Wamego Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and explore in Wamego, Kansas. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary and insider tips.


Introduction to Wamego

Welcome to Wamego, a charming city located in Flint Hills, Kansas. Known for its beautiful landscape, rich history, and friendly locals, Wamego is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With a thriving cultural scene, endless outdoor activities, and world-class dining options, Wamego is perfect for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Wamego

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Oz Museum: Dedicated to the beloved children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Oz Museum is a must-visit for any fan of the famous story. The museum features rare memorabilia from the book and the classic 1939 movie.
  • OZ Winery Tasting Room: Located inside the Oz Museum, the OZ Winery Tasting Room is the perfect spot to sample some of the finest wines in Kansas.
  • The Wamego Historical Society and Museum: Learn about the fascinating history of Wamego at the Wamego Historical Society and Museum. The museum features exhibitions on the town’s early settlers, local industries, and notable events throughout the years.

Natural Attractions of Wamego: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wamego City Park: Enjoy a day out with the family at Wamego City Park, a sprawling green space featuring picnic areas, playgrounds, and a swimming pool.
  • Kaw River State Park: Go hiking, fishing, or kayaking at Kaw River State Park. The park also offers campsites for overnight stays and scenic views of the surrounding natural beauty.
  • The Butterfly Garden at Westside Park: Located in Westside Park, the Butterfly Garden is home to several species of butterflies and is a peaceful oasis for nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wamego

Wamego boasts several hiking and biking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the popular routes include the Flint Hills Trail, the Wabaunsee Trail, and the Oregon Trail.

Best Things to Do in Wamego: Activities and Tours

  • The Columbian Theatre and Museum: Catch a live performance or take a guided tour of this historic theater, which dates back to 1895. The museum located in the theatre showcases artifacts from the theatre’s past and its historic restoration.
  • The Wamego Country Club: Play a round of golf or enjoy a meal at the Wamego Country Club, one of the best golf courses in the region.
  • Pecan Grove Farms: Experience life on a working farm at Pecan Grove Farms, where you can pick your pecans, take a hayride, and enjoy the beauty of the Kansas countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wamego

  • Day 1: Visit the Oz Museum and OZ Winery Tasting Room.
  • Day 2: Explore the Wamego Historical Society and Museum and the Columbian Theatre and Museum.
  • Day 3: Take a hike or bike ride through Kaw River State Park.
  • Day 4: Relax at Wamego City Park and swim in the pool.
  • Day 5: Play a round of golf at the Wamego Country Club.
  • Day 6: Take a scenic drive on the Oregon Trail.
  • Day 7: Visit Pecan Grove Farms for a day of farm activities and family fun.

Food and Drink Scene of Wamego

Must-Try Dishes

  • BBQ at Wamego Smokehouse: Enjoy some of the best BBQ in the Midwest at Wamego Smokehouse.
  • Fried Chicken at Friendship House: Fill your stomach with the famous fried chicken at Friendship House, a local favorite for over 50 years.
  • Pizza at AJ’s NY Pizzeria: Get a slice of New York-style pizza at AJ’s NY Pizzeria, one of the most popular pizza places in town.

Local Beverages

  • Oz Winery: Don’t miss a chance to sample some of the best wines in Kansas at Oz Winery.
  • Tallgrass Brewing Co.: Try some of the locally brewed beer at Tallgrass Brewing Co., a staple in the Wamego bar scene.

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

  • The Wamego Inn and Suites: A popular choice for travelers, this Inn and Suites has clean, comfortable guest rooms, and is located within easy walking distance of many top attractions in town.
  • Friendship House Bed & Breakfast: For a romantic retreat, consider staying at the Friendship House Bed & Breakfast, a historic property that offers a charming ambiance and excellent customer service.
  • Yellow Brick Road Carriage House: For the ultimate Oz experience, stay at the Yellow Brick Road Carriage House, a cozy guesthouse with décor inspired by the famous movie.

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

  • Oz-inspired souvenirs: Bring home a piece of your favorite childhood tale from the Oz Museum gift shop.
  • Pecans from Pecan Grove Farms: Grab a few bags of fresh pecans from Pecan Grove Farms, a local farm that is famous for its quality pecans.

Local Culture and Customs of Wamego

Wamego is a small town with strong Midwestern values and a genuine care for the people. It is a close-knit community with deep roots and friendly people. Visitors are often struck by the town’s nostalgic charm and its commitment to preserving its history and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Wamego

The best time to visit Wamego is during the summer months, from June to August. This is the peak tourist season, with plenty of outdoor activities, concerts, and events to enjoy. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wamego

Do:

  • Respect the locals and their customs.
  • Tip your servers at restaurants and bars.
  • Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time in Wamego.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural beauty of Wamego.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Be disrespectful towards local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wamego

Wamego is a safe town, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. Visitors should take the same precautions as they would in any unfamiliar town or city.

Health in Wamego

Wamego has several medical facilities, including the Wamego Health Center and Wamego Family Clinic. It is advisable to have travel insurance before visiting to avoid any unexpected medical bills.

Getting to Wamego: Transportation Options and Logistics

  • Airports Near Wamego: The nearest airports are Manhattan Regional Airport, about 12 miles away, and Kansas City International Airport, which is 130 miles away.
  • Bus Stations Near Wamego: Greyhound has a bus station in Manhattan, which is a short drive from Wamego.
  • Other Options: Visitors can come to Wamego by car or private transportation.

How to Get Around in Wamego

The best way to get around Wamego is by car, as public transportation is limited. Several car rental companies are available in the area.

Where to Go Next from Wamego: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Manhattan, Kansas: A college town known for its vibrant arts scene and one of the state’s best Zoos, Sunset Zoo.
  • Topeka, Kansas: The State Capital has several museums dedicated to the state’s history and is a great place to take the kids for the day.
  • Lawrence, Kansas: A lively college town offering great music and cultural scene, excellent food and drink establishments.

Conclusion

Now that you know everything there is to know about Wamego, it is time to start planning your trip to this charming Midwestern town. With its natural beauty, fascinating history, and endless activities, Wamego is the perfect travel destination. Book your stay today and discover all that this incredible town has to offer!