Kansas might not be the first on your list of vacation destinations, but the state contains many interesting and fun places to visit. Here are our 7 favorite things to do during your trip.
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Dodge City
When you are visiting Kansas, the very last thing you want to do is get out of Dodge! Dodge City is a terrific place to step back into the Wild West and get a glimpse of what life was like for early settlers. Your first stop should be Boot Hill Museum. It features recreated streets, historic buildings, and artifacts from the bygone era. Make sure you are there at noon or at 6:30 p.m. to see the Boot Hill Gunfighters shoot out. Stick around to enjoy the Variety Saloon Show featuring singing, dancing, piano playing, and skits that bring the Old West alive.
Take a stroll down the Dodge City Trail of Fame on Wyatt Earp Boulevard. Here you will see sidewalk stars and statues honoring all of the famous Dodge City residents and even some of the actors who have played them over the years on screen. Then take a guided Trolley Tour to learn more about the history of the city.
Once you’ve had your fill of history, Dodge City has more to offer. If you are feeling lucky, you can visit Boot Hill Casino for gaming, live entertainment, and great dining. And Dodge City Raceway Park offers auto racing on a dirt track.
There are many great places to stay in Dodge City. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Oz Museum
No trip to Kansas is complete without paying homage to the Wizard of Oz. After all, Dorothy said that there is no place like her home of Kansas. So it’s fitting that there’s a terrific museum located in Wamego dedicated to the iconic movie. The museum has exhibits on the movie and tons of memorabilia, from original L. Frank Baum books to movie posters to costumes from the movie set. Make sure to check out the gift shop where you can buy the best of Oz memorabilia available today. Not headed to Kansas anytime soon? There’s an online store you can shop from and support the museum. I already have Dorothy’s ruby red house slippers in my cart!
There are charming places to stay in Wamego. You can also check out other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve exists to protect one of the last tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world. What once covered 170 million acres in North America now only exists in a few places. There are plenty of things to do in the preserve. Hikers of all skills can enjoy three nature trails. More advanced hikers can embark on a 12 mile hike in the backcountry.
Everyone will enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch. The Tallgrass Visitor Center explains the geology and ecology of the preserve. And don’t miss the Scenic Overlook Trail to see a bison herd graze. There are also three ponds and a creek open for catch and release fishing.
Another great way to see the tallgrass prairie is by taking the Flint Hills Scenic Byway. Enjoy the breathtaking views and take time to stop at some of the towns along the way. You will find charming shops, museums, historical sites, and great restaurants.
You can find great places to stay near the preserve. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home
Dwight D. Eisenhower served as the 34th President of the United States and the only one from the state of Kansas thus far. The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home serves a tribute to Ike’s life, military career, and presidency. The museum has exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations from all chapters of Eisenhower’s life. His boyhood home is also onsite. It is restored to its 1898 appearance. President Eisenhower and his wife Mamie are buried on the grounds as well.
There are many great places to stay in Abilene. And there are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center
Why is one of the best space museums in the world located in Hutchinson, Kansas? Good question. Museum officials say that is the #1 question asked by visitors. In the beginning, it started out as a planetarium on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Eventually it migrated to the Hutchinson Community College campus. Then it started receiving artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian and created SpaceWorks to preserve, conserve, restore, and replicate space history for museums and movie production companies. As the years went by, the collection grew and enhancements were made to make it into the impressive museum that it is today.
The museum features space artifacts, interactive exhibits, a planetarium, IMAX theater, space simulators, and STEM educational programs. It is particularly well known for its collection of artifacts from the Apollo 13 mission.
There are many great places to stay in Hutchinson. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Strataca – Kansas Underground Salt Museum
Also located in Hutchinson, the Strataca Underground Salt Museum takes you 650 feet underground to explore an active salt mine. Learn about the history of mining on the salt mine guided tour, then learn additional insights on the guided Dark Ride tram tour. The Underground Vaults and Mining Gallery contain historical documents, tools, equipment, and other artifacts. End your visit with a ride on the Salt Mine Express miniature train through another part of the mine.
Time your visit to take advantage of one of the many seasonal events offered at Strataca. You can attend an interactive murder mystery dinner theater, enjoy the mine lit up for Christmas, and even run a 5K underground!
There are many great places to stay in Hutchinson. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Monument Rocks
Western Kansas is the home of these unique geological formations called Monument Rocks. These large chalk formations rise out of the flat prairie lands creating an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Created when the sea receded from the area in the late Cretaceous Period, these formations contain marine sedimentary deposits that eroded over time.
Monument Rocks are on private property, but visitors are allowed from dawn to dusk. You may not climb, hunt for fossils, camp, ride horses, or have a campfire on the property. This natural wonder is for looking at only, and make sure you bring everything you took in out of the area.
There are many great places to stay in Oakley. And there are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
What’s on your Kansas trip itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Kansas. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
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