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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

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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

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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

Last Updated By VI on March 18, 2024 in Things to Do in Kansas & Places to Visit

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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

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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.

The 18 Best Places to Visit in Kansas You Shouldn’t Miss

Kansas, also known as the Sunflower State, is a hidden gem in the heart of America. From its scenic prairies to its vibrant cities, Kansas offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences for visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or the arts, there’s something for everyone in this Midwestern state. In this blog, we’ll explore the 18 best places to visit in Kansas, including historic sites, museums, natural wonders, and cultural hotspots. So get ready for an unforgettable journey through the great state of Kansas!

Table of Contents

18. National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

Situated in Kansas City, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. It is home to the most extensive collection of World War I artifacts in North America, making it a museum of world treasures. As you step into the museum, you’ll be transported back in time to the Great War era.

The museum offers interactive displays and exhibits that provide a comprehensive understanding of the war and its impact on the world. From the trenches to the home front, you’ll gain insights into the lives of the soldiers and civilians who lived through this historic period.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Liberty Memorial, which offers panoramic views of the city. The memorial’s architecture is awe-inspiring, serving as a tribute to the veterans and their sacrifices during the war.

From the top of the Liberty Memorial Tower, you can soak in the breathtaking vista of Kansas City, spreading out before you. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the world wars, a visit to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial is an educational and moving experience.

17. Union Station

Located in the heart of Kansas City, Union Station is a historic building that is a must-see for visitors. With its stunning architecture and design, Union Station stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.

Originally built in 1914, the station served as a bustling hub for train travel, connecting Kansas City to other parts of the United States. Today, Union Station has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center, offering a range of attractions and activities for all ages.

One of the highlights of Union Station is the Science City Museum, which is a fantastic place for kids and adults alike. With its hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, Science City is the perfect place to ignite curiosity and inspire a love for learning. From exploring the wonders of the natural world to delving into the marvels of technology, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this dynamic museum.

In addition to the museum, Union Station also offers various dining and shopping options, making it a great place to take a break and indulge in some retail therapy. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or a delicious meal, Union Station has you covered. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the special events, exhibitions, or educational programs that are hosted at the station throughout the year. So make sure to add Union Station to your list of must-visit places in Kansas City.

16. Goodland, the perfect name for an ag-themed byway

If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, then Goodland in western Kansas is a perfect choice. Known as the home of the giant reproduction of Van Gogh’s Sunflower painting, this small town celebrates its agricultural heritage in a big way.

As you drive along the “Ag-themed Byway,” you’ll be treated to stunning views of the vast prairie, punctuated by sunflower fields swaying in the breeze.

The High Plains Museum in Goodland is another must-visit attraction, offering a glimpse into the local history and art of the region. From the pioneer days to the present, the museum showcases the resilience and ingenuity of the people who shaped this part of Kansas. No visit to Goodland would be complete without exploring the public art installations and murals that adorn the city, providing a unique blend of art, history, and rural culture.

15. Fort Scott: Soldiers and more unsung heroes

Located in southeastern Kansas, Fort Scott is a historic city with a rich past. At the heart of the town lies the Fort Scott National Historic Site, which offers a glimpse into the city’s significant role during the Civil War era. Step back in time as you explore the fort’s barracks, parade grounds, and historic buildings.

Guided tours and living history demonstrations bring the fort’s history to life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the daily lives of the soldiers who once called Fort Scott home.

But Fort Scott is not just about soldiers and battles. The city is also home to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, which honors positive role models from all walks of life. Through exhibits and educational programs, the center showcases the stories of individuals who have made a difference, often going unnoticed or unrecognized.

It’s a place to celebrate the unsung heroes who have shaped our world, reminding us of the power of courage, compassion, and determination.

14. Drinkwater and Schriver Flour Mill, Cedar Point

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Flint Hills , the Drinkwater and Schriver Flour Mill is a hidden gem that takes you back to the 19th century. This historic mill, located in Cedar Point, offers tours that provide insight into the milling process and the importance of the mill to the local community.

As you explore the mill’s interior, you’ll discover the fascinating machinery and learn about the challenges faced by the millers of the past. Take a moment to enjoy the picturesque views of the Cottonwood River and the surrounding countryside, as the mill’s setting makes it a great place for photography.

The Drinkwater and Schriver Flour Mill is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique glimpse into the agricultural history of Kansas.

13. Cottonwood Falls, a Flint Hills gem

Located in the heart of the scenic Flint Hills, the small town of Cottonwood Falls is a true hidden gem. Known for its charming small-town atmosphere and historic courthouse, Cottonwood Falls offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a stroll along the main street and admire the well-preserved architecture, filled with small shops, galleries, and local craft stores.

Explore the natural beauty of the Flint Hills with scenic drives, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities. The nearby Chase County State Lake is a great spot for fishing or enjoying a picnic by the water.

Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the town, and don’t forget to visit the river running through the heart of the town, ideal for relaxing and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. Cottonwood Falls is the perfect place to experience the charm of the Flint Hills region and enjoy a slower pace of life.

12. Lawrence

Known as the “Cultural Capital of Kansas,” Lawrence is a vibrant city with a rich arts scene and historic charm. As the home of the University of Kansas, Lawrence exudes a youthful energy and a lively atmosphere. Start your visit by exploring the historic Massachusetts Street, the main drag of downtown Lawrence. Here, you’ll find a plethora of unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, all contributing to the city’s vibrant spirit.

For history and culture enthusiasts, Lawrence offers a variety of museums and galleries to explore. The Natural History Museum showcases the region’s natural wonders, while the Spencer Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of international artworks. With its beautiful campus grounds, the University of Kansas itself is also worth a visit, offering architectural marvels and outdoor sculptures.

11. Lindsborg, more Swedish than Sweden

Step into the town of Lindsborg, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Sweden itself. Known as “Little Sweden,” Lindsborg embraces its Swedish heritage with open arms. The town’s quaint shops are filled with traditional Swedish crafts, gifts, and souvenirs, perfect for bringing home a piece of the town’s charm.

Indulge in the flavors of authentic Swedish cuisine at local restaurants and bakeries, where you can savor dishes like Swedish meatballs, lefse, and krumkake.

Immerse yourself in the town’s rich Swedish heritage and cultural traditions. One of the highlights of Lindsborg is the annual Svensk Hyllningsfest, a lively celebration of Swedish culture that features traditional music, dancing, food, and crafts.

This biennial festival attracts visitors from near and far, offering a chance to experience the vibrant customs of Sweden right here in the heartland of America. Lindsborg is a little slice of Sweden in the heart of Kansas, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the state’s diverse cultural heritage.

10. Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott National Historic Site , located in Fort Scott, Kansas, is a treasure trove of history waiting to be explored. Step foot inside this national historic site, and you’ll be transported back to the 19th century, a time of westward expansion and the clash between cultures.

The site preserves 20 historic structures within the fort complex, including the fort’s barracks, parade grounds, and officer’s quarters. Guided tours and living history demonstrations bring the fort’s past to life, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped the region.

Apart from the fort, the site also offers the opportunity to explore the surrounding prairie, which provides a scenic backdrop to the historic buildings. As you wander the trails, you’ll learn about the role of Fort Scott in securing the western frontier and its significance in the history of the United States. Fort Scott National Historic Site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in the stories of the past.

9. American Jazz Museum

Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of jazz at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City. Located in the historic 18th & Vine District, the museum celebrates the rich legacy of jazz and its legendary musicians.

Explore the interactive exhibits, filled with artifacts, memorabilia, and audiovisual displays that highlight the evolution of jazz from its early roots to the modern era.

At the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the sounds of live jazz performances and concerts, showcasing the talent of local and national jazz artists. Engage in educational programs and workshops, where you can learn about the art of jazz, its improvisational nature, and its influence on American music and society.

The American Jazz Museum is a testament to the cultural impact of jazz and an ode to the musicians who have shaped this iconic American genre.

8. Monument Rocks

Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of Monument Rocks , a hidden treasure nestled in the Kansas Badlands. Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, these towering rock formations rise from the prairie, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape. As you explore the site, you’ll discover fossilized remains of ancient sea creatures, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s geological history.

The unique rock formations, sculpted over millions of years, are a true wonder of Kansas. The stark contrast of the white chalk against the vibrant blue sky creates a mesmerizing scene that’s a photographer’s dream.

Capture stunning photographs of the natural wonder of Monument Rocks, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding prairie landscape. A visit to Monument Rocks is a reminder of the incredible forces of nature that have shaped the Kansas landscape over time.

7. Cosmosphere

Embark on a space-themed adventure at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson. This world-class museum boasts the largest collection of American space artifacts outside the Smithsonian, allowing visitors to witness the wonders of space up close.

From the original command module of the Apollo 13 mission to space suits worn by astronauts, the Cosmosphere offers a comprehensive look at the history of space exploration.

Explore the interactive exhibits, and dive into the fascinating world of science, technology, and space travel. Engage in hands-on activities, attend presentations, and watch live demonstrations that showcase the ingenuity and innovation of the space industry. The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is a must-visit for space enthusiasts, providing a captivating journey through the wonders of the cosmos.

6. Lindsborg

Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Lindsborg, also known as “Little Sweden.” This charming town embraces its Swedish roots, offering visitors a unique experience in the heart of Kansas.

As you wander the streets of Lindsborg, you’ll be captivated by the town’s Swedish-style architecture and ambiance. Quaint shops are filled with traditional Swedish crafts, gifts, and souvenirs, providing the perfect opportunity to bring home a piece of the town’s charm.

Indulge in authentic Swedish cuisine at the local restaurants and bakeries, where you can savor dishes that reflect the town’s Swedish heritage. The town’s rich cultural traditions come alive during the annual Svensk Hyllningsfest, a lively celebration of Swedish culture that features music, dancing, food, and crafts. A visit to Lindsborg is like stepping into a little slice of Sweden, right here in the heart of the Sunflower State.

As the largest city in Kansas, Wichita offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and outdoor beauty. Known as the “Air Capital of the World,” Wichita has a rich aviation history, which is showcased at the Kansas Aviation Museum. Explore the museum’s exhibits, featuring historic aircraft and artifacts, and learn about the city’s contributions to the world of aviation.

Downtown Wichita’s Old Town district is a historic neighborhood that has been revitalized into a hub of entertainment, with a bustling nightlife scene, unique shops, and a diverse selection of dining options. Don’t miss the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue, which stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers, celebrating the Native American heritage of the region.

From beautiful parks and gardens to world-class museums, Wichita offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors or immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant arts scene, Wichita will not disappoint.

4. Eisenhower Presidential Library

Delve into the life and legacy of one of America’s most esteemed leaders, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. Explore the museum’s exhibits, offering insights into Eisenhower’s military and presidential career, including artifacts, photographs, and personal mementos.

As you walk through the museum, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of Eisenhower’s life, and his enduring impact on the nation.

In addition to the museum, the library complex includes the place where Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower are buried. Take a guided tour of the museum, library, and the Eisenhower boyhood home, where you can learn about the small-town roots of this influential leader.

Reflect on the contributions of Dwight D. Eisenhower to the nation and the world, and gain a newfound appreciation for his leadership and legacy.

3. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Experience the beauty of the tallgrass prairie at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve , a stunning natural preserve located in the heart of the Flint Hills. This preserve is the last remaining tallgrass prairie in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into the unique ecosystem that once covered much of the Midwest.

Lace-up your hiking boots or hop on a bike to explore the scenic trails that wind through the prairie, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the undulating hills and the swaying prairie grasses.

As you traverse the preserve, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this place home, including the majestic bison that roam the prairie. Attend educational programs and events, which highlight the importance of prairie conservation and the role of the Flint Hills in preserving North America’s prairie heritage.

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a true natural wonder, transporting visitors to a time when the prairie stretched as far as the eye could see.

2. Leavenworth, the first city in Kansas and Freedom’s outpost

Situated on the banks of the Missouri River, Leavenworth is the first city in Kansas, known for its rich history and Victorian architecture. The city’s most prominent landmark is Fort Leavenworth, the oldest active military fort in the United States.

The fort has served as a training center, a national cemetery, and a historic site, preserving the stories of the soldiers who were stationed there over the years. Visit the Buffalo Soldier Monument, which honors the African American soldiers who served in the western frontier during the 19th century.

In addition to its historic sites, Leavenworth offers diverse dining options, boutique shopping experiences, and a calendar full of festivals and cultural events. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to explore a small city with a big personality, Leavenworth has something to offer everyone.

1. Concordia, the Orphan Train Town

Step back in time to the late 1800s and explore the history of the Orphan Train movement in Concordia. Known as the “Orphan Train Town,” Concordia was one of the many stops along the route of the Orphan Trains, which transported thousands of orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children from the crowded cities of the East Coast to the Midwest. Visit the National Orphan Train Complex, a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Orphan Train riders and their stories.

As you wander through the museum, you’ll learn about the challenges faced by these children and the impact of the Orphan Train movement on the communities that welcomed them.

Concordia also offers the historic Brown Grand Theatre, which showcases the town’s commitment to the arts, and the Cloud County Historical Society Museum, which provides further insights into the town’s past. For a peaceful and serene environment, visit Concordia, where the legacy of the Orphan Train riders is embraced and celebrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some must-see destinations in Kansas?

Experience the breathtaking views of the Flint Hills, with its tallgrass prairie and stunning sunsets. Explore the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, home to bison, hiking trails, and vibrant wildflowers. Immerse yourself in history and architecture at the Kansas State Capitol building in Topeka. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s remarkable life and achievements.

Are there any unique or lesser-known attractions worth visiting in Kansas?

Places to visit in Kansas, Kansas offers several hidden gems that are worth a visit. Experience the stunning beauty of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, explore the wonders of space at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, and marvel at the architectural masterpiece of the Cathedral of the Plains in Victoria. There’s so much to discover in Kansas!

What is the best time of year to visit these locations?

Places to visit in Kansas, The best time to visit these locations in Kansas depends on the activities you plan to do. Spring offers wildflower viewing and outdoor activities, while summer is ideal for water sports and festivals. Fall brings beautiful foliage and harvest festivals, and winter provides opportunities for skiing and indoor attractions.

Are there any family-friendly activities available at these destinations?

Places to visit in Kansas, Many of the destinations on this list offer family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. From the interactive exhibits at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, there are plenty of options for families to enjoy. Be sure to visit each destination’s website or contact them directly for more information on family-friendly activities.

Places to visit in Kansas, Kansas offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to various interests. From the historical significance of the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial to the vibrant art scene in Lawrence, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re exploring the unique ag-themed byway in Goodland or immersing yourself in the Swedish culture of Lindsborg, each destination has its charm.

Don’t miss out on the natural beauty of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve or the educational experience at the Cosmosphere. Plan your visit to Kansas and discover the hidden gems that await you. Make memories with your loved ones and create unforgettable experiences. Start exploring the best places to visit in Kansas today!

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Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.

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• Last Updated On
• June 25, 2023

15 Best Places to Visit in Kansas — Fun & Unique Places to Go!

Kansas, nicknamed the Sunflower State, sits within the midwestern region of the United States.

It is the perfect destination for you to create long-lasting memories with your friends, significant others, or loved ones.

Here, you can enjoy numerous recreational possibilities, like exploring eye-catching gardens, visiting stunning historical sites, spending the day in the great outdoors, viewing awe-striking exhibits at a museum, and plenty of other terrific options.

Charge your camera and pack your bags as you look through this hand-picked list of the best places to visit in Kansas that I prepared to help make your dream vacation come true.

1. Botanica: Wichita Gardens — Wichita

701 Amidon St Wichita, KS 67203 (316) 264-0448

Botanica: Wichita Gardens, which opened in 1987, spans roughly 17.6 acres.

It is home to an extensive collection of plant species, themed garden sections, a butterfly house, and many more.

Why You Should Visit This Place

When searching for what to do in Kansas with your companions to enjoy some much-needed time in nature, make your way to Botanica: Wichita Gardens.

These gardens are breathtakingly beautiful, providing you with various themed gardens to explore.

For example, the Shakespearean Garden, featuring plants mentioned in plays written by Shakespeare, Downing Children’s Garden, offering a lovely treehouse for your kids to enjoy amidst a beautiful landscape, and so much more.

An Expert Tip Before You Go

To enjoy a more engaging experience, book the Taste This: Bee Tour & Honey Tasting Experience.

It is a popular program that includes learning about how bees make their sweet honey and tasting many dishes accompanied with different honey flavors and a cup of herbal or floral-themed tea.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Wichita

Related: Restaurants: Wichita, Kansas

Related: Best Things to Do in Kansas

2. Kansas State Capitol — Topeka

SW 8th & SW Van Buren Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 296-3966

The Kansas State Capitol or the Kansas Statehouse houses the legislative and executive branches of governance for Kansas.

On your sightseeing adventure of the state, one of the top places to visit in Kansas is this magnificent building and architectural wonder.

For a cheap and budget-friendly price, you and your friends or family can sign up for a guided tour of the area and explore its many exhibits, various rooms, like an auditorium and dining rooms, learn about its history, and so on.

One of the top things to do when visiting the Kansas State Capitol is climbing up 296 steps leading to its spectacular dome.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cyrus Hotel, Topeka, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Related: Best Places to Eat in Topeka

Related: Best Family Vacations in Kansas

3. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum — Abilene

200 S E 4th St Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 263-6700

The Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum is officially known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home.

It features five buildings dedicated to the 34th president of the United States, for which it gets its name.

There are many beautiful and grand places to see in Kansas, like the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum.

At this must-visit attraction, you can enjoy doing countless fun activities with your travel companions.

Like exploring Eisenhower’s home from when he was a child, paying your respects at his gravesite, watching a short film on the former president, and lots more.

This popular tourist hotspot often holds many engaging events and programs monthly.

For example, on the second Tuesday of every month, there is usually an intriguing lecture, a free book club, and the like.

Check their website before visiting so that you can plan your schedule accordingly.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Junction City

4. Evel Knievel Museum — Topeka

2047 SW Topeka Blvd Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 215-6205

Found in Topeka , the Evel Knievel Museum was established in 2017.

It features the largest collections of authentic Evel Knievel memorabilia worldwide.

Learn all about world-famous American stunt performer Evel Knievel by touring this quirky and one-of-a-kind museum.

Some of the many things you can view here are the famous stunt man’s personal items, like leather clothes, costumes, helmets, original jump bikes, jewelry, a walking cane, a pick-up truck, letters, contracts, photographs, and so much more.

This award-winning attraction also has a theater showcasing short films and a gift shop selling all sorts of souvenir items that you can buy for your friends or family back home.

Before leaving, you must try their virtual reality experience called the Jump.

This simulated experience will allow you to feel what it is like to soar over sixteen cars atop a motorcycle.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Place Topeka

5. The Keeper of the Plains — Wichita

339 Veterans Pkwy Wichita, KS 67203 (316) 303-8663

The Keeper of the Plains is a colossal statue located in Wichita .

It was sculpted by Native American Blackbear Bosin, and stands at 44 feet tall.

Bond with your partner, friends, or family as you tour the countless fascinating places of interest in Kansas, like this awe-inspiring statue.

It sits on the banks of the Arkansas River, providing a more enthralling and captivating scenery.

This statue is also a great attraction to tour if you don’t want to do something time-consuming so that you can make the most out of your day touring other well-known attractions.

The best time to visit this statue is at nighttime, at 9 pm during warmer months, and around 7 pm on colder days.

During these times, several fire pits light up to illuminate the Keeper of the Plains.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Wichita West Airport Inn

6. Boot Hill Museum — Dodge City

500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 227-8188

The Boot Hill Museum is a museum complex preserving the history and legacy of the Old West.

It features more than 20,000 artifacts and 200 guns from the period.

Travel back in time to the Old West during the era of cowboys as you and your travel buddies make your way through this museum complex.

While exploring the area, you can take in the picturesque surroundings featuring replicas of saloons, hardware, clothing, and drug stores, and so much more.

You can also opt to look through thousands of artifacts and authentic guns alongside a knowledgeable guide for a more educational experience.

Depending on its availability, book the Marshal Pass.

It is a fantastic tour that includes access to the museum, a live gunfight, a delicious country-style dinner, and an entertaining variety show at the saloon.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Dodge City, an IHG Hotel

Related: Best Weekend Getaways in Kansas

7. Flint Hills Discovery Center — Manhattan

315 S 3rd St Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 587-2726

The Flint Hills Discovery Center, founded in 2012, houses various exhibits on science, municipal heritage, history, culture, and ecology.

Are you on the search for cool and unique places to visit in Kansas?

If you are, I highly recommend visiting this discovery center and spending the day learning all about the history and beauty of the Flint Hills, a region in the eastern area of the state.

This world-class museum has a wide range of galleries you can view about the prairie landscape, geological formations, North American settlers, the arrival of European immigrants, and the like.

Make sure to stop by its state-of-the-art theater and watch a 15-minute presentation with magnificent sound effects and high-tech effects that bring the prairie to life.

If you want to splurge on an experience your companions will never forget, book the Night at the Museum package.

It includes an exclusive evening at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, movie screenings at its theater, unlimited access to all its exhibits for two hours, and lots more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Bluemont Hotel

Related: Places to Eat in Manhattan

8. Fort Larned National Historic Site — Larned

1767 KS-156 Larned, KS 67550 (620) 285-6911

Fort Larned National Historic Site, constructed in 1860, spans about 718 acres.

It preserves Fort Larned, which served to protect against hostile American Indians in the 19th century.

One of the top places to go in Kansas for a fantastic vacation is this well-loved historic site.

It is the ideal place for you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your daily life by enjoying a fun and educational adventure with your companions.

Some of its attractions are a barracks that housed hundreds of troops, warehouses that once stored vital supplies that kept the army functioning, and a blockhouse constructed to protect against attacks and then served as a prison.

You can save up on expenses by packing meals for your friends or families.

There are designated picnic areas by the entrance, complete with nearby restrooms, shade, and fresh drinking water.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Rodeway Inn Larned

9. Kansas Speedway — Kansas City

400 Speedway Blvd Kansas City, KS 66111 866-460-7223

The Kansas Speedway, which opened in 2001, is a tri-oval race track running for 1.5 miles.

It has a capacity of 48,000 and hosts two annual NASCAR race weekends.

Do you want to watch a thrilling race show that will keep you on the edge of your seat?

If you do, one of the top Kansas tourist attractions you should visit is the Kansas Speedway.

At this superb track, you can watch skillful and professional drivers as they make their way through the well-maintained, premier course, guaranteeing an entertaining show.

After watching a race, drop by its onsite Hollywood-themed casino, featuring numerous slot machines, classic table games, a restaurant, and brilliant views of the speedway.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Kansas City at Village West, KS

10. Cosmosphere — Hutchinson

1100 N Plum St Hutchinson, KS 67501 (800) 397-0330

The Cosmosphere, founded in 1962, houses the largest collection of Russian and American spacelift artifacts on the planet.

It is one of the most popular sites for tourists in Kansas, welcoming hundreds of thousands of museum-goers from all over the country.

Discover the brilliance and grandeur of space by visiting one of the top tourist destinations in Kansas, the Cosmosphere.

Located in Hutchinson , this museum features a boat-load of interactive exhibits that include over 13,000 spacelift artifacts, a restored German rocket from World War II, galleries on various U.S. space programs, Russian capsules, and so much more.

It also features a magnificent dome theater that plays a wide array of documentaries, short films, and movies for all ages.

The main highlight of this space museum that you should see before leaving is the Hall of Space gallery.

It features various themed sections from different countries and periods.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites

Related: Best Places to Eat in Hutchinson

11. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve — Strong City

2480B KS-177 Strong City, KS 66869 (620) 273-8494

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is one of the best vacation spots for those seeking an outdoor excursion.

It encompasses over 10,800 acres and rests within the Flint Hills region.

When looking for jaw-droppingly beautiful places to visit near you, drive on over to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

Spend some much-needed time away from tall buildings and bustling crowds by enjoying the day in the great outdoors doing countless activities.

For example, hike through postcard-perfect trails, explore historic ranches, observe grazing animals like bison and deer, go fishing, work on your nature photography skills, and plenty of other enjoyable options.

Visit during the summer to book their special, narrated Prairie Bus Tours, where you can explore the area aboard a comfortable bus and learn about its environment and history.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites Emporia

12. Oz Museum — Wamego

511 Lincoln Ave Wamego, KS 66547 (866) 458‑8686

The Oz Museum, established in 2004, is a family-friendly museum dedicated to the phenomenal world of the Wizard of Oz created by L. Frank Baum.

Do you and your loved ones finally have time to spend together on an unforgettable road trip?

Are you searching for where to go in Kansas that will keep your children well-entertained?

Then the Oz Museum is the perfect destination for you.

Here, you and your family can look through more than 2,000 items relating to the magical world, like artwork, sculptures, costumes, props used, photographs, and the like.

Complete the Wizard of Oz experience by dining at the neighboring restaurant, Toto’s TacOz!

It is a top-rated, themed restaurant serving some of the tastiest tacos in the area and also yummy dishes like quesadillas, burritos, and nachos.

It also has a menu catering to your little ones and vegetarian options for those who follow the diet.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Manhattan

13. Monument Rocks — Oakley

Monument Rocks Oakley, KS 67748

The Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, are massive rock formations.

It is at least 80 million years old and a National Natural Landmark.

Experience the very best of Kansas by paying a visit to one of its eight natural wonders, the Monument Rocks, formed in the Cretaceous period.

Go on a memorable adventure as you and your special someone, friends, or family drive to the colossal chalk formations, towering at roughly 70 feet tall, and take plenty of pictures of the iconic landmark.

As you explore the area, keep a lookout for various fossils on the rocks.

Before heading to Monument Rocks, make sure you pack all the necessities you need, like food and water, because the nearest store is roughly 40 minutes away from the attraction.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Castle Rock Inn & Suites – Quinter

14. Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum — Atchison

223 N Terrace St Atchison, KS 66002 (913) 367-4217

The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, constructed in 1861, was the former home of world-famous aviator Amelia Earhart, who mysteriously vanished without a trace.

One of the best cities to visit in Kansas is Atchison because it’s where you can find the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum.

This lovely historic home features Gothic Revival-style architecture and boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia of the female aviator.

Learn about the life, accomplishments, works, and legacy of Amelia Earheart by viewing its many displays.

Afterward, you can stop by the gift shop and buy themed souvenirs like apparel, toys, jewelry, stamps, ornaments, accessories, books, magnets, and more.

Before heading home, drop by the nearby Theatre Atchison, a mere 2-minute drive away.

Here, you can watch an entertaining live performance like a theatrical production or comedy act.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Atchison

15. Plaza Cinema — Ottawa

209 S Main St Ottawa, KS 66067 (785) 242-5555

The Plaza Cinema, founded in 1907, is the oldest purpose-built cinema currently in operation on earth.

It features a well-maintained cinema and a museum showcasing two levels of movie memorabilia.

Are you searching for places to travel in Kansas to enjoy the ultimate movie date with your travel companions?

If you are, I strongly recommend the Plaza Cinema.

As one of the best places to visit in Kansas, it offers you a grand screen with high-tech sound systems where you can watch a movie, and a museum exhibiting a collection of props used in films, cameras, posters, costumes, a wand box from the Harry Potter franchise, and the like.

Grab a couple of drinks with your friends after visiting the Plaza Cinema at Not Lost Brewing.

This microbrewery offers some of the finest hand-crafted and traditional beer and other exquisite alcoholic concoctions that you can enjoy while catching up.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: SureStay Hotel by Best Western Ottawa

Related: Best Family Hotels in Kansas

Map of Places to Visit in Kansas

Kansas Places to Visit: The 15 Best Places to Go for 2024

• Botanica: Wichita Gardens — Wichita
• Kansas State Capitol — Topeka
• Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum — Abilene
• Evel Knievel Museum — Topeka
• The Keeper of the Plains — Wichita
• Boot Hill Museum — Dodge City
• Flint Hills Discovery Center — Manhattan
• Fort Larned National Historic Site — Larned
• Kansas Speedway — Kansas City
• Cosmosphere — Hutchinson
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve — Strong City
• Oz Museum — Wamego
• Monument Rocks — Oakley
• Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum — Atchison
• Plaza Cinema — Ottawa

The 15 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Kansas That Everyone Should Visit

Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.

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There’s no denying that Kansas is such a beautiful place. Here in the Sunflower State, nature is all around us, and with our wide open skies and lush grasslands, there’s always something beautiful to look at. However, sometimes you don’t know exactly where to go when you’re in search of an incredible natural attraction. Who’s ready to get out and explore some of nature’s treasures? If you answered “yes,” you’re in luck because Kansas is filled with lots of natural attractions that are definitely worth a visit. Listed below are 15 Kansas natural attractions to get you started.

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Have you ever seen any of these natural attractions in Kansas up close and in person? If so, please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, if there are any other Kansas natural attractions that you believe should be added to this list, feel free to share those as well.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

Kansas natural attractions.

What are three Kansas natural landmarks that are a definite must-see?

There are quite a few natural landmarks located throughout the state of Kansas. Listed below are three of our favorites that we believe everyone should experience up close and in person.

1. Rock City

Rock City is a 5-acre park that's located in Minneapolis, Kansas. It's home to more than 200 Dakota Sandstone concretions, some of which have a diameter as large as 27 feet. Visitors of Rock City enjoy climbing on these concretions, especially kids.

2. Monument Rocks

Monument Rocks are unique chalk formations in Oakley, Kansas. In fact, some are taller than 70 feet. Monument Rocks, which is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, was the first site to ever be chosen by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark. Amazing!

3. Big Basin Prairie Preserve

Big Basin Prairie Preserve is located near Ashland, Kansas and is one of the state's most beautiful outdoor spots. Covering nearly 2,000 acres, it features rolling hills, wildflowers, native wildlife, and so much more.

What's one of the smallest natural wonders in Kansas that leaves one of the biggest impressions?

Many natural wonders help make up the great state of Kansas, including Mushroom Rock State Park , which covers only five acres. Even though this state park is small in size, it offers a lot of natural scenic beauty. Mushroom Rock State Park is located in Brookville, Kansas along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway. It features several rare rock formations, some of which resemble mushrooms. It's most definitely worth seeing at least once.

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The 12 best places to visit in Kansas

Enjoy the 12 best places to visit in kansas.

Kansas is full of numerous beautiful and often quirky small cities. I love Kansas City and Wichita , but the state’s smaller places are the heart of Kansas. After 30 years of traveling throughout Kansas, these are my 12 best places to visit in Kansas.

Leavenworth, Cottonwood Falls, St. Francis, Fort Scott, and Goodland are featured in our book Midwest Road Trip Adventures . Order one here .

Disclaimer: Some of these cities hosted our visits, but our opinions are our own.

1. Lindsborg, more Swedish than Sweden

During his 1976 visit, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf said that Lindsborg , Little Sweden USA, is more Swedish than Sweden. Immerse yourself in Swedish culture at the Swedish Pavilion , then walk across the street to the Old Mill Museum . Look for the Wild Dalas throughout Lindsborg.

But you don’t need to be a Swede to enjoy the Central Kansas community. Stroll through Downtown Lindsborg’s fun shops and walk the Välkommen Trail. Eat at the Crown & Rye and the Öl’ Stuga . Grab some go juice at Blacksmith Coffee and stay at Dröm Sött/ Sweet Dreams Inn .

Pro tip : Drive to the top of Coronado Heights north of Lindsborg and see where Francisco Vasquez de Coronado might have been in 1541.

2. Hays, the most beautiful Main Street in Kansas

Hays is beautiful. We didn’t need any more evidence, but MSN named the city as the Most Beautiful Main Street in Kansas . That designation helps make Hays one of the best places to visit in Kansas. Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. led the way to make downtown a magnet for shoppers. We enjoy Paisley Pear , Be Made , and Simply Charmed . Eat at Tiger Burgers .

Visit the Bison Herd across the road from the Fort Hays State Historic Site . Dinosaur buffs will adore the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Stay at the Inn at 117 or the Hilton Garden Inn . Camp at the Creekside Resort .

Pro tip : Buy a Fort Hays State souvenir at the Tiger Book Shop .

3. Cottonwood Falls, a Flint Hills gem

Nestled in the Flint Hills, Cottonwood Falls is gorgeous from its namesake falls on the city’s north end to the Chase County Courthouse on its south end. With its Second Empire-style mansard roof, the courthouse is one of the state’s most gorgeous buildings. It was one of the Finalists in the Overall 8 Wonders of Kansas contest; therefore, it’s one of the best places to visit in Kansas.

The small city offers some unique shops, like Symphony in the Flint Hills , but the real gem is exploring the Flint Hills and the  Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve .

Eat and stay at the Grand Central Hotel & Grill in Cottonwood Falls. On Friday nights, join the Emma Chase Friday Night Music at Prairie Past Times in Cottonwood Falls. Friday Night Music is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs .

Pro tip : During the spring, find the waterfall at Chase County Fishing Lake .

4. Leavenworth, the first city in Kansas and freedom’s outpost

Several months after Abraham Lincoln visited Leavenworth, he said, “If I went West, I think I would go to Kansas .” He cited Leavenworth . Lincoln’s opinion matters: Leavenworth is one of the best places to visit in Kansas. On Leavenworth’s walking trails, you can stand where Lincoln stood during his 1859 visit.

Fort Leavenworth is the oldest fort west of the Mississippi River. Seventeen years after the fort’s founding, the City of Leavenworth became the first city in Kansas. The lovely, diverse city on the Missouri River offers incredible history, a charming downtown, beautiful river views, and walking trails. Ride vintage carousels at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum .

Eat a chicken-fried steak at the Metropolitan Steakhouse and Mediterranean cuisine at Mido’s Halal Mediterranean Grill , parked at Denney’s Produce . Stay at the TownePlace Suites .

Pro tip : Learn about African-American history at the Richard Allen Cultural Center & Museum.

5. Norton, where car culture shines

If you enjoy vintage car culture, Norton is the place for you. This car lover’s paradise includes three restored vintage gas stations and Goof’s Big Boy’s Toy Museum, which is full of his automobile collectibles.

But Norton offers more than car culture. Escape to Prairie Dog State Park. Downtown, meet the people who ran for President but lost in the They Also Ran Gallery . Eat wood-fired pizza and shop for upscale kitchen gear at Destination Kitchen . Go next door to the quilt store Stitch Up a Storm and enjoy their top-notch merchandising skills. Stay at the Sleep Inn & Suites or the Prairie Inn at Lathrop House .

Pro tip : One of the largest meteorites to strike North America landed in Norton County. Learn more at the Norton County Historical Museum .

6. Great Bend, home of world-class birding

Great Bend derives its name from the Great Bend of the Arkansas River. The river’s associated wetlands make the city a prime location for outdoor activities. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area ‘s oasis and variety of habitats attract migratory birds. In the spring, listen to the haunting song of sandhill cranes. In the fall, Great Bend offers prime hunting opportunities ( PDF ).

Great Bend also attracts shoppers. Visit Heart of Kansas/Miss Pretty Pickles , Rosewood Wine Cellar , and MindSculpt Games . ( Full disclosure: Heart of Kansas sells my book, Midwest Road Trip Adventures . ) Eat at the HandleBar and Grill and the Sarocha Thai Restaurant . Stay at the Best Western Angus Inn .

Pro tip : Great Bend’s SCRA Drag Strip hosted the first National Hot Rod Association championship in 1955. SCRA provided the ideal venue, a World War II B-29 base with an 8,000-foot runway.

7. Concordia, the Orphan Train Town

From 1854 to 1929, the Orphan Train Movement relocated over 250,000 children from large East Coast cities to smaller cities and towns throughout all 48 states. Concordia hosts the Orphan Train Complex that explains and preserves the history of the Orphan Trains. Connect with individual children’s stories on the Sculpture Stroll (PDF). One of the sculptures stands in front of the 140-foot Whole Wall Mural , the largest sculpted brick mural in the United States, on the east side of Cloud County Tourism ‘s office.

Concordia also boasts some excellent examples of Edwardian architecture. For example, the beautiful Brown Grand Theater is a replica of Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. After restoration, the theater reopened in 1980. The Sisters of St. Joseph outgrew their convent and academy. They built a massive five-story brick and native stone Nazareth Convent and Academy beginning in 1902.

Eat at Jitter’s Coffee House & Lounge, Easy G Sports Grill, and El Puerto Mexican Restaurant.

Pro tip : At Camp Concordia’s peak, more than 4,000 German prisoners of war at WWII POW Camp Concordia . Call ahead for tours.

8. St. Francis, where Kansas has canyons

Kansas is anything but flat. If you’re skeptical, come to St. Francis. First, admire vintage motorcycles at the St. Francis Motorcycle Museum .  Meet former Cheyenne County residents Ron Evans, Apollo 17’s Command Module Pilot , and Len Dresslar, the Jolly Green Giant’s voice at the Cheyenne County Museum .

Then drive north to the Arikaree Breaks , the Canyons of Kansas. Please bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it at Sue’s Picnic Table. The Breaks were both a Finalist in the overall 8 Wonders of Kansas and the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography contest. Those dual designations mean that St. Francis is one of the best places to visit in Kansas.

Eat at Diamond R Bar , Fresh Seven Coffee , and Tin Roof Baking Co . Stay at Spencer House Bed & Breakfast .

Pro tip : Cast your line for channel catfish at Keller’s Pond .

9. Lucas, grassroots art and one of the best places to visit in Kansas

Grassroots art defines Lucas. Ironically, the city considered S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden  an embarrassment. Imagine their reaction when he prepared a corpse viewing area in his onsite mausoleum , and then when others followed in Dinsmoor’s footsteps. Lucas now embraces quirky art in all its forms, making it another of the best places to visit in Kansas.

Stop first at Bowl Plaza , where bathroom humor becomes art. Shop for delicious meats and cheeses at Brant’s Market next door, then visit the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things. See more at the Grassroots Art Center .

Eat at the Backstreet Bakery . Stay at the Horseshoe Lodge .

Pro tip : On your way to Lucas , explore Wilson and the Post Rock Scenic Byway.

10. Fort Scott: Soldiers and more unsung heroes

The Army built Fort Scott on the so-called Permanent Indian Frontier. The fort played a part in the Mexican War, Bleeding Kansas, and the Civil War. Downtown Fort Scott is a short walk from the fort.

After you admire Downtown Fort Scott ‘s architecture, visit the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. The Milken Center honors those who took risks for humanity’s benefit, including Irena Sendler . At the Gordon Parks Museum , honor the world-famous Black photographer, filmmaker, musician, and writer.

Drink a bourbon in Bourbon County at Crooner’s or Sharky’s Pub & Grub . Stay at the Courtland Hotel .

Pro tip : Bring your utility terrain vehicle (UTV) or mountain bike to Kansas Rocks Recreation Park .

11. Dodge City, one of the most iconic best places to visit in Kansas

Set in Dodge City , Gunsmoke aired for 635 episodes over 20 seasons. Gunsmoke ‘s Dodge City looks nothing like the real Dodge. But you can find 10 Gunsmoke stars on the Dodge City Trail of Fame , plus the Marlboro Man . Star in your Western at the Boot Hill Museum . Since Dodge City is so iconic, it has to be one of the best places to visit in Kansas.

In cattle-themed attractions, visit Forget-Me-Not Farms , a dairy where tours end with chocolate milk and ice cream. An overlook northeast of Dodge City shows a feedlot, where cattle are “ finished ” before becoming beef. Sample the wares at Boot Hill Distillery and Dodge City Brewing .

Eat at Casey’s Cowtown Club . Stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites near the casino. Camp at Riverside RV Park .

Pro tip : Remember 9/11 at Liberty Garden in Wright Park.

12. Goodland, the perfect name for an ag-themed byway

Land and Sky Scenic Byway is America’s first agriculture-themed byway. What could be a better ag-themed name than Goodland? The largest sunflower of them all is always in bloom. A replica of Vincent van Gogh’s Three Sunflowers in a Vase is the World’s Largest Painting on an Easel , and it towers over the town. Another giant artwork, the Giant Grasshopper , stands north of Goodland.

Goodland also enjoys America’s First Patented Helicopter at the High Plains Museum .  Downtown, shop at Lou Lou’s Boutique , Mor Mor’s Antiques , and Jacque’s Hallmark . Eat at Westport on Main , then savor shaved ice at Terra Bona Hawai’ian Shaved Ice & Coffee Co. next door. Stay in a historic church or camp at Mid-America Camp Inn .

Pro tip : The recently-renovated Soldiers Memorial County Park is an oasis. Bring your fishing gear.

What are your favorite best places to visit in Kansas?

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Find Kansas civil rights sites in Fort Scott, Leavenworth, and more.

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Travel Guide

Southeast Kansas

The value of freedom is beyond question. Our way of life stands on the courage and sacrifice of people who resolved to fight for it with every breath. Their sacrifices led to better working conditions in mines that still stand nationwide today. It mustered forces in our nation's historic fight for human rights and dignity. The free spirit blows through our hearts continually. We live it out on the open road. Gravel biking. Hunting the woods. Fishing unrestrained waters. We won't be held back. We're a place For The Free .

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Southeast Kansas Travel Itinerary

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25 Best Things to Do in Wichita (KS)

Wichita began life as a cowtown (a time and style of life that can still be explored today thanks to the living Cowtown Museum) but has grown to be the largest city in the state of Kansas as well as the self-proclaimed Air Capital of the World. This claim is not made lightly with more than half of the world’s aircraft being built here thanks to the presence of some of the aviation world’s major players.

Whilst the rest of the state of Kansas should take precedent during a visit to the area, there is still plenty to warrant spending a couple of days in Wichita including some great museums and park spaces as well as the vibrant Oldtown area.

Oldtown has plenty of history in its buildings but the current occupants provide good value for a visit too. The area is lively and vibrant with a host of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues worth visiting. If you only have one day to spend in Wichita then be sure to visit the Oldtown area at some point in the day.

If you have a little longer to explore, here are the 25 Best Things to do in Wichita:

1. Discover some world treasures

The Museum of World Treasures is without a doubt one of the best museums in Wichita and in the entire state of Kansas.

The museum explores a wide range of exciting exhibits Ivan the T Rex, Ancient Art and Form and Function: Making a Living in the Cenozoic, which explores what life was like in the last ice age.

Entrance for an adult costs just over $9 and the museum is open seven days a week.

2. Explore Exploration Place

This science museum and not for profit organization aims to inspire interest in science through exciting and thought provoking exhibits.

Among the exhibits on display at Exploration Place are a flight and design exhibit, a miniature model of Kansas complete with moving trains and a 7 foot tall so-called “Big Mouth”. The museum also features constantly changing traveling exhibits.

The museum is open 7 days a week and is free to members or $9.50 to non-member adults.

3. Travel back in time to Old Cowtown

The Old Cowtown Museum is a living museum that recreates life in the late 19th Century in and around the Wichita area.

The museum occupies 23 acres of land just off the Chisholm Trail and is truly different each and every time you visit due to the live actors and the interactive exhibits. The people you will meet during your visit include herdsmen, hunters, fur traders and farmers.

The actors here are very passionate and it does not take much of an imagination to get into the experience.

4. Visit the Sedgwick County Zoo

This AZA accredited zoo is certainly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wichita.

Founded back in 1971, the zoo has been ranked as one of the best in the country and is home to more than 3,000 animals from over 400 species.

The park is divided into themed exhibits from each continent, for example, the North American area is home to otters and grizzly bears whereas in the African area of the zoo, you will find rhinos, lions and elephants.

5. Take flight at the Kansas Aviation Museum

The former airport terminal, which operated between 1935 and 1951, is the perfect setting for this aviation museum in Wichita.

The museum is a good day out for all ages with interesting and well researched exhibits as well as plenty of exciting craft for children to marvel at.

The planes on show here include a 1927 Swallow, which crashed in 1929 and was put into storage before being restored, as well as more modern aircraft including a passenger Boeing 727.

6. Learn about plants at Wichita Gardens

These botanical gardens on Amidon Street were opened in 1987. The different gardens you can explore here include a butterfly garden, Chinese garden of friendship and a rock garden.

There are a great number of plants to see and it is worth visiting in different seasons to see the transformation of the gardens.

For those with a passion for learning about gardening and flora; there are lunchtime lectures held on a variety of topics each and every Wednesday.

7. Find out about Wichita’s history

No trip to Wichita should be complete without a visit to the interesting and informative Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum.

The museum explores the history of the Wichita and Sedgwick County and is housed in the stunning City Hall building.

Exhibits include exploring the industries that have provided for the county in the past as well as the earliest inhabitants of the area and the first 50 years of the county’s existence.

8. See some great trains at Great Plains

Great Plains Transportation Museum is a railroad museum in Wichita that has a collection of locomotive engines, carriages and other artifacts to do with railroad transport.

The museum is found in East Douglas and is open seven days a week during the spring and summer months.

9. Tour the Orpheum Theater

The Orpheum Theater claims to be the first atmospheric theater in the United States and hosts many world class performances throughout the year.

You will find the theater on the corner of 1st and Broadway in the downtown area of the city. Tours of the theater, which include architectural highlights and historical facts, can be booked by phoning the theater directly.

The tours cost a minimum donation of $10 per person.

10. Admire art at the Wichita Art Museum

Established in 1915 when the will of Louise Murdoch’s will was used to start a private art collection, the Wichita Museum of Art is now home to a large collection of art from all styles and genres.

The exhibits include American art from local artists and contemporary art from all over the world. The Past and Present: Wichita’s Legacy is particularly worth seeing and explores works from two of the cities best known artists.

11. See the Keeper of the Plains

The Keeper of the Plains is a statue that was built in 1974 where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers meet.

The statue, which is 44 feet tall and weighs around 5 tonne, depicts an Indian Chief and was designed by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin.

The most impressive time to see the statue is when the “Ring of Fire” surrounds it which happens seven days a week but only for 15 minutes each day. In winter the ring burns from 7pm and in summer it burns from 9pm.

12. Take a walk in the woods

Another attraction of the Great Plains, the Great Plains Nature Center aims to educate people about the flora and fauna within the area.

The Great Plains, which stretch from the far north to the south of the US, are home to an impressive variety of wildlife including 87 mammal species, more than 450 bird species and a whopping 150,000 insect species.

As well as learning, the area is a great place to walk in the woods in an otherwise built up urban area.

13. Join the Arkansas River Trail

The 10 mile Arkansas River Trail path is the longest and best loved multi use trail in the city.

It runs along the Southwest bank of the Arkansas River and is popular with runners, cyclists and walkers.

The trail is also a great way to get from point to point and along the way, you will find stadiums, shops, museums, an ice rink and even the city zoo.

14. Visit the Original Pizza Hut

Back in the 1950s, the pizza craze gripped the United States, it was at this time that two brothers opened the very first Pizza Hut restaurant.

The building has since been moved to the campus as a symbol for the students of what hard work can achieve.

Although this is the holy grail for pizza fans, the inside of it is actually used for office space by the University and cannot be accessed by the public.

15. Admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House, also known as the Henry J Allen House is another of the famous American architect’s buildings built in Prairie Style.

It is considered to be one of his finest designs. Guided tours of the building are by appointment only and serve groups with a minimum of five people and maximum of twenty.

16. Rifle through the Coleman Factory Museum

The Coleman Factory Museum is not quite large or special enough to justify a trip on its own merit. But if you are passing by, it is worth popping in and seeing some of the items on display.

The company was started in Oklahoma in 1900, two years before moving to Wichita. The company sold gas pressure lamps.

Entrance to the museum is free and may appeal to fans of Wichita Old Town.

17. Visit Old Town

Situated right in the heart of Wichita is Old Town. The area is home to many historic buildings including old warehouses and shops, some of which date back to the mid 19th Century.

Old Town is now home to over 100 businesses including shops, restaurants and two of the best known hotels in the city.

As well as being popular with tourists, Old Town is becoming a popular place to live in Wichita and lots of condos and apartments are popping up in the area.

18. Learn about Native Americans

The Mid-America All-Indian Center in Wichita is a great tribute to the Native American founders of the city as well as being a great educational resource about Native American History and culture.

Exhibits in the center are constantly changing and include Native American artifacts as well as artwork and Native American contributions to more recent events including World War 2.

19. Pay your respects to war veterans

The Veterans Memorials in Wichita consist of a variety of different areas and is a fitting tribute to many veterans from many wars.

The memorials include those dedicated to veterans of World War 2, the Korean War and Military Order of the Purple Cross.

A walk through the park is a reminder of the cost of freedom.

20. Visit the Toy Train Museum

Lots of good fun and trains can be found at the Wichita Toy Train Museum. The museum was founded by a club who originally were just responsible for a large exhibit at the Wichita Children’s Museum. A

s their collection has grown so has their exhibit space and now consists of enough toy trains to warrant its own museum.

21. Hunt a bargain at the Paramount Antique Mall

The Paramount Antique Mall opened for business in 1999 and has become the city of Wichita’s premier destination for bargain hunting and antique shopping.

The mall in West Wichita occupies an area of 40,000 square feet and more than 225 booths. It is one of the largest antique malls in the state of Kansas.

22. Discover the Ulrich Museum of Art

One of the city’s hidden museum gems is the Ulrich Museum of Art which can be found on Fairmount Street.

The museum is home to more than 6000 modern works of art ranging across a variety of mediums including photographs, sculptures and paintings. The museum can be found on the Wichita University Campus.

23. Visit a hidden gem

Another lesser known but worthwhile museum in Wichita is the Kansas Firefighter’s Museum. The Museum is located on Broadway Street and is housed in a former fire station.

The collection of antique fire fighting equipment includes a horse drawn pump, a hand pump for drawing water and an old chemical wagon.

There are also a number of vintage fire fighting vehicles.

24. Drink Wichita’s finest beer

The Central Standard Brewing Company in Wichita is the city’s top brewery and brewery tap. Central Standard Brewing produce a quality and wide range beers.

Tours of the brewing facilities are run by passionate staff who know their stuff about both the beers and the production process.

25. Visit Wichita Cathedral

Also not known for its great cathedral, Wichita does have its very own Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The cathedral was built in 1872 and is the seat of the diocese of Wichita.

Tours of the building include looking at the various architectural aspects that make the building so visually appealing as well as the history of the cathedral and its religious uses.

25 Best Things to Do in Wichita (KS):

• Discover some world treasures
• Explore Exploration Place
• Travel back in time to Old Cowtown
• Visit the Sedgwick County Zoo
• Take flight at the Kansas Aviation Museum
• Learn about plants at Wichita Gardens
• Find out about Wichita's history
• See some great trains at Great Plains
• Tour the Orpheum Theater
• Admire art at the Wichita Art Museum
• See the Keeper of the Plains
• Take a walk in the woods
• Join the Arkansas River Trail
• Visit the Original Pizza Hut
• Admire Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House
• Rifle through the Coleman Factory Museum
• Visit Old Town
• Learn about Native Americans
• Pay your respects to war veterans
• Visit the Toy Train Museum
• Hunt a bargain at the Paramount Antique Mall
• Discover the Ulrich Museum of Art
• Visit a hidden gem
• Drink Wichita's finest beer
• Visit Wichita Cathedral

15 Fun Things to Do in Kansas City with Kids (2024)

M any adults might head to Kansas City for their famous barbecue restaurants and jazz clubs, but did you know that there are many fun things to do in Kansas City with kids?

The self-proclaimed City of Fountains (there are over 200 throughout the metropolitan area) is the perfect  Midwestern road trip ! It’s home to the Kansas City Royals, a Spanish-themed outdoor shopping area, and a thriving art scene.

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, you’ll be thrilled to find that Kansas City, Missouri is a great place to find a variety of things to do for the whole family. Check out my suggestions below.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Awesome Things to Do with Kids in Kansas City Missouri

1. kaleidoscope.

Located in the Crown Center, Hallmark operates  Kaleidoscope , a family art center where kids are encouraged to explore their creativity. The place is full of hands-on crafts and whimsical creatures and displays.

Kids will enjoy making their own puzzles, painting, exploring the glow-in-the-dark room, and using their imagination. Plus, it’s free to visit!

Next door is the  Hallmark Visitors Center  (also free), which showcases the history of Hallmark. You can explore exhibits featuring keepsake ornaments, the Hallmark Art collection, and probably your kid’s favorite, a bow-making machine!

2. Kansas City Zoo

If you get a chance to visit the  Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium , don’t pass it up. Located in Swope Park, it’s small enough to get through in one day but large enough that you’ll want to wear good walking shoes. Be sure to purchase the wristbands that give you access to the tram at the zoo!

Everyone can see their favorite animals at the KC Zoo, from penguins and polar bears to free-roaming kangaroos. There are great experiences, like a playground for little kids, a classic carousel, animal demonstrations, and more.

If you get hungry, there are places to eat throughout the park too. Locals can enjoy great prices on season passes or try to purchase tickets a few weeks in advance online to get a discount on admission.

3. College Basketball Experience

The  CBE  is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s part-Hall of Fame Museum, part-interactive play area.

Located at T-Mobile Center, this place is a kid’s dream. You can shoot hoops on a full-size court, play timed skill games, dunk a basketball, and enjoy basketball arcade games.

There’s a section for Hall of Fame inductees, but most kids won’t be interested. I’m a huge college basketball fan and I will say, I was a bit disappointed. That’s because it’s not a College Basketball historical museum as one might expect. There aren’t any real artifacts or anything like that (just my opinion).

Of course, most kids aren’t looking for a history lesson and would gladly spend hours here. Bring some comfy shoes and join in the fun!

4. Science City at Union Station

Our family loves science centers and  Science City at Union Station  has many hands-on activities for kids to explore. Kids will love the SkyBike, a dinosaur dig site, and Mr. E’s Hotel of Illusions. Plan on spending a couple of hours here so kids can truly enjoy this interactive museum.

5. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Located in nearby Overland Park,  Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead  was designed to represent a typical farmstead in the early 1900s. Open seasonally (April through October), the farmstead has over 200 animals, a one-room schoolhouse, gardens, wagon rides, a dairy farm, and more.

Kids can try their hand at fishing in the pond or feeding a goat, the experience is whatever your family wants to make of it. So plan for the day or go for a couple of hours and see what life was like on the farm!

6. Lakeside Nature Center

A great way to spend a day outdoors in the Kansas City area is by heading to the   Lakeside Nature Center  in Swope Park. This is a small local nature habitat and animal rehab facility that offers educational programs to visitors.

You can visit the indoor exhibits and walk through the rehabilitation center, learning about the amazing work they do with local animals. Outdoors, there are  nature trails, more outdoor exhibits, cool rock formations, and a picnic area.

7. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Located in the 18th & Vine Museum complex (along with the  American Jazz Museum ), the  Negro Leagues Baseball Museum  showcases the history of African American baseball. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you can still appreciate the stories of the players, their struggles, and their success on and off the field.

School-age children will hopefully appreciate and understand the difficulties these players faced as they tried to gain acceptance in a world that didn’t embrace them because of their race. The exhibits are very educational, and the artifacts tell a story.

I would highly recommend this for kids ages 8 and above (due to the fact there is a lot to read).

8. LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium

LEGOLAND Discovery Center has everything a LEGO fan could love: a factory tour, rides, building opportunities, and a 4D theater with LEGO movies. Younger children will probably enjoy this more, but everyone can appreciate the work that goes into the LEGO models and creations.

Adjacent to LEGOLAND is SEA LIFE , a fun, delightfully decorated aquarium allowing visitors to pet starfish, walk through a shark tunnel, and learn about marine life. The aquarium is not very large, but exhibits are well laid out and younger kids will love the interactive Doodle Reef!

9. Visit the Money Museum

Inside the  Money Museum , located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, kids can learn about money in a very fun way! This museum is full of interactive exhibits. There is a giant vault filled with millions of dollars, President Truman’s coin collection, and more.

Kids love the bags of money available for every visitor to take home (shredded money, that is)! There are guided pop-up tours offered in June and July or choose from self-guided tours via audio or an app. Free admission makes this worth a stop!

10. Explore the River Market

One of our favorite places to go in Downtown Kansas City is the historic River Market. On Saturdays and Sundays, this place comes alive with an outdoor market, rides on the KC Streetcar, and more.

Come hungry, because you will have your pick of places to eat. Or pop into local boutiques and candy stores.

The City Market is also where you’ll find the  Arabia Steamboat Museum . This is a cool piece of local history, spotlighting the Steamboat Arabia that sank in the Missouri River in the 1800s. You can learn about the history of steam boating along the river and check out the impressive collection of items preserved from the Arabia.

11. Coterie Children’s Theatre

Located in Crown Center,  The Coterie  brings the live theater experience to children of all ages. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Kansas City with kids.

Children sit on the floor at the edge of the stage for an interactive experience. They’ll love being part of the show! And the actors and performances are always top-notch.

12. National World War I Museum and Memorial

The  National WWI Museum and Memorial   is the only museum in America dedicated to those who fought in the Great War, and it’s one of my favorite historical museums.

We visited a few years ago with our children, and they were fully engaged every step of the way! From the field of poppies at the entrance to the life-size trenches and the tank, they loved every minute of it.

One of our favorite parts was taking the elevator (and stairs) to the top of the tower for a view of Kansas City. Grab an audio guide for kids because it’s worth understanding the displays and artifacts.

Be sure to eat before your visit, because you’ll definitely want to spend at least a couple of hours here.

13. Worlds of Fun

Kansas City’s amusement park  W orlds of Fun  has a water park (Oceans of Fun) right next door, so it’s a full day of fun when families visit. There are plenty of roller coasters and thrill rides, Planet Snoopy, and rides for the young ones too.

Just keep in mind that Kansas City does experience a change of seasons, so some attractions at the theme park are only open during the warmer months. However, many of these activities are indoors, so there should be plenty of fun choices for a rainy day or during the winter.

14. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop-Farm

If your family loves history and you want a memorable experience, plan a visit to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop-Farm , just 30 minutes from Downtown KC in Olathe. This is a living history museum and farm dating back to the 1860s.

There’s so much to do at the Mahaffie Farm, including touring the old farmhouse and museum and watching demonstrations of life on the farm by staff dressed in period attire.

Kids will love riding the stagecoach and visiting the farm animals! There are also kid-friendly exhibits and hands-on activities.

15. Go to a U-Pick Event at a Local Farm

One of the great things about Kansas City is its proximity to so many amazing farms and orchards that offer special events for families throughout the year!

You can enjoy a pumpkin patch and special events during the holiday season, but there are also a variety of U-Pick events at area farms in every season.

A lot of the bigger farms, like the  Gieringers Family Orchard & Berry Farm   and   Alldredge Orchards , feature playgrounds, corn mazes, and other fun activities for kids. And don’t forget to stop by the farm store for seasonal fresh produce, handcrafted items, and more.

Where to Stay in Kansas City with Kids

Families that want to be in the heart of the action might want to stay at  Loews Kansas City Hotel  or  Hotel Kansas City .

If your family wants to shop, try the  Hampton Inn and Suites – Country Club Plaza . There’s also a  Great Wolf Lodge  near Worlds of Fun if your family wants an indoor waterpark experience.

Kid Friendly Restaurants in Kansas City

For families wondering where to eat in Kansas City with kids, I suggest trying one of these:

• Fritz’s  – A railroad-themed restaurant (go to the inside Crown Center) where your burgers and fries are delivered to your table by train
• Jack Stack BBQ  – They have superb BBQ, but we like this restaurant for its delicious ribs and great service (there are a few locations in KC)
•   Cosentino’s Market & Deli   – This is the perfect place to grab food for a picnic, with their soup and salad bar, deli, and fresh sushi

Looking for more Midwestern fun? Don’t miss a stay on this  Kansas sunflower farm  or check out these  weekend trips from St. Louis !

The post 15 Fun Things to Do in Kansas City with Kids (2024) appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

Northern lights this weekend? Auroras could be visible as far south as Alabama.

Skywatchers get ready: Thanks to heightened solar activity, the aurora borealis could be coming to the skies above a large portion of the United States this weekend, space weather forecasters said Thursday.

Federal forecasters from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said that during previous solar activity of this magnitude, the "aurora has been seen as low as Alabama and northern California." Experts say the aurora might be visible Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.

The spectacle would be courtesy of a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, which are forecast to reach the Earth early this weekend and produce the geomagnetic storms that trigger auroras. A G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for Saturday May 11, NOAA said.

The northern lights are the most benign result of solar activity. Strong solar storms – including G4s – can also disrupt some radio communications, harm satellites and even knock out power systems, forecasters warned.

Storm watch upgraded to G4

"This weekend's geomagnetic storm watch has been upgraded from  G2  (Moderate) to  G4  (Severe)," according to astronomer Tony Phillips, writing on SpaceWeather.com . "Why? Because giant sunspot AR3664 keeps hurling CMEs toward Earth. Following  today's X2.2 solar flare , there are now at least 4 storm clouds heading our way," Phillips said.

The colorful aurora forms when particles flowing from the sun get caught up in Earth's magnetic field. The particles interact with molecules of atmospheric gases to cause the famed glowing green and reddish colors of the aurora.

A fickle forecast

The aurora can be fickle to forecast, so some caution is warranted before adjusting your weekend plans. Unlike terrestrial weather, scientists who forecast space weather – which includes the aurora – must rely on observations of the 93-million-miles-away sun to make their predictions.

"There are so many uncertainties, it makes it difficult to predict," Bill Murtagh, the program coordinator at the Space Weather Prediction Center, told USA TODAY last year . And as hard as it is to forecast weather here on Earth, "we are decades behind the forecast capabilities of our colleagues in meteorology," he admitted, referring to space weather.

Solar maximum is here

The northern lights, aka the aurora borealis, have been appearing more frequently in the night sky over the United States recently. In April 2023, for example, a stunning aurora display was seen as far south as  Arkansas in the South and Arizona in the West.  

So why the uptick in aurora sightings? And is this expected to continue? Well, if you love the aurora, you're in luck, as it may be coming to a sky near you more often over the next few years thanks to the "solar maximum," which is expected to peak this year.

"There have been an increase in aurora seen in general on Earth,"  Shannon Schmoll, the director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University  told USA TODAY last year. "The sun has been more active, resulting in more solar storms that cause solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME).

Tips for viewing the northern lights

"Go out at night," NOAA said. "And get away from city lights."

The best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight (between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. local time). These hours expand towards evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases.

There may be aurora in the evening and morning, but it is usually not as active and therefore, not as visually appealing, NOAA said.

Kyle Larson wins by 0.001 seconds over Chris Buescher, closest finish in NASCAR history

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the Kansas Speedway for the first of two race weekends at the 1.5-mile oval in Kansas City, Kansas for Sunday's AdventHealth 400.

Last week, Denny Hamlin outlasted Kyle Larson to win at Dover and pick up win No. 3 of the season.

Those two drivers are expected to be in contention this weekend along with the majority of the cars at Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. the two shops that have dominated the season to this point.

Follow our live race updates with news and highlights below:

Wow! Kyle Larson for the win

Kyle Larson came from behind and edged out Chris Buescher with a photo finish to win the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway.

The win is Larson's second of the season. Larson won by a splitter.

Larson won by .001 seconds, the closest finish in NASCAR history.

• Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports
• Chris Buescher, RFK Racing
• Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports
• Martin Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing
• Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

Lap 261: Kyle Busch spins out

Kyle Busch, who was running in the top 5, has spun out with six laps left.

Here is the top 5:

• Martin Truex Jr. Joe Gibbs Racing
• Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing

Lap 247: Denny Hamlin leads with 20 laps left

Denny Hamlin is holding off Chris Buescher with 20 laps left.

Kyle Larson is third, Kyle Busch is fourth and Martin Truex Jr. is running fifth.

Lap 217: Denny Hamlin, Chris Buescher battling for lead with 50 laps left

Denny Hamlin and Chris Buescher is battling for the lead with 50 laps left.

However, don't look now but third-place Kyle Busch is also less than a second out of the lead.

Hamlin was in the lead in the restart, but Buescher soon passed him. Hamlin needed just a few laps to regain the lead.

In fourth place, Kyle Larson is 1.57 seconds behind the leader.

Lap 198: Joey Logano spins out, gets flat tire

Joey Logano has brought out a fourth caution in Stage 3 after he got into Chase Briscoe.

Briscoe was moving up the track when Logano clipped him after having no place to go.

Lap 190: Kyle Busch leads restart

Kyle Busch leads the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. A third caution has come out when Harrison Burton got loose.

Kyle Larson is second. Ty Gibbs is third.

Lap 185: Bubba Wallace, Austin Cyndric in crash

A second caution flag has come out for an on-track accident.

The accident happened when Joey Logano came up the track, moving Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin up the track. Hamlin hit into the left side of Cindric.

The bump sent Cyndric into the wall and then into a 360-degree spin. He hit both Wallace and Michael McDowell.

Lap 175: Jimmie Johnson hits the wall

Jimmie Johnson has hit the wall at Kansas in an incident that has also involved Corey Lajoie.

It's the first race caution for an accident.

Lajoie got into Johnson, who had let up. Austin Hill was also involved in the wreck.

Lap 173: Race leader Chris Buescher to rear of field

Chris Buescher, who won the second stage, must restart at the rear of the field after his pit crew came over the wall too early.

Stage 2 winner: Chris Buescher picks up first stage win

Chris Buescher won Stage 2 for his first NASCAR Cup Series state win of the season.

Here is the top 10:

1. Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Ford

2. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

3. Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

4. Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

5. Martin Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

6. Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

7. Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

8. Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota

9. Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

10. Noah Gragson, Stewart-Haas Racing Ford

Lap 137: We're past halfway, here is the top 5 in Stage 2

Chris Buescher leads the AventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on Lap 137, which is past the halfway point of the race, which is 267 laps. That is important after a three-hour rain delay. However, Kansas does have lights at the track.

2. Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

3. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

4. Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Lap 120: Kyle Larson has trouble in pit stop

Kyle Larson has been shuffled to eighth place after a pit stop. Larson's pit crew had an issue on the left front tire change, forcing more time to get out of the pits. Larson was the race leader by more than two seconds when he came in for his pit stop.

Lap 117: Kyle Larson checking out on field

Larson has more than a two second lead on Chris Buescher. Ty Gibbs is third and Kyle Busch is fourth.

Green flag stops on pit road starting to occur.

Lap 89: Kyle Larson takes lead to start Stage 2

Kyle Larson grabbed the lead on the inside of Ross Chastain. Chastain and Christopher Bell were fighting for the lead when Larson came beside and passed both.

End of Stage 1: Denny Hamlin holds off Ross Chastain

Denny Hamlin collected his third stage win of the season, holding off Ross Chastain to collect the win.

Hamlin's late surge came after Chastain and Larson dominated most of the first stage.

Here are the top 10 from Stage 1:

1. Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

2. Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing

3. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports

4. Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing

• 5. Chris Buescher, RFK Racing

6. Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing

7. Martin Truex, Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing

8. Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing

9. Noah Gragson, Stewart-Haas Racing

10. Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports

Lap 49: Ross Chastain, Kyle Larson battling for lead

Ross Chastain has held off Kyle Larson to maintain the lead.

Cars have gone through green flag pit stops.

The top five:

• 1. Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing
• 2. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports
• 3. Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing
• 4. Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

Polesitter Christopher Bell leads lap 1

Christopher Bell held off Ross Chastain to lead the opening lap. But Chastain edged him at the finish line on lap 2.

NASCAR Kansas race: Let's go racing

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson has given the order: "Drivers, start your engines."

The AdventHealth 400 was slated to start at 2 p.m. today. The race will start a little three hours later because of rain at Kansas Speedway.

NASCAR Kansas race delayed due to rain

The start of the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway has been postpone because of rain in the area. No start time has been released, however, those on the broadcast on FS1 said it could be "a couple hours."

However, it's been made clear that the Kansas track has lights and they do plan on running the race on Sunday.

More: NASCAR Kansas predictions 2024: Expert picks for Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway

NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas: Live updates, highlights, live leaderboard

Follow along with our live race updates, with green flag set for after 2 p.m. CT on Sunday.

LIVE LEADERBOARD:  Full field leaderboard of NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas

RACE TIME: What channel is the NASCAR Kansas race on today? Time, TV schedule for AdventHealth 400

Christopher Bell on the pole; full NASCAR Cup Series in Kansas starting lineup

Christopher Bell will lead the field to the green flag on Sunday after winning the pole during Saturday's qualifying session.

The top 10:

• 1. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• 2. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
• 3. Noah Gragson, No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
• 4. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• 5. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
• 6. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• 7. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
• 8. Michael McDowell, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
• 9. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• 10. Chase Briscoe, No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford

Find the  full starting lineup here .

NASCAR race radio coverage: How to listen to NASCAR Cup race at Kansas

The AdventHealth 400 at Kansas will be aired on the radio by the Motor Racing Network. MRN has affiliates all across the country, and their feed can also be streamed on  MRN.com  and on  NASCAR.com  as well as the NASCAR app. The race can also be heard on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.

NASCAR Cup Series Kansas race TV schedule, start time

• Green Flag Time:   Approx. 2 p.m. CT on Sunday, May 5
• TV coverage:   FS1 (coverage begins at 1 p.m. CT Sunday)
• Radio:   MRN (TBD in Nashville)
• Streaming:  FUBO   (free trial available) ; FOX Sports app (subscription required); GoPRN.com and SiriusXM on Channel 90 for audio (subscription required)

The AdventHealth 400 will be broadcast nationally on FS1. Streaming options for the race include the FOX Sports app and  FUBO , which offers a  free trial  to potential subscribers.

Recent NASCAR Cup Series winners at Kansas

• 2023 fall race: Tyler Reddick
• 2023 spring race:  Denny Hamlin
• 2022 fall race: Bubba Wallace
• 2022 spring race:  Kurt Busch
• 2021 fall race: Kyle Larson
• 2021 spring race:  Kyle Busch

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A FAFSA Fiasco Has Students Still Asking: Which College Can They Afford?

The new application for federal tuition aid was meant to be simpler. High school seniors say it has been anything but, and some are still unsure of their plans after graduation.

By Colbi Edmonds and Bernard Mokam

Colbi Edmonds and Bernard Mokam interviewed dozens of students, counselors and experts for this article.

By this time of year, college-bound high school seniors are usually celebrating their choices, researching dorms and even thinking of their majors. This year, that’s not necessarily the case.

Because of a disastrous rollout of the new application for federal tuition aid, many still don’t know how much tuition they would be paying and so have not decided where they can afford to go.

The Education Department’s redesigned form for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, was supposed to make applying for tuition aid easier and more accessible. But faced with a bureaucratic mess caused by technical meltdowns and severe delays in processing information and receiving aid packages, students say the new system has been anything but clear or streamlined.

The first signs of trouble began in December with the form’s release and have cascaded since, creating uncertainties for students — with graduation right around the corner.

“It’s been a nightmare from point A to point B,” said Reyna Atkinson, a 17-year-old from Michigan, who ultimately committed to Michigan State University after months of waiting.

FAFSA is a free, standardized application for federal aid for college tuition that millions rely on. Students fill out one form, with details on their background and household income, to request tuition information for the schools they list.

Before the overhaul, applicants typically received their financial aid packages within 72 hours of submission. But this year, the Education Department has to reprocess more than half a million applications , and students have been waiting for two, three months — and counting.

Students typically must commit to a college by May 1. Some colleges have extended their decision days until May 15 or early June because of the FAFSA problems.

Even so, several students interviewed by The New York Times said they were making decisions without getting a full picture of tuition costs, a move financial aid experts discourage. Others said they couldn’t commit without knowing how much their chosen college would cost.

Kenneth Seinshin, a 17-year-old from New York City who hopes to be the first in his family to go to college, started filling out his application the first week it came out. But it took months to troubleshoot the glitches he encountered; he finally submitted in March.

So far, he has received only one aid package, for Union College in New York, and he has yet to make a decision. “The whole process just really stressed me out,” Kenneth said.

Clover Schwalm, an 18-year-old from Michigan, was in a similar situation. As a disabled and transgender student, she wanted a school with an accessible and inclusive environment. She still hasn’t received all of her packages, including from schools of higher priority like Savannah College of Art and Design, but committed to Arizona State.

She said she has “reservations” about moving to Arizona, but was comforted by the fact that it doesn’t have a ban on transgender care for adults. “It’s not the best, but I also recognize that there are states that could be less safe,” she said.

Simply completing the application has been a frustrating task for many. Some have not been able to save their changes or make corrections, while others could not submit their form at all.

So far this year, there has been a noticeable dip in the number of students who have completed the form, compared with last year. Among high schoolers graduating this year, 35.6 percent had completed financial aid applications through April 26, compared with 48.2 percent in the same period for the previous class, data analysis by the National College Attainment Network shows.

“The data on FAFSA completion takes a bad story and makes it even worse,” said Bill DeBaun, a senior director at NCAN, which tracks FAFSA applications.

Reyna, the Michigan student, submitted her FAFSA form in January, but it wasn’t processed until late March. She was accepted to several schools, but the FAFSA system wouldn’t let her add them to her application, so she gave up on trying to get financial aid from them.

Ava James, 17, from California, faced different, but still frustrating, hurdles. When she tried to add her mother’s first name, Janice Cheryl, the system could not process the double name. She eventually figured it out, but then the system prematurely submitted the form without her signature. It took her six weeks to fix it.

Another wrinkle has been the form’s convoluted language.

Vanessa Farris, a counselor for the Ayers Foundation Trust in McMinnville, Tenn., said several of her students tripped over one particular question:

“Are the student’s parents unwilling to provide their information, but the student doesn’t have an unusual circumstance, such as those listed in question 7, that prevents them from contacting the parents or obtaining their information?”

“Such a little thing, but it has a cost,” Ms. Farris said. Several students provided wrong answers, and they were not able to amend their mistake for months.

The debacle affects some more than others. Agnes Cesare, a college counselor at U.C.L.A. Community School, said she was worried about its effects on students from low-income families or racial minority groups — the ones the new form was meant to help.

Ms. Cesare said that because of the arduous process, some students at her school had decided to pursue an associate degree and save up for a bachelor’s later. But she worries that once they are out of high school, they may not get the help they need to transfer to a four-year school.

“It feels like the roadblocks are insurmountable” for those students, Ms. Cesare said.

The process has been especially difficult for students with undocumented parents. The new system asks parents for their Social Security numbers, which undocumented people don’t have.

That was the case for Elizabeth Templos-Galindo, a 17-year-old in Tennessee, and her parents. They called the Education Department for assistance but were put on hold for five hours before learning of other forms of identification her parents could submit.

Education Department officials have acknowledged the glitches, and on a recent call with reporters, the deputy secretary of education, Cindy Marten, said they had been “working tirelessly to resolve those issues.” Officials added that students were now able to make corrections to their forms and that updated financial records were being sent to schools. Last month, the department announced that the leader of the Federal Student Aid office, Richard Cordray, would step down.

While FAFSA is used by every school in the country, a small group of institutions — a lot of them private and elite schools with a larger endowment and more students from wealthier backgrounds — also uses the College Scholarship Service Profile, a financial aid application administered by the College Board.

The CSS profile costs $25 per application, and schools that use it provide aid estimates using a different formula. Because that form didn’t have a bevy of glitches, students received estimates more quickly from CSS-affiliated schools than ones that use FAFSA.

Owen Keller, 18, from Maine, can speak to that. He filled out both FAFSA and CSS forms in December, and received tuition details from CSS-affiliated schools like Bowdoin College well before his first FAFSA package arrived in late April. Owen decided on Bowdoin even before receiving all of his packages.

The FAFSA blunder has made some reconsider their plans.

Yajaira Vargas, 18, from Reno, Nev., wants to study political science and become an immigration lawyer. She got into her top choice, the University of Nevada, Reno, but wasn’t able to apply for aid until May.

Now, she is considering not going to college immediately and taking a gap year. “But I don’t want to do that,” she said.

Universities are also feeling the stress of the FAFSA disaster, said Christopher Murr, assistant vice president for financial aid and scholarships at Texas State University.

“I know the U.S. Department of Education is doing their best at this point,” Dr. Murr said, “but it seems every couple of days there’s a new wrinkle, a new challenge that we have to adapt to.”

Experts are worried things may get worse this summer, when this debacle could collide with the “summer melt”: a period when students who took all the necessary steps to go to college, including putting down a deposit, decide not to enroll by fall semester.

Because of that, Mr. DeBaun said June 30 was seen as a crucial milestone, when the school year ends and high school students will no longer get access to counseling.

“Will we be able to connect students with the assistance they need to finish the process out?” he asked.

Alan Blinder contributed reporting.

Colbi Edmonds writes about the environment, education and infrastructure. More about Colbi Edmonds