WaKeeney Travel Guide

Plan your trip to WaKeeney, Kansas with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, hiking trails, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to WaKeeney

WaKeeney is a charming city situated in Trego County, Kansas. It is home to around 1700 residents and is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. The city is easily accessible and is located at the intersection of I-70 and US-283.

In this travel guide for WaKeeney, we’ll take you on a journey through all of the must-visit places in the city. From cultural attractions to natural wonders, hiking trails to food and drink scene, we have everything covered for planning your next trip to WaKeeney, Kansas.

List of Places to Visit in WaKeeney

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Trego County Historical Society Museum

The Trego County Historical Society Museum is a must-visit attraction for those who want to learn about the rich history of WaKeeney and Trego County. The museum features exhibits showcasing the local history, including military artifacts, clothing, household items, and more.

Trego County Courthouse

The Trego County Courthouse is a beautiful historical building located in the heart of WaKeeney. It was built in 1928 and features unique architectural details, including terra cotta cornices and carved stone balustrades.

Natural Attractions of WaKeeney: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Cedar Bluff Reservoir

The Cedar Bluff Reservoir is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in WaKeeney. The reservoir has over 8000 acres of water and is a great spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, there are several hiking trails in the area that provide stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.

Castle Rock

Castle Rock is a unique natural attraction that is definitely worth a visit. The rock formation was sculpted by millions of years of erosion and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are several hiking trails in the area that lead to different viewpoints of Castle Rock.

Hiking/Biking Routes of WaKeeney

Cedar Bluff Reservoir Trails

The Cedar Bluff Reservoir area has multiple hiking trails with varying lengths and difficulties. The Prairie Dog Trail is a 1.2-mile long trail that’s great for families and beginners. The Sundance Trail is a more challenging 2.2-mile loop that showcases stunning views of the reservoir.

Castle Rock Trail

The Castle Rock Trail is a popular 1.8-mile round trip hike that leads to the top of Castle Rock. The trail is moderately difficult but offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in WaKeeney: Activities and Tours

Visit the WaKeeney Speedway

The WaKeeney Speedway is a popular attraction for racing enthusiasts. The speedway hosts regular races throughout the summer, including stock cars, modifieds, and go-karts.

Check out the Annual Trego County Fair

The Trego County Fair is held annually in July and is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and community. The fair features live entertainment, food vendors, livestock shows, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for WaKeeney

Day Activity
1 Visit the Trego County Historical Society Museum and the Trego County Courthouse
2 Hike one of the trails around Cedar Bluff Reservoir
3 Explore Castle Rock and its hiking trails
4 Attend a race at the WaKeeney Speedway
5 Visit the Trego County Fair (July only)
6 Try local dishes at WaKeeney’s restaurants
7 Go souvenir shopping and say goodbye to WaKeeney

Food and Drink Scene of WaKeeney

Must-Try Dishes

Steak and Salad at Western Kansas Saloon & Grill

The Western Kansas Saloon & Grill is a restaurant that specializes in serving delicious steaks and freshly prepared salads. The restaurant is a great place to have a relaxing meal after a day of exploring WaKeeney.

Mexican-Style Dishes at La Tienda

La Tienda is a local Mexican restaurant that offers a range of delicious traditional dishes. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is a perfect spot to have a comforting meal with friends or family.

Local Beverages

Relax with a Cup of Coffee at Fizzies & Flips Ice Cream and Coffee Shop

Fizzies & Flips Ice Cream and Coffee Shop is a cozy coffee shop that’s perfect for unwinding and relaxing. The shop serves a range of freshly brewed coffee and tea along with delicious homemade pastries.

Quench Your Thirst with Local Beers at Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Co.

Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Co is a local brewery that offers a range of delicious beers and ales that are brewed onsite. The restaurant also serves delicious food and is a perfect spot for those looking for a fun night out with friends or family.

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

WaKeeney KOA Holiday

The WaKeeney KOA Holiday is a great spot for those who want to camp while exploring WaKeeney. The campground features well-equipped campsites, a swimming pool, and many other amenities.

Golden Wheat Budget Host Inn

The Golden Wheat Budget Host Inn is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a place to stay in WaKeeney. The motel is clean and comfortable and offers many amenities, including free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

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

Local Homemade Ice-Cream and Sweets

Fizzies & Flips Ice Cream and Coffee Shop is a perfect spot to buy locally produced homemade ice-cream and sweets. The shop offers a wide variety of flavors and is a great way to taste some of the local flavors of WaKeeney.

Quilted and Handmade Items

The Trego County Historical Society Museum has a gift shop that sells locally made quilted and handmade items, including bags, purses, and table runners. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts for family and friends.

Local Culture and Customs of WaKeeney

WaKeeney is a friendly and welcoming community, and visitors will quickly feel at home. As in most Kansas towns, there is an emphasis on community and family in WaKeeney.

Best Time to Visit WaKeeney

The best time to visit WaKeeney is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny. The town’s annual Trego County Fair is also held in July, making it a great time to experience the local culture.

Do’s and Don’ts of WaKeeney

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Try local dishes, including steak and Mexican cuisine.

  • Explore the nature trails around Cedar Bluff Reservoir and Castle Rock.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural surroundings.

  • Ignore the local traffic laws.

  • Be disrespectful towards locals or their traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in WaKeeney

WaKeeney is a small and safe town, and visitors should have no issues with crime or safety. However, as with any place, visitors should take the usual precautions and keep an eye on their belongings.

Health in WaKeeney

WaKeeney has a hospital and several clinics to ensure that visitors and locals have access to proper medical care.

Getting to WaKeeney: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near WaKeeney

The closest major airport to WaKeeney is Denver International Airport, which is about a three-hour drive away.

Bus Stations Near WaKeeney

The closest bus station to WaKeeney is the Greyhound Bus Station in Hays, Kansas, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

Other Options

Most visitors to WaKeeney opt for renting a car or driving themselves, as it’s often the most convenient and flexible option.

How to Get Around in WaKeeney

Getting around WaKeeney is relatively easy, and visitors can easily explore the town on foot or by car. Most attractions are within close proximity to each other, making walking a great way to experience the town at a leisurely pace.

Where to Go Next from WaKeeney: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Salina

Salina is a city situated around 80 miles east of WaKeeney and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Smoky Hill Museum, Rolling Hills Zoo, and the Strecker-Nelson Gallery.

Hays

Hays is a town located less than 30 miles east of WaKeeney and is a great spot for those looking to explore more of the local culture and history. The town is home to the Hays Arts Council, the Fort Hays State Historic Site, and the Ellis County Historical Society Museum.

Conclusion

WaKeeney is an excellent destination for those looking to experience the charm of small-town Kansas. With a range of attractions and activities ranging from natural wonders to cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone in WaKeeney. We hope this travel guide helps you plan your next trip to WaKeeney and experience all that this vibrant town has to offer.