans to increase the acreage of the wetlands and ensure proper conservation of the land. The site has a Discovery Centre that offers useful information on conservation, wildlife, and the wetlands’ history.

6. Flint Hills near Alma

The Flint Hills is one of the world’s largest areas of tallgrass prairie, spanning 4,000,000 acres. Conservation programmes mean that parts of the prairie remain completely wild, featuring untouched rolling landscapes, fields of wildflowers, and a rich habitat for bison, birds and other wild animals. The Flint Hills are often considered to be the beating heart of Kansas.

Wichita is Kansas’s largest city and offers plenty of culture and entertainment amongst the wild countryside. Wichita was historically a meeting place and trade post for Native Americans. Now, it’s home to the world’s largest ‘western-wear’ store where you can pick up a new cowboy hat or boots. Nicknamed Cowtown from its historical importance in the cattle trade, Wichita is a top destination for arts and culture. It features a science centre, an aviation museum, and museums on African-American and Mid-American Native American cultures.

8. The Sauer Castle

The Sauer Castle is an extraordinary gothic-style mansion in Kansas City. It used to be home to several generations of the Sauer family. The home is considered by many to be haunted due to the unfortunate histories of its ex-residents. The house has a troubled past that includes disease, suicide, drowning and – more recently – vandalism. This means that renovation on the castle faces an uncertain future. Cursed or not, the castle features gorgeous architecture and beautiful grounds that are worth visiting.

9. Waterfalls at the Geary County Lake

The Geary Lake Falls flow during the spring, forming one of Kansas’s most well-known waterfalls. The site is wonderful for hikers with trails leading through woodland to the lake and falls. The falls are 35 ft tall and are joined by trails to the Geary County Fishing Lake, a perfect spot for spectacular views.

10. St Fidelis Church, Victoria

This Catholic Church is also called the ‘Cathedral of the Plains’ and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a minor basilica of the Catholic church and receives over 16,000 tourists every year. The current church was completed in 1911, built to provide a larger and more beautiful place of worship for the local people of Victoria. The church resembles Romanesque features, reminiscent of classic basilicas in its impressive and gorgeous architecture.

11. Kansas Lavender Fields, Topeka

Topeka and its surrounding areas are big producers of lavender. Many farms in Kansas sell lavender products including lavender honey, lavender-infused furnishings and raw lavender. Some farms allow you to pick your own lavender at harvest time. The sight of acres of lavender stretched out across the Kansas plains is an unforgettable one – and so is the floral and intoxicating scent.

12. Oxford Grist Mill

Oxford is a historical Kansas location with much of its industry based around the Ninnescah River. The Oxford Mill is the town’s most famous landmark, having produced flour for decades. Now the mill is used by a local school for community events. It has recently been restored, maintaining its pretty façade and serene surroundings. Be sure to pay a visit to the local Carriage House, the first brick building in Oxford and a good example of early-19th century American architecture.

13. North of Lyons

Lyons is situated in rural Kansas, away from tourist centres or sights. It is a slice of authentic Kansas life, nestled in the heart of the countryside. Lyons is home to friendly residents, honest eateries and historical architecture. Explore the surrounding plains for a feel of the pioneer lifestyle.

17 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Kansas:

• Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark
• Mushroom Rock, Mushroom Rock State Park
• Drinkwater and Schriver Flour Mill, Cedar Point
• Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
• Wetlands near Lawrence
• Flint Hills near Alma
• The Sauer Castle
• Waterfalls at the Geary County Lake
• St Fidelis Church, Victoria
• Kansas Lavender Fields, Topeka
• Oxford Grist Mill
• North of Lyons

Kansas Attractions        Unique Kansas Restaurants Grassroots Art     Stone Formations & Fossils     Zoos Kansas Waterfalls     Kansas Specialty Foods Kansas City BBQ    Kansas Best Burgers Kansas Churches   Kansas City Xmas Displays

This photo is wilson lake near lucas, kansas. copyright 2005-2024 by keith stokes, hutchinson restaurants & attractions ,  olathe attractions ,  wichita things to do overland park restaurants , topeka things to do ,  kansas travel blog, kansastravel.org has my personal kansas restaurant recommendations, travel reports, and reviews of kansas attractions & museums. i have visited every place listed & include my candid opinion of how interesting they really are., please like us on facebook ..

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Tourist information
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.5 By foot
• 10.2.1 Tornadoes
• 10.2.2 Winter storms

Kansas is a state in the Great Plains region of the United States of America . Thanks to The Wizard of Oz , many non-Kansans (and some Kansans as well) think of it as a place from which to escape; however, there are a lot of great places to visit, particularly if you are interested in the history of the American West. With a little exploration, almost every little town has something of interest.

• 39.055833 -95.689444 1 Topeka – capital and third-largest city of Kansas, and the site of the Kansas State Historical Society Museum.
• 37.688889 -97.336111 2 Wichita – largest city in Kansas, is "the Air Capital of the World" because of the large number of aerospace firms located there, from the smallest Cessna to the 787 Dreamliner, or Airbus 380 Wichita has a hand in the design and/or manufacture of the plane. It has a large air museum. It is also home to Wichita State University, which hosts a top engineering school and highly ranked business school.
• 38.971667 -95.235278 3 Lawrence – home of the University of Kansas. Lawrence boasts the strongest art, music and bar scenes - not only in the state, but anywhere between Chicago and Denver. Lawrence was founded by anti-slavery fighters ("Free-Staters" or "Jayhawkers") shortly before the start of the Civil War. This heritage led to the creation of the University of Kansas' imaginary bird mascot, the Jayhawk.
• 39.106667 -94.676389 4 Kansas City and environs – smaller half of Metro Kansas City, which spills across the border into Missouri . Kansas City as a whole is much larger and more cosmopolitan than Wichita. The second largest city in Kansas is not Kansas City, Kansas, but Overland Park , Kansas, a wealthy yet nondescript suburb of Kansas City. Overland Park, along with Kansas City suburbs like Leawood, Olathe , and Lenexa make up Johnson County , which is the largest county by population in Kansas, and one of the richest counties in the United States by per capita income.
• 37.759722 -100.018333 5 Dodge City – historical cattle town, home to Dodge City Community College, Historic "Old Dodge City", and the professional indoor football team, The Dodge City Law.
• 38.060833 -97.929722 6 Hutchinson – home to the second largest space museum in the world. The museum houses over 13,000  spaceflight  artifacts - the largest combined collection of US and Russian  spaceflight  artifacts in the world, and is home to internationally acclaimed educational programs. The Kansas State Fair is held there annually. The Kansas Underground Salt Museum is the only museum 650 feet below ground in North America. On the state fair grounds is the Annual Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.
• 37.043333 -100.928056 7 Liberal – named after pro-liberty settlers. Home to Dorothy's recreated home, a funny name, and a big aircraft museum
• 39.191667 -96.591667 8 Manhattan – home of Kansas State University. Aggieville is one of the most vibrant places in this college town. The town is affectionately nicknamed "the Little Apple."

Other destinations

• 46.0036 -108.009 1 Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail – between May 1804 and September 1806, 32 men, one woman, and a baby traveled from the plains of the Midwest to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. They called themselves the Corps of Discovery

Kansas is named after the Kansa Native American Tribe that lived in the region. It is generally considered the center of the country in geographical terms, and one of its nicknames is "the Heart of America." The state's official nickname is "The Sunflower State", due to the abundance of wild sunflower fields in the state, but other nicknames include "The Free State", an homage to the Jayhawker movement that fought against slavery, and "The Wheat State", the most popular crop from Kansas.

Although Native Americans have lived in Kansas for thousands of years and the first Europeans visited in the late 1500s, most Kansas communities date from the early to mid-1880s. The real development of Kansas didn’t take place until the 1850s when anti-slavery settlers from the North flooded the area to ensure that Kansas be founded as a "free state" (a state that outlaws slavery). Pro-slavery advocates from Missouri attacked Kansas communities during its formative years, including, and most notably, the city of Lawrence, Kansas. This period of "Bleeding Kansas" included a great deal of violence and some people consider this area to have been the cradle of the Civil War. Many organizations and businesses in the state (Free State Brewing in Lawrence, as an example) still proudly display the "free state" name.

Tourist information

• Travel Kansas website

Most residents of Kansas speak a neutral American Standard English. However, in the southeastern region there is a faint southern influence – both in accent and word choice. This dates back to the Civil War era; many pro-slavery citizens moved into this part of the state to land grab and sway elections. Many of the communities in the area still have connections to southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas communities.

Curiously, the farther west you go you may increasingly run into German, Russian, or even Swedish speakers. This is due to the large number of immigrants that settled in Kansas during the late 1800s. However, this tends to be a dying trend as younger generations switch to standard English.

If you are driving to Kansas from the east or west, it would be best to take Interstate 70, which runs east to west across the state, running through many towns. There are tolls from Kansas City to Topeka along I-70, amounting to a couple of dollars for a standard passenger vehicle.

I-35 travels from the south center of the state and passes northeast, meeting I-70 in Kansas City. It is the obvious route if you are driving between Oklahoma City and Wichita or Kansas City, and there are tolls on this road.

I-135 travels from Wichita to Salina , connecting the other two major interstate highways.

The vast majority of people flying in to Kansas enter through Kansas City International (IATA: MCI), which is in Kansas City, Missouri. Wichita has the only major airport in the state, with service to about a dozen cities. Several other smaller cities have very limited commercial service. In the southern part of the state, some people drive to Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, or Tulsa, for a larger selection of connections and airlines.

The only regular Amtrak train service is the Southwest Chief , which travels east-west across the state, passing through Kansas City , Lawrence , Topeka , Newton , Hutchinson , Dodge City and Garden City . This train continues to and from Chicago daily from/to the east and Los Angeles from/to the west. Additionally, Kansas City is served by the twice-daily Missouri River Runner from St. Louis .

• Greyhound Lines provides daily regular service to and from many destinations in Kansas including Wichita, Topeka and Dodge City.
• Jefferson Lines (+1 800-451-5333) offers service from Kansas City, Missouri to Coffeyville, Kansas with stops at Iola and Chanute.
• Beeline Express (+1 316 201-6700). The red line operates from Pueblo, Colorado to Wichita with several stops in between.

The American Discovery Trail connects Kansas with Colorado , Missouri , and both coasts.

The only way to travel in Kansas is to drive. Part of the experience of being in the state is to spend time on the road, which is as interesting an experience as you make it. Take the time to plan a route off of the main highways and see the country. Otherwise, if you require public transportation, Kansas may not be a place for you. Even the larger cities like Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City, buses offer very limited public transportation.

Intercity bus transportation in central and western Kansas is provided by Bee Line Express (+1 316-201-6700). Beeline Express is part of Prestige Bus Lines). Keep in mind that these buses do not have frequent departures. Beeline Express has two routes: blue and red. The blue line runs from Salina to Wichita with stops in Lindsborg, McPherson, Hutchinson and Newton. The redline runes between Wichita and Syracuse with stops in Kingman, Pratt, Greensburg, Dodge City and Garden City.

Information on transit can be found here .

Kansas is regarded to have some of the best BBQ in the nation, particularly on the eastern side of the state, the best known regional food being Kansas City-style BBQ, associated with the metropolitan Kansas City area including Wyandotte County and Johnson County, as well as portions of Missouri. It is a slow "pit" style barbecue; sauce is usually an important component to the finished meal. Well-known restaurants include Rosedale and Wyandotte BBQ in Kansas City, Kansas, Hayward's Pit BBQ and KC Masterpiece and Gates BBQ in Overland Park (Gates, however, is based in Kansas City, Missouri -- an important distinction to some), and Zarda BBQ in Lenexa. KC Masterpiece in Overland Park is the original restaurant that started the chain and its nationally distributed "sweet sauce." In the small town of Spring Hill, K&M BBQ was voted the best BBQ in the Kansas City metro area.

A less famous, but even more traditional, Kansas favorite is the bierock. This is a hot, savory pastry usually containing hamburger, onions, and cabbage that was imported to the state by Volga Germans in the late 19th century, and which has become so well loved that it's even served in schools. It is similar to a Polish pierogi, and perfect for cool fall evenings.

In Crawford County, in the extreme Southeastern corner, there are six "chicken houses." These serve fried chicken dinners, and the side dishes differ from each house. Fried chicken is a distinctive dish in Southeast Kansas, making the region known for their chicken dishes.

The Flint Hills finds the small town of Olpe being home to the state-wide famous "Olpe Chicken House", where fried chicken baskets, potatoes, and steaks are served. Other small towns in Kansas are home to smaller mom and pop restaurants

Lawrence is home to a wide variety of restaurants, much of which are on Massachusetts Street in the historic downtown. Limestone serves delicious, locally sourced, minimally processed & hand-crafted pizza. For gourmet burgers, shakes, and fries, head to The Burger Stand. If you're looking for Mexican food, the Taco Zone is the place to go for affordable and tasty street eats.

Kansas has very complex and restrictive liquor laws. The short of it is that, in many counties, only 6% ABV (or below) packaged beer may be sold outside of retail liquor stores. Drinks by the glass were only restricted to private "clubs" until 1987. Kansas has three dry counties, and the state has not ratified the 21st amendment as of 2020.

The only craft beers easily found throughout the state are Boulevard (Kansas City), Free State (Lawrence), and Fat Tire. Fans of Mexican beer rejoice! There is a huge variety of cerveza that rivals what can be found deep in the heart of Texas.

Crime rates in Kansas are some of the lowest in the nation. Accordingly there is hardly any crime in the state; however, this does not mean that one should be naive during their travel to the state. Always take common sense precautions no matter where you find yourself, but pay particular attention in the more populous areas such as East Topeka, older areas of Kansas City, and North Wichita . All in all, you are very unlikely to experience any problems while traveling through the state.

Severe weather

Kansas is part of Tornado Alley where strong thunderstorms and violent tornadoes develop. They usually occur in the spring but can occur any time of year.

If you are visiting Kansas for a long period of time, it is a very sensible idea to learn about tornado safety and safety for severe thunderstorms . One day could be hot and sunny, another could have violent storms forecasted. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms with high winds and hail are very common in this so-called "tornado alley" during the spring and summer months. Make sure you keep a radio on in the car, as most Kansas radio stations will update listeners on weather alerts. Should you hear the tornado sirens sounding, locate a suitable tornado shelter at once – do not stay outdoors to get a picture! Also, do not try to outrun the tornado in your car. Tornadoes can shift their paths very suddenly and you may wind up driving directly into it.

Should the skies be cloudy, and the light take on a greenish-yellow cast, this is an indication of an imminent hail storm – again, seek shelter at once.

Refer to the tornado safety article for analysis of the issues here.

Winter storms

Ice storms and blizzards are also common during the winter. As with most weather in the region, these storms tend to be intense, but roll in and out fairly quickly due to lack of natural obstruction (e.g., mountains).

• Nebraska - Much like Kansas, the state's northern neighbor has a rich agricultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into America's heartland.
• Missouri - The state's eastern neighbor featuring St. Louis and the Missouri side of Kansas City.
• Oklahoma - Kansas' southern neighbor has been a state since only 1907 and retains some of the pioneer spirit from its early days as a frontier, along with a lot of Native American history and culture.
• Colorado - The Rocky Mountain state borders Kansas to the west and offers a mind-boggling array of outdoor activities.

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Great Plains
• All destination articles
• Outline regions
• Outline articles
• Region articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

• Destinations
• United States

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Kansas

By Vanessa Holmes · Last updated on February 4, 2024

From a geographic point of view, Kansas is in the center of the United States. That’s just one of the many reasons, however, that Kansas is known as the Heart of America. The state of Kansas is a slice of Americana, boasting the scenery of the Great Plains along with plenty of history.

Thanks to the Wizard of Oz, many people think of it as a place from which to escape, but in fact there are a lot of great places to visit in Kansas.

10. Fort Scott National Historic Site

In the middle of the 19th century, Kansas could be described as the frontierland. Settlement was ongoing, but a military presence was needed to secure the American borders. Fort Scott was constructed in 1842, and was a significant factor in both the U.S. Civil War and Bleeding Kansas, a dispute that brought up slavery even before it was a national battle.

Today, the Fort Scott National Historic Site can be best explored on a guided tour. You can tour 11 historically accurate buildings that house 30 furnished rooms, each letting you glimpse into life more than 150 years ago.

9. Oz Museum

On the banks of the Kansas River is the small city of Wamego. However, don’t let the size of Wamego fool you: It is home to one of the most fascinating attractions in the state! Wamego is where you will find the Oz Museum, a museum devoted to all things Wizard of Oz.

Within the collection, you can view the original books, modern collectibles and memorabilia from the iconic movie. Some of the more unusual and unexpected artifacts include the original silent films, which can be watched onsite, as well as ruby slippers covered in thousands of Swarovski crystals!

8. Monument Rocks

The Chalk Pyramids, also known as Monument Rocks, can be found in Gove County, in northwest Kansas. This geological landmark is one of the natural wonders of the state. Monuments Rocks is, by some estimates, more than 80 million years old.

Some of the rock formations are over 70 feet tall, and the ones you won’t want to miss are called Charlie the Dog and Eye of the Needle. Look closely, and you can also see shells and even whole fossils in the rock itself.

7. Cosmosphere

Located in the city of Hutchinson is the The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, better known as simply the Cosmosphere. This is the second largest space museum on the planet, and it is packed with fascinating attractions and exhibits. In the Carey Digital Dome Theater, you can watch movies about space exploration on a two-story, domed screen.

You can also watch a performance of Dr. Goddard’s Lab, which takes viewers back to the 1930s when rocketry was just developing as a field. The Cosmosphere’s Hall of Space Museum is the largest collection of Russian and American space artifacts anywhere in the world, and you can even see and touch real spacecraft.

6. Lindsborg

One of the most fascinating destinations in Kansas is Lindsborg. This small city was settled by Swedish immigrants towards the end of the 19th century. Today, it is known as Little Sweden. There are a number of shops and historic attractions that embrace the local Swedish heritage.

At the Blacksmith Shop, stroll past anvils to grab a cup of locally roasted coffee. With a caffeine boost, you’ll be ready to explore the The Swedish Pavilion. This landmark was created more than 100 years ago for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, it was transported right to Little Sweden, where it now serves as a hub for the arts at Bethany College.

Lindsborg is home to several festivals and all of them draw huge crowds. Perhaps the best known is the Svensk Hyllmingsfest, featuring Swedish dancing, singing, parades and colorful Swedish costumes.

5. Dodge City

Western Kansas is home to Dodge City, a name synonymous with the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Dodge was built in the 19th century to safeguard settlers heading along the trail or settling in Kansas. It was the epitome of the Wild West, which is why we now have the expression, “Get the heck out of Dodge.”

Today, however, Dodge is a wonderful place to be, and it is loaded with history and things to explore. You can still tour Fort Dodge, and you can also check out the Boot Hill Museum. This museum has a full reconstruction of Dodge City as it looked in 1876, and things like gunfight reenactments and chuckwagon dinners are all a part of the charm.

4. Eisenhower Presidential Library

In central Kansas is a small city called Abilene that is home to an impressive and historically significant attraction. The Eisenhower Presidential Library is located in Abilene, and it is connected to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Museum as well as Eisenhower’s boyhood home.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library is a top-notch research facility that is packed with millions of books, photos and artifacts. Exhibits change frequently and revolve around Eisenhower’s life, his presidency and Kansas history.

3. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Only four percent of America’s original tallgrass prairies exist today, but the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve seeks to protect what remains. Located outside of Strong City, this preserve is home to several miles of hiking trails. There are also a handful of historic buildings on the preserve, including the 19th century Spring Hill Ranch House and the Limestone Barn.

Flora and fauna are a big draw, and in the spring the prairies bloom with colorful flowers. Since 2009, there has also been a herd of bison roaming the preserve, which is an attempt to reintroduce them to this natural landscape.

2. Lawrence

If you’re looking for nightlife, art and culture, then one of the top cities in Kansas to check out is Lawrence. This city is home to the University of Kansas, helping to create its youthful, progressive population and bohemian atmosphere.

Lawrence revolves around Massachusetts Street, the main drag lined with art galleries, independent eateries and an abundance of quirky or vintage boutiques. As a college town, the area is also home to plenty of great local breweries and nightlife spots.

Don’t leave without spending some time on the University of Kansas campus, which has a number of impressive buildings. The campus is often compared to the fictional school of Hogwarts, from the Harry Potter universe, and the aptly named Potter’s Lake only adds to that particular comparison.

Wichita may not be the state capital, but it is the largest city in Kansas. Nicknamed the Air Capital of the World, Wichita is home to several aerospace companies as well as the Kansas Aviation Museum. One of the city’s biggest family-friendly attractions is the Sedgwick County Zoo, an enormous collection of more than 2,500 animals.

While in Wichita, make time to stroll through Old Town on foot. Old Town has recently been revitalized, and it is now a fantastic collection of museums, shops and restaurants that is conveniently pedestrian friendly.

Map of Places to Visit in Kansas

Share this post:

25 Top Tourist Attractions in the USA

25 Most Beautiful Places in America

16 Best Things to Do in Topeka, KS

16 Best Things to do in Wichita, KS

23 Most Beautiful Islands in the US

6 Beautiful New England States

7 Beautiful Mid-Atlantic States

25 Best Places to Visit in the USA

10 Best States to Visit in the USA

12 Most Beautiful Regions of the United States

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

USPS suggests the address below

Time to upgrade your browser.

If you're reading this, you're surfing using Internet Explorer 6, an eight-year-old browser that cannot cope with the demands of the modern, secure internet. For the best web experience, we strongly recommend upgrading to Firefox , Opera , Safari , Google Chrome , or a more recent version of Internet Explorer .

• Kansas Destinations
• Visit Other States
• Visit Other Countries

State capital Topeka has the expected selection of governmental sites but also find in this pleasant town a number of historic attractions, a museum or two and easily accessible lakeside activity.

• Things To Do - Overview
• Tour Companies
• Tourist Attractions
• Attractions
• Scenic Drives
• Sightseeing Tours
• Horseback Riding
• RV Parks Camping

• Lodging - Hotels, Resorts, etc.
• RV Parks - Campgrounds

Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price.

• Transportation
• State Facts
• Tourism Resources

• Kansas Photo Gallery

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Kansas Area. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Kansas.

• Connecticut
• Development
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia

Our Vacation and Travel Guide provides complete information on all the major tourist destinations in Kansas, including all major cities, National Parks, State Parks, Recreation Areas, and more.

Please use the interactive map below to start exploring travel destinations in Kansas. Scroll down for a list of Kansas destinations, or open up a complete list of all Kansas destinations in a Movable Pop-up Box .

• Independence
• Kansas City
• Flint Hills
• Garden City
• Junction City
• Grand Lake O' Cherokees

Javascript is required to view this map. Please enable javascript in your browser if it is disabled, or view our full list of Kansas destinations.

• Major ★
• Cities/Towns
• Mtns, Lakes, Rivers
• Advertising
• Privacy Policy
• Report a Problem
• Make A Suggestion

• Go Travel Sites
• Houseboating.org

Email Page Link

Switch to Mobile Browser Mode

We offer a compact version of Go-Kansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Kansas on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.

Continue to Mobile Site Return to Main Site

• Destinations

25 Best Places to Visit in Kansas

Last Updated By VI on June 24, 2024

• Complete List & Map

Garden lovers should not miss Botanica (also along the river), which comprises over 18 acres of themed landscaped gardens, while art enthusiasts should time their visit for the final Friday of the month, when art museums and galleries offer free admissions. Shopaholics can head to the historic Delano District for specialty stores or the two large malls at Towne East Square and Towne West Square.

Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center, the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center, and Clinton State Park, where you can go boating, water-skiing, camping, hiking, and picnicking.

There are plenty of wide-open green spaces where you can go hiking, biking, and nature-watching.

Outdoor activities include playing golf at the Mariah Hills Golf course or visiting Long Branch Lagoon Aquatics Park and Dodge City Zoo.

Cottonwood Falls

The Flint Hills Gallery features the works of Judith Mackey, the renowned painter of the Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie.

More ideas: Lakes in Kansas

Salina, Kansas

Family-friendly attractions include the wonderful Rolling Hills Zoo and the Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park.

All the museums and cultural attractions of Kansas City are just at your doorstep.

Hutchinson, Kansas

More ideas: Best Planetariums in the USA

Monument Rocks

You can get directions and see some brilliant fossils at the nearby Keystone Gallery, where art and ancient fossils rub shoulders. If you travel a little further on, you will come to the Little Pyramids, where you can take a stroll around the slightly smaller rock formations and possibly even find a fossilized shark tooth.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

Some stop briefly to rest, but others will mate and breed in the wetlands. The onsite Kansas Wetlands Education Center has some great exhibits and can give you a driving tour map and birding checklist. You can walk to the observation platform, where naturalists are on hand to answer your questions, drive through the preserve, or book a guided tour.

Sedgwick County Park

Hikers and bikers can set off to explore over 4 miles of paved trails through open areas and woodlands filled with wildlife. Other facilities you can enjoy include barbecue grills, open and closed picnic shelters, tennis and volley ball courts, and children’s playgrounds. See the Map

Arkansas River Trail for Couples

Along the way, you can stop to admire the Keeper of the Plains, a 44-foot tall statue of an Indian warrior, who stands guard over the confluence of the Little Arkansas and Big Arkansas rivers. If you time your walk correctly, you can watch the evening “Ring of Fire” light show. The trail also offers beautiful sunset views and you can easily access museums, the stadium, the ice rink, and the Wichita Zoo from the trail.

Deep Creek Waterfall at Pillsbury Crossing

Besides bringing a picnic to enjoy surrounded by the beautiful scenery, you can also explore the area on foot along a short hiking trail. When the water levels are good, you can canoe and kayak along the stream or have a go at fishing – Pillsbury Crossing is one of the few areas where spotted bass can be found and channel cat-fishing is rumored to be good both upstream and downstream of the waterfall.

Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, KS

You can easily spend a day in the park admiring the many themed gardens, which include a 1-acre replica of Monet’s garden, a delightful water garden, and the Legacy Garden, which is filled with plants traditionally found around Kansas homesteads. There are picnic shelters, a café, and over 5 miles of hiking paths for the energetically inclined. Children can have hours of fun exploring the Children’s Discovery Garden and the magical Train Garden, which features a miniature railway.

Drinkwater and Schriver Flour Mill, Cedar Point

The mill was in use as a grist mill until 1941 and was later used to grind animal feed before it was abandoned around 1961. Currently, it is not safe to enter the building but plans are underway to restore it to its former glory.

Kanopolis State Park, Kansas

You can go hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding along more than 30 miles of trails or launch your boat at the marina and enjoy excellent fishing on the 3,500-acre Kanopolis Reservoir. Other activities include hunting and wildlife watching.

Lake Scott State Park

Hikers, bikers, and equestrians can enjoy several trails or you can rent a canoe or paddleboat to enjoy the lake. There is great wildlife watching all over the park and you can spend some time visiting the remains of the northern-most Native American pueblo – El Cuartelejo, which is a National Historic Landmark.

Cheney State Park

The park offers two marinas where you can launch your boat – either to go sailing or fishing – and there are also four designated swimming areas on the lake. You can bring along your tent or RV – there are over 400 serviced campsites that can be reserved in advance. Giefer Creek and Spring Creek Nature Trails offer good wildlife viewing and there is also a 5-mile trail for walking, hiking, or biking.

Wilson State Park

More ideas: Things to Do in Kansas City, KS

Veterans’ Memorial Park, Kansas

There are benches for quiet reflection and at the end of your walk you can see the memorial to the USS Wichita, which received 13 battle stars for service during World War II. Once you have paid your respects to the veterans, you can continue a short distance along the Riverwalk to the famous Keeper of the Plains statue.

Geary County State Park, Kansas

The lake is also an important stopover area for migrating water birds, so bird watching is especially good. The lake is surrounded by public hunting land and there are primitive campsites for those who would like to get back to nature. You can take a hike to the 35-foot Geary Lake Falls (only active in spring or after heavy rains).

Flint Hills, Kansas

The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway will lead you through this surprising and intriguing sea of grass and introduce you to several of the little pioneer towns along the route. You can get all the info you need at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, where you can watch a multimedia presentation that explains the origin of this very special ecosystem.

• 2. Lawrence
• 4. Dodge City
• 5. Cottonwood Falls
• 6. Manhattan
• 7. Salina, Kansas
• 9. Hutchinson, Kansas
• 10. Monument Rocks
• 11. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
• 12. Sedgwick County Park
• 13. Arkansas River Trail for Couples
• 14. Deep Creek Waterfall at Pillsbury Crossing
• 15. Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, KS
• 16. Drinkwater and Schriver Flour Mill, Cedar Point
• 17. Kanopolis State Park, Kansas
• 18. Lake Scott State Park
• 19. Cheney State Park
• 20. Wilson State Park
• 21. Veterans’ Memorial Park, Kansas
• 22. Geary County State Park, Kansas
• 23. Flint Hills, Kansas

More Getaways in Kansas:

Resources: Kansas Tourism , State Parks , Tallgrass Prairie

More Features

16 Most Beautiful Resort Spa Baths and Pools

18 Best Things to Do in Lawrence, Kansas

20 Best Lakes in Kansas

• --> Conclusion

Vacation Idea

• About Us/Contact Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Kansas Tourism app offers free admission to attractions statewide

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - ”We’ve done the Evel Knievel Museum in past summers, the zoo , and the discovery center . We’ve gone to the Wichita Botanical Gardens and the zoo ,” said Sunflower Summer user Erika Toomey.

Erika Toomey and her son have explored new attractions across Kansas, all thanks to an app.

“Sunflower Summer is a program that allows Kansas families to explore the state for free. So we have 220 attractions all across the state. From the southwest corner, the Morton Country Historical Society , clear up to the northeast corner with the Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum to everywhere in between,” said Kansas Tourism Marketing Manager Jordan Roemerman.

The Kansas Department of Education created the app back in 2020. This year Kansas Tourism took over and made some changes.

“We wanted to make sure we expanded a little bit more. Previously it focused very much on education and so we wanted to expand it a little bit more to include regular tourism attractions as well,” said Roemerman.

“Sunflower Summer is a wonderful program for bringing in new visitors‚” said Kansas Children’s Discover Center Director of Marketing and Development Laura Burton.

The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center has been with the program since day one. They say the app is easy to navigate.

“Once they come in here to the museum all they have to do is click claim tickets at our venue, show it to our front desk, and they are good to come in for free,” said Burton.

The app has opened the door to help Kansas families try something new.

“We found almost 40% of them are visiting the museum for the very first time. Three-quarters of them are visiting from outside Shawnee County so this is a program that is driving people from around the state. It’s driving tourism and getting people to places they haven’t been before,” said Burton.

“There’s been a lot of things we’ve done, especially out of town, that we probably wouldn’t have thought to do if we couldn’t get in for free,” said Toomey.

Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.

Man, 74, killed in UTV rollover crash Saturday night in Wabaunsee County

Randy Goodermuth, 66, subject of Silver Alert, found dead south of Hays

Shooting victim arrives at Topeka hospital late Sunday

Crews respond to report of two-vehicle crash Sunday morning in southeast Topeka

Man arrested following aggravated battery incident in west Topeka

Latest news.

TPD investigating fatal shooting near Downtown Topeka

Washburn Rural’s Brooklyn DeLeye named to U21 Team USA Volleyball

Salute Our Heroes: Topeka native guides youth through the performing arts

Hot temperatures raise concerns of heat illnesses

19 cows euthanized after semi-trailer overturns in Lyon County, Kan.

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

USA TODAY 10Best

Craving something sweet? Check out the 10 best candy stores across the US

Best Candy Store (2024) June 19, 2024

If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, you should check out these 10 independent candy stores across the United States.

Selected by a panel of experts and voted by readers as the best in the nation, these candy shops stand out because they offer a variety of delicious treats that you won't always find in big chains or supermarkets. Plus, they offer the chance to discover new flavors, support local businesses, and enjoy a fun and nostalgic experience. 

No. 10: True Treats Historic Candy - Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

The nation's only research-based candy store, True Treats Historic Candy offers candies from the earliest of times through today. For example, try the honey sesame brittle eaten by ancient Greeks, sour grape drops inspired by Native Americans, hand-pulled peppermint sticks from the 1600s, and retro favorites like ribbon candy. 

No. 9: Wilton Candy Kitchen - Wilton, Iowa

A veritable throwback to the days of yesteryear, Wilton Candy Kitchen has been a Wilton, Iowa, icon since 1867, possibly making it the oldest continuously operating ice cream parlor, soda fountain, and confectionery of its type in the United States. While the main attractions are arguably the luscious old-fashioned ice cream drinks and phosphates, the store also stocks a curated collection of retro candy.

No. 8: Windy City Sweets - Chicago, Illinois

Since 1983, Windy City Sweets has been a one-stop shop for those seeking a sugar fix in Chicago. Find over 1,200 specialty sweet treats, ranging from a variety of bulk and pre-packaged nostalgic candies to a host of signature, housemade chocolate creations including fudge, caramel nut patties, s'mores, truffles, and chocolate-covered sandwich cookies.

No. 7: Candyality - Chicago, Illinois

From saltwater taffy to assorted hard candy to the store's famous Secret Recipe Popcorn, Candyality offers just what you want to satisfy your sweet tooth. The store also carries a full array of retro candy, including candy cigarettes, candy necklaces, and Blackjack gum, among others. 

No. 6: Samuel's Sweet Shop - Rhinebeck, New York

Not only does Samuel’s Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck sell a cornucopia of sugar-laden treats, there’s also a sweet backstory that comes along with it. This beloved neighborhood candy and coffee boutique is co-owned by actors Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, plus a few other longtime customers, who all stepped in to save the store from closing after the original owner passed suddenly in 2014. As far as the goodies go, expect to find tasty options ranging from classic candy and chocolates to baked goods.

No. 5: The Farris Wheel Candy Co. - Wichita, Kansas

It’s easy to satisfy your sweet tooth in one fell swoop at this family-owned gourmet candy store in Wichita, Kansas. Offering everything from trail mixes and fine chocolates to jelly beans, toffee, malt balls, and licorice, The Farris Wheel isn’t lacking in choice. There’s plenty of retro candy here, too.

No. 4: Bright's Candies - Walla Walla, Washington

A mainstay in historic downtown Walla Walla, Washington, since 1934, Bright’s Candies keeps it old-school by handcrafting fine chocolates and confections using old family recipes and copper kettles. Specialties run the gamut from a variety of chocolate truffles to peanut brittle and salted caramels, all of which guests can watch being made via viewing windows flanking the side of the shop. 

No. 3: Sweet Pete's Candy - Jacksonville, Florida

From Pete's Famous Sea Salt Caramels to caramel chocolate apples to an assortment of packaged candies, Sweet Pete's Candy offers quite the variety of sweet treats. To ensure no one is left out, the shop also features a selection of gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free options as well as vegan-friendly sweets. 

No. 2: The Sweet Granada - Emporia, Kansas

A visit to The Sweet Granada starts with the store's famous Pop-Choc, crunchy buttered popcorn mixed with creamy white and milk chocolates. Then you can move on to the truffles, fudge, macarons, and other treats to get your sugary fix. Even your dog can enjoy the store's offerings thanks to the dog-safe white chocolate-dipped dog biscuits. 

No. 1: The Taffy Shop - Estes Park, Colorado

Since 1935, visitors have popped into The Taffy Shop to watch candymakers create the store's iconic Estes Park Salt Water Taffy. Not only can you get your favorite tried-and-true flavors such as lemon, vanilla, and peppermint, but also daily flavors such as blueberry, chocolate cherry, and orange creamsicle. 

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Allison levine.

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate,...   Read More

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world.  She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is  www.pleasethepalate.com   and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate .

Carly Caramanna

Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the...   Read More

Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the latest in unique food, travel, and theme park trends. Growing up in the carb-filled land of bagels and pizza by the slice (aka New Jersey), her parents instilled a love of all things adventure and food. Featured on CNN Business, BBC, NPR, MSN, Huffington Post, and host of the Attractions Magazine podcast, she uses her expertise as a contributor to Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, Delish, and many more. www.adventuresbycarly.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbycarly/ X: https://twitter.com/CarlyCaramanna

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jacob and Esther of Local Adventurer

Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest...   Read More

Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest travel blogs in the world, Local Adventurer , where they hope to encourage everyone to find adventure in their everyday lives. They spent 7 years moving to a new city every year and are now based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kristin Luna

Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer...   Read More

Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to  Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living  and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog  Camels & Chocolate  or on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

Melissa Curtin

Melisa Curtin is a travel and food writer who has...   Read More

Melisa Curtin is a travel and food writer who has documented her globetrotting adventures for over a decade. A Connecticut girl madly in love with California, her work has appeared in Lonely Planet, LA Weekly, Canadian Traveler, AAA, Roadtrippers, JohnnyJet, Travel Awaits, and many southern California print publications. Melissa is always on the hunt for the best local bites and destinations with few tourists, splitting her non-travel time between Malibu and Palm Springs with her husband and ever-growing collection of plants.    Traveling around the world at age 20 on Semester at Sea sparked Melissa's desire for learning about other cultures. As a 20+ year educator and new travel advisor with Fora, she inspires others to reach their goals and pursue their travel dreams. Some of her recent favorite jaunts include a Viking river cruise from Paris to Normandy with her mom, truffle hunting in Tuscany, and eating her way through Florence. Get to know the Best of L.A. and California by checking out her website  LaLaScoop.com  or following the @lalascoop on Instagram .

Melody Pittman

Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Read More

Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog  and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing.  Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok , Youtube, IG , and FB . After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada. 

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Best Wine Shop

Best Winery Restaurant

Best Restaurant in Hawaii

Best Fast Food Fries

Best Fast Casual Restaurant

Browse the best.

Best Dessert / Treat Chain (2024)

Best Donut Shop (2024)

Best Pie Shop (2024)

Best Ice Cream Shop (2024)

Best Cookie Shop (2024)

Back to readers' choice.

Southwest Airlines selling $53 tickets in celebration of 53 years of flights

Southwest Airlines is celebrating turning 53 with $53 airfares.

Travelers hoping to score a deal need to book by 11:59 p.m. PT Thursday.

The $53 one-way tickets are only available on select days and routes but include flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and international destinations, according to Southwest.

Eligible travel must occur on Mondays-Thursdays or Saturdays between Aug. 6 and Dec. 18 for flights within the lower 48 with  Sept. 2, Oct. 14, Nov. 22-27 and Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 as blackout dates. 

Flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and international destinations must occur on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between Aug. 20 and Nov. 20, with Sept. 3 blacked out. 

Some of the routes currently advertising $53 fares are Atlanta to Tampa and Los Angeles to Phoenix. 

Full availability, along with the terms and conditions, are listed on Southwest’s website .

Are changes coming to Southwest?

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its open seating policy, all-economy cabins and multiple free checked bags on every ticket. But amid activist investor scrutiny and changing customer preferences, the airline’s CEO has been signaling that its business model may soon change . 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

To the... well..

You tell us.

Join our e-newsletter

Travel Guide

Travel tools.

Online tools and resources available to help plan your trip or while traveling in Kansas. Find ways to explore using links, pages, and resources that will help create the trip of a lifetime through Kansas! Visit our Travel Information Centers, check road conditions, and even check the weather for your trip! Find coupons & deals in the area you are traveling in so you can keep to that road trip budget and also discover events taking place while you're in the state. Look for a specific city or region, find a place to stay, and fill your growling stomach, all on TravelKS.com. Find travel assistance below and we hope you enjoy! Can't find what you need? Have questions that need answers? You can reach our call center at 1-800-2-KANSAS (1-800-252-6727).

About Kansas

Want to learn about the Sunflower State? We've got you covered!

Free Travel Guide + Map

Order your FREE Kansas Travel Guide, Road Map, Byway Guide, and Outdoor Packet.

E-News Signup

Receive periodic e-mail updates on the latest Kansas travel news, events, festivals, attractions, vacation packages and special…

Coupons + Deals

Find coupons and deals for places all over Kansas including shopping, activities, and stays.

Kansas Turnpike

The Kansas Turnpike will convert to a cashless tolling system on July 1, 2024.  

Publications

Kansas publications that will help you plan your trip, discover new attractions, and learn about our state!

Trip Builder

Kansas Trip Planning Made Easy

Travel Information Centers

Looking for advice about the best places to visit in Kansas? Stop in for maps, directions and brochures about attractions, events…

Travel Info

Travel Information Updates, Transportation, Weather, and Road Conditions.

Travel Blog

Sunflower summer rural road-trip.

They say the best things in life are free, and they’re right. Sunflower Summer offers Kansas families a get-out-of-the-house free…

Explore 8 Kansas Places with Living Heritage

Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area includes the sites of extraordinary events that forever changed America. In the nineteenth…

Kansas 4th of July Celebrations: Join the Party!

Are you ready to experience an All-American 4th of July? We've rounded up some of the amazing communities that are putting on a show on…

Wine and Dine Under Wide-Open Kansas Skies

Unforgettable farm-to-fork date nights on the prairie. Grape harvests that transform into your favorite beverages. In Kansas, experiences…

Have the Friend Getaway of Your Dreams in Lawrence

In Lawrence, it feels as though all roads lead to Mass Street ... and for good reason. The main drag through downtown brings University of…

Sunflower Summer Shenanigans: Exploring Quirky Kansas!

Sunflower Summer Shenanigans: Exploring Quirky Kansas! Kansas is renowned for its expansive prairies, rolling wheat fields, and small-town…

Visit Wichita to experience the Wicked Brew Tour

Sip your way through Kansas’ largest city this summer One of Wichita’s popular summertime traditions – the Wicked Brew…

This Art-Lover’s Tour of Salina Will Capture Your Imagination

Back alleys don’t often make bucket lists, but Artwork Alley is a downtown Salina must-see, thanks to a team of regional artists who…