Junction City Travel Guide
A comprehensive travel guide for Junction City, including everything from cultural attractions to natural wonders and local customs. Plan your next trip to Junction City with ease!
- Introduction to Junction City
- List of Places to Visit in Junction City
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Junction City
- Best Things to Do in Junction City: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Junction City
- Day 1: Historical Tours
- Day 2: Outdoor Recreation
- Day 3: Lakeside Fun
- Day 4: Scenic Route
- Day 5: Nature & Wildlife
- Day 6: Museums & Historical Sites
- Day 7: Relax & Unwind
- Food and Drink Scene of Junction City
- Where to Stay in Junction City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Junction City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Junction City
- Best Time to Visit Junction City
- Do’s and Don’ts of Junction City
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Junction City: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Junction City
- Where to Go Next from Junction City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Junction City
Junction City, located in the Flint Hills of Kansas, is a hidden gem in the Great Plains region of the United States. This city has a unique blend of history, nature, and culture that make it a must-visit destination for travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Junction City has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top things to do, places to visit, and insider tips to help you plan your perfect trip to Junction City.
List of Places to Visit in Junction City
Junction City is a small town, but there are plenty of attractions and things to explore here. Here are some of the top cultural and natural attractions to include in your itinerary:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Geary County Historical Society and Museums: This museum showcases the history of Geary County and Junction City from the time of the Native Americans to present day.
- First Territorial Capitol of Kansas State Historic Site: This historic site is where the first territorial legislature met to draft the state’s first constitution.
- US Cavalry Museum at Fort Riley: Experience military history through the collections of artifacts, weapons, and equipment used by the U.S. cavalry.
Natural Attractions of Junction City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Tuttle Creek Lake: This lake offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities.
- Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery: This nature center is home to various wildlife and offers educational programs and tours.
- Konza Prairie Biological Station: This natural preserve has miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the tallgrass prairie.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Junction City
Junction City is an outdoor paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts. To fully experience the beauty of the area, consider checking out these notable trails:
- Milford Lake Trail: This 6.4-mile trail runs along the Milford Lake, offering scenic views and access to swimming and fishing areas.
- Konza Prairie Trail: This 6.4-mile trail offers a scenic hike through the tallgrass prairie, featuring views of the Flint Hills and wildlife.
- Riverwalk Trail: This 3.3-mile trail runs along the Republican River, offering scenic views and a peaceful escape into nature.
Best Things to Do in Junction City: Activities and Tours
Here are some of the top things to do in Junction City:
- Visit the Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery to learn about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Take a historic tour of the US Cavalry Museum at Fort Riley and see military history come to life.
- Explore the Geary County Historical Society and Museums to learn about the rich history of the area.
Week-Long Itinerary for Junction City
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Junction City, consider this sample itinerary:
Day 1: Historical Tours
- Visit the US Cavalry Museum at Fort Riley
- Explore First Territorial Capitol of Kansas State Historic Site
Day 2: Outdoor Recreation
- Go hiking on the Konza Prairie Trail
- Visit the Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery
Day 3: Lakeside Fun
- Enjoy a day on the water at Tuttle Creek Lake
- Rent a boat or go fishing
Day 4: Scenic Route
- Take a scenic drive on one of the area’s Flint Hills Scenic Byways
- Visit the Konza Prairie Biological Station
Day 5: Nature & Wildlife
- Take a guided bird-watching tour
- Visit the Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery
Day 6: Museums & Historical Sites
- Explore the Geary County Historical Society and Museums
- Visit the US Cavalry Museum at Fort Riley
Day 7: Relax & Unwind
- Visit a local spa or wellness center
- Spend a day at a local winery
Food and Drink Scene of Junction City
Junction City has a thriving food and drink scene, offering both local and international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Kansas-style barbecue
- Bierocks (meat-filled pastry)
- Chicken fried steak
Local Beverages
- Tallgrass Brewing Company beers
- Prairiewood Winery & Meadery drinks
- Kansas-produced wines
Where to Stay in Junction City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of accommodation options in Junction City, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. Here are some top choices:
- Courtyard Marriott Junction City
- Best Western J.C. Inn
- Holiday Inn Express Junction City
What to Buy in Junction City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking to bring home some souvenirs from your trip to Junction City, consider these local products:
- Flint Hills photography prints
- Postcards and books on the history and culture of Junction City
- Prairie-inspired home decor and handicrafts
Local Culture and Customs of Junction City
Junction City is a proud military town, home to Fort Riley. It’s important to show respect for the military and follow their rules and guidelines around the base.
Best Time to Visit Junction City
The best time to visit Junction City is during the spring (April - May) or fall (September - November) when the weather is mild and the natural beauty of the area is at its prime. Summer also offers plenty of outdoor activities, but temperatures can get hot and humid.
Do’s and Don’ts of Junction City
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Junction City:
Do:
- Take a guided tour of the Fort Riley military base
- Visit the historical sites and museums in the area
- Try local cuisine and beverages
Don’t:
- Disrespect the military and their rules while visiting the Fort Riley base
- Litter or harm the natural environment
- Be disrespectful about the local culture and customs
Safety and Health
Safety in Junction City
Junction City is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Health in Junction City
Junction City has plenty of medical facilities, including Geary Community Hospital and Irwin Army Community Hospital. It’s also important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun when spending time outdoors.
Getting to Junction City: Transportation Options and Logistics
Junction City is easily accessible by car, with I-70 running through the town. However, there are other transportation options available as well:
Airports Near Junction City
- Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK)
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Bus Stations Near Junction City
- Greyhound Bus Station Topeka
- Greyhound Bus Station Salina
Other Options
- Renting a car
- Taking a taxi or ride-share service
How to Get Around in Junction City
To get around in Junction City, renting a car or using a ride-share service are the best options. There isn’t a public transportation system in place, but many of the attractions and lodging options are in close proximity to each other.
Where to Go Next from Junction City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Junction City is a great jumping-off point for exploring other nearby destinations in Kansas and the Midwest:
- Manhattan, KS: Home to Kansas State University, the Flint Hills Discovery Center, and the Kansas State Capitol Building & Museum
- Kansas City, MO: Known for its barbecue, jazz music, and museums
- Topeka, KS: The capital city of Kansas, featuring the Kansas State Capitol Building, the Topeka Zoo, and the Combat Air Museum.
Conclusion
Junction City offers a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great destination for any type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to learn about the area’s rich history, explore the great outdoors, or simply relax, Junction City has something to offer everyone. Use this travel guide to help plan your next trip to this charming Midwest town.
