Kansas Travel Guide

Our Kansas travel guide covers all the top attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking routes, local culture, food and drink scene, transportation options, safety, and more.


Introduction to Kansas

Nestled in the heart of the Great Plains, Kansas is a hidden gem of agricultural landscapes, friendly locals, and a rich history. Nicknamed the “Sunflower State,” Kansas is known for its vast fields of sunflowers, but there’s far more to see and explore.

This comprehensive Kansas travel guide covers all the top attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking routes, local culture, food and drink scene, transportation options, safety, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Kansas

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Museum of World Treasures: A museum filled with ancient artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the world.
  2. Sternberg Museum of Natural History: A museum that focuses on the prehistoric creatures and geology of the Great Plains.
  3. Boot Hill Museum: An authentic recreation of the Wild West days, complete with gunfights and saloons.
  4. Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum: A museum dedicated to the former President’s life and political career.
  5. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site: A historic site dedicated to the landmark Supreme Court case that ended racial segregation in schools.

Natural Attractions of Kansas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Flint Hills: A beautiful grassland that offers the opportunity for scenic drives, hikes, and horseback riding.
  2. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: A massive swath of untouched prairie that is home to bison, elk, and other wildlife.
  3. Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark: A unique geological formation that consists of massive chalk formations.
  4. Lake Scott State Park: A beautiful state park that offers boating, fishing, camping, and hiking.
  5. Cimarron National Grassland: A 100,000-acre grassland that offers hiking, camping, and excellent stargazing opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kansas

  1. Katy Trail: A former railway that now serves as an excellent route for bikers and hikers.
  2. Prairie Spirit Trail: A trail that spans 51 miles and takes you through small towns, prairies, and forests.
  3. Elk River Hiking Trail: A 15-mile trail that offers stunning views of the Elk River and surrounding hills.
  4. Konza Prairie Trail: A scenic hiking trail that takes you through the Flint Hills.
  5. Monument Rocks Trail: A 1.4-mile hike that takes you through the unique geological formations of Monument Rocks.

Best Things to Do in Kansas: Activities and Tours

  1. Visit the Cosmosphere: One of the most extensive collections of space memorabilia in the world.
  2. Take a hot air balloon ride: A beautiful way to see the Kansas countryside from above.
  3. Explore Old West Towns: Step back in time and experience the Wild West days that Kansas is famous for.
  4. Learn about Kansas’ history: Visit the many museums and historic sites that showcase Kansas’ rich past.
  5. Attend the Kansas State Fair: A celebration of the Sunflower State’s culture, food, and traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kansas

Day Destination Activity
1 Topeka Visit the Kansas State Capitol Building and the Combat Air Museum
2 Hutchinson Visit the Cosmosphere and the Salt Museum
3 Dodge City Experience the Old West in Boot Hill
4 Wichita Explore the Old Town area and the Museum of World Treasures
5 Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Hike the trails and take in the stunning views
6 Lawrence Visit the University of Kansas and the Spencer Museum of Art
7 Kansas City Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the National World War I Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Kansas

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kansas City barbeque: Renowned for its slow-smoked meats and sauces.
  2. Bierocks: A traditional German pastry stuffed with meat and vegetables.
  3. Kansas-style chili: A dish made with ground beef, spices, and beans that is often served with crackers and cheese.
  4. Fried chicken: A beloved comfort food that is a staple of Kansas cuisine.
  5. Sunflower seeds: A snack that Kansas is famous for, and the state’s official symbol.

Local Beverages

  1. Boulevard Beer: A locally brewed beer that is popular throughout the state.
  2. Wine from Kansas vineyards: There are many wineries throughout the state that produce delicious wines.
  3. Wheat beer: A refreshing beer style that originated in Kansas and is made with wheat instead of barley.

Where to Stay in Kansas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel Phillips in Kansas City: A luxury hotel that boasts art deco architecture and lavish accommodations.
  2. Ambassador Hotel in Wichita: A chic hotel that offers stylish rooms and excellent dining options.
  3. The Woodward Inn in Dodge City: A charming bed and breakfast that is perfect for those looking for a cozy, authentic experience.
  4. Oakley Country Inn in Oakley: A budget-friendly motel that offers clean and comfortable rooms.
  5. Aladdin Hotel in Kansas City: A historic hotel that is preserved in its Art Deco style.

What to Buy in Kansas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Sunflower seeds and products made from sunflowers.
  2. Wheat products and baked goods like bread, muffins, and cookies.
  3. Kansas City barbeque sauce.
  4. Kansas-made wines and beer.
  5. Pottery and other handmade crafts made by local artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Kansas

Kansas is a friendly, Midwestern state with a rich farming and ranching heritage. Kansans are proud of their state’s history and traditions, including its Old West heritage and its role in the Civil War. Visitors to Kansas will find it easy to immerse themselves in the local culture by attending festivals, visiting museums, and striking up conversations with locals.

Best Time to Visit Kansas

The best time to visit Kansas is during the spring (April to May) and the fall (September to October) when the temperatures are mild, and the scenery is stunning. Summers in Kansas can be hot and humid, while winters can be frigid and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kansas

Do:

  1. Try Kansas City barbeque.
  2. Attend a rodeo or county fair.
  3. Explore the state’s many museums and historic sites.
  4. Take a hike on one of Kansas’ many trails.
  5. Strike up a conversation with friendly locals.

Don’t:

  1. Underestimate the weather: Kansas is known for sudden, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
  2. Litter or damage natural areas.
  3. Refer to Kansans as “flyover state” residents.
  4. Ignore local customs and traditions.
  5. Forget to try a slice of pie - it’s a Kansas tradition!

Safety and Health

Safety in Kansas

Kansas is a safe state for tourists, with low levels of crime in most areas. However, travelers should always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in larger cities like Kansas City and Wichita.

Health in Kansas

There are no particular health concerns for visitors to Kansas. However, travelers should make sure they’re up-to-date on routine vaccines and take precautions against the sun and heat during the summer months.

Getting to Kansas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kansas

  1. Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
  2. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
  3. Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK)
  4. Garden City Regional Airport (GCK)

Bus Stations Near Kansas

  1. Greyhound Bus Stations in Wichita and Kansas City.
  2. Jefferson Lines in Topeka and Salina.

Other Options

There are many car rental services available in Kansas, as well as Amtrak train service to and from Kansas City.

How to Get Around in Kansas

The best way to get around in Kansas is by car. The state has an extensive network of highways and scenic routes that make it easy to explore. There are also public transportation options available in larger cities like Kansas City and Wichita.

Where to Go Next from Kansas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri: A picturesque river valley that offers excellent hiking, boating, and fishing.
  2. Grand Lake in Oklahoma: A large lake that is perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, and other watersports.
  3. Great Plains Nature Center in Kansas: A nature center that showcases the flora and fauna of the Great Plains.
  4. Pikes Peak in Colorado: A famous mountain that offers excellent hiking and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota: A historic and cultural icon that features the carvings of four American Presidents.

Conclusion

Kansas is a state that is often overlooked by travelers, but it has much to offer to those who take the time to explore it. From stunning natural wonders and outdoor adventures to rich history and culture, there’s something for everyone in the Sunflower State. So come and discover Kansas for yourself!

Satellite image of crops growing in Kansas in 2006; the town of Sublette is near the center of the picture but doesn't interrupt the view Satellite image of crops growing in Kansas in 2006; the town of Sublette is near the center of the picture but doesn't interrupt the view B. H. Campbell House in Wichita B. H. Campbell House in Wichita Tornado in Bennington, Kansas in 2013 Tornado in Bennington, Kansas in 2013


    Central Kansas
    Eastern Kansas
    Flint Hills
    Southeastern Kansas
    Western Kansas