8
Are you fascinated about visiting Kansas this yr? Listed below are a number of the most enjoyable, visually gorgeous, and distinctive issues to do in Kansas. These fascinating sights, thrilling actions, and fascinating points of interest are positive to make for an unforgettable trip expertise.
Questioning what might be the perfect issues to do in KS? Properly, there are rather a lot! However right here, I’ll allow you to in on the good ones this superb vacation spot affords to vacationers with discriminating style. Kansas, the heartland of America, is a treasure trove of distinctive experiences ready to be found. Generally known as the Sunflower State, it’s a spot the place the echoes of the Wild West nonetheless linger, the place the tallgrass prairies sway beneath the huge skies, and the place the spirit of journey is as boundless because the horizon.
Kansas is a state that’s steeped in historical past, from its Native American roots to its pivotal function within the American Civil Warfare. It’s a spot the place you’ll be able to stroll within the footsteps of pioneers, explorers, and outlaws. Nevertheless it’s additionally a state that’s seeking to the longer term, with vibrant cities like Wichita and Topeka providing a thriving arts scene, progressive culinary experiences, and a bunch of contemporary points of interest. Right here’s every little thing you could learn about these enjoyable issues to do in Kansas.
Finest Locations to Go to in Kansas
Are you prepared to find the good issues to do in Kansas? From the bustling streets of Kansas Metropolis to the tranquil great thing about the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect, these are the experiences that may make your Kansas journey actually memorable.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, an outside fanatic, a foodie, or a tradition vulture, Kansas has one thing for you. You possibly can discover the state’s gorgeous pure magnificence, from the rolling Flint Hills to the dramatic Monument Rocks. You possibly can immerse your self within the state’s wealthy historical past at locations just like the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge Metropolis or the Fort Larned Nationwide Historic Website. Or you’ll be able to indulge your want for velocity on the Kansas Speedway, or marvel on the wonders of the cosmos on the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. Let’s hit the street and discover the wonders that await within the Sunflower State! Right here’s all the perfect points of interest in Kansas you must learn about.
1. Monument Rocks
In search of the perfect issues to do in Kansas? Don’t miss this one! Start your Kansas journey with a go to to the awe-inspiring Monument Rocks. Generally known as the Chalk Pyramids, these pure formations stand tall within the flat expanse of the Kansas prairie, providing a sight that’s as sudden as it’s breathtaking.
Designated as a Nationwide Pure Landmark, Monument Rocks are a testomony to the geological historical past of the area. These towering formations, reaching as much as 70 toes, have been shaped hundreds of thousands of years in the past when Kansas was lined by an enormous inland sea.
The rocks are a photographer’s dream, with their intricate shapes and textures providing limitless alternatives for inventive pictures. They’re significantly gorgeous at dawn and sundown, when the altering mild paints them in hues of gold and pink.
Whether or not you’re a nature lover, a historical past buff, or a pictures fanatic, a go to to Monument Rocks is a should when in Kansas. It’s a spot that reminds you of the ability of nature and the passage of time, providing a perspective that’s each humbling and provoking. As such, this Kansas attraction is likely one of the hottest sights within the state.
2. Botanica Wichita
For a distinctive expertise like no different, you’ll wish to try this high place to go to in Kansas. Immerse your self in the fantastic thing about nature at Botanica Wichita, a shocking backyard paradise within the coronary heart of Wichita. Spanning 18 acres, this botanical backyard is a haven of tranquility and a feast for the senses.
Botanica Wichita is residence to over 30 themed gardens, every providing a singular expertise. Wander by way of the Shakespeare Backyard, impressed by the Bard’s performs, or discover the Chinese language Backyard of Friendship, a logo of Wichita’s sister metropolis relationship with Kaifeng, China. Don’t miss the Downing Youngsters’s Backyard, a magical house designed to have interaction youngsters with nature.
All year long, the backyard hosts quite a lot of occasions, from live shows and artwork exhibits to instructional workshops and vacation celebrations. It’s a vibrant neighborhood house that brings individuals collectively to rejoice the wonder and variety of nature.
Whether or not you’re a gardening fanatic, a nature lover, or just on the lookout for a peaceable retreat, Botanica Wichita is a must-visit vacation spot in Kansas. It’s a spot the place you’ll be able to join with nature, discover inspiration, and depart with a way of peace and renewal. There’s a lot to see at Botanica Wichita, that it’s no marvel that is among the many most enjoyable issues to do in Kansas.
3. Kansas Speedway
Thrill-seekers will love this high factor to do in Kansas. For a dose of high-octane pleasure, make your approach to the Kansas Speedway in Kansas Metropolis. This premier motorsports facility is understood for its thrilling NASCAR races and its fan-friendly ambiance.
The 1.5-mile tri-oval observe affords intense racing motion, with excessive speeds and shut finishes. Whether or not you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan or a newcomer to the game, the roar of the engines, the velocity of the automobiles, and the vitality of the group make for an unforgettable expertise.
Nevertheless it’s not simply in regards to the races. The speedway additionally hosts quite a lot of occasions all year long, from live shows and automotive exhibits to charity runs and neighborhood occasions. It’s a vibrant hub of exercise that brings individuals collectively for shared experiences.
Whether or not you’re looking for the joys of a NASCAR race, seeking to immerse your self in the area people, or just eager to attempt one thing new, the Kansas Speedway is likely one of the coolest issues to do in KS you don’t wish to miss.
4. Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect
In search of the perfect locations in Kansas? Add this to your bucket listing! Expertise the wonder and serenity of the American prairie on the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect. Situated within the Flint Hills, this protect protects a big remnant of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem that when lined a lot of the central United States.
The protect affords quite a lot of methods to discover the prairie. You possibly can hike alongside the scenic trails, take a guided bus tour, and even embark on a horseback experience. As you discover, you’ll encounter a various array of wildlife, from bison and deer to a large number of fowl species.
Don’t miss the prospect to go to the historic Spring Hill Ranch, the place you’ll be able to be taught in regards to the area’s ranching historical past. The limestone ranch home, barn, and outbuildings provide a glimpse into the lifetime of Nineteenth-century ranchers.
Whether or not you’re a nature lover, a historical past buff, or just looking for a peaceable retreat, the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect affords a singular and enriching expertise. It’s a spot the place you’ll be able to join with the land, the wildlife, and the historical past of the American prairie. That is positively one of the vital distinctive Kansas issues to do you must expertise.
5. Cosmosphere
So far as issues to do in Kansas go, this exercise is among the many coolest! Take a journey by way of the cosmos on the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. This world-class house museum and science schooling middle affords an immersive exploration of the historical past and wonders of house exploration.
The Cosmosphere homes one of the vital vital collections of U.S. and Russian house artifacts on this planet. You possibly can see the precise Apollo 13 command module, a full-scale reproduction of the Area Shuttle Endeavour, and a Sputnik satellite tv for pc, amongst many different reveals.
The museum additionally contains a planetarium, the place you’ll be able to gaze on the stars and be taught in regards to the mysteries of the universe. For a extra adrenaline-fueled expertise, attempt the astronaut coaching simulator, which provides you a style of what astronauts expertise throughout house flight.
Whether or not you’re an area fanatic, a science geek, or just curious in regards to the universe, the Cosmosphere affords an academic and entertaining expertise that’s out of this world. As such, I extremely suggest this factor to do in Kansas to everybody I meet.
6. Strataca
Craving for a getaway like no different? This factor to do in Kansas has acquired you lined. Delve deep into the earth at Strataca, an underground salt museum positioned in Hutchinson. This distinctive attraction takes you 650 toes under the floor into an lively salt mine, providing an interesting glimpse into the world of mining and geology.
The journey begins with a darkish, thrilling experience down the mine shaft in an authentic hoist. As soon as underground, you’ll be able to discover the mine’s huge community of chambers and tunnels, see big equipment utilized in mining operations, and be taught in regards to the geology and historical past of salt mining.
One of many highlights is the Salt Safari, the place you’ll be able to experience a tram into elements of the mine not often open to the general public. You’ll see distinctive salt formations and be taught in regards to the mine’s ecology, together with the micro organism that dwell within the salt.
Whether or not you’re a geology fanatic, a historical past buff, or just on the lookout for an journey, visiting Strataca affords a singular and academic expertise. This makes it probably the greatest issues to do in Kansas that’s to not be missed.
7. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork
Expertise the Midwest in type at this distinctive place to go to in Kansas. Artwork lovers mustn’t miss a go to to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork in Kansas Metropolis. This world-class museum homes an intensive assortment of artwork spanning over 5,000 years, from historical to modern.
The museum’s assortment consists of European and American work, Asian artwork, Native American artwork, and a famend assortment of pictures. Highlights embrace works by Caravaggio, Titian, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh.
One of many museum’s most iconic options is the Donald J. Corridor Sculpture Park, residence to the well-known Shuttlecocks set up. This outside house blends artwork and nature, providing a tranquil setting for having fun with the museum’s spectacular assortment of sculptures.
With its numerous assortment, lovely structure, and serene sculpture park, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork affords a wealthy and provoking cultural expertise. Whether or not you’re an artwork connoisseur or an off-the-cuff customer, you’re positive to search out one thing that captivates and evokes. No marvel this is likely one of the high issues to do in Kansas for probably the most discerning vacationers.
8. Previous Cowtown Museum
This is likely one of the finest issues to do in Kansas, fingers down. Step again in time on the Previous Cowtown Museum in Wichita, a residing historical past museum that recreates a frontier cattle city from the 1860s to the Eighties. This immersive expertise affords a glimpse into the life and occasions of the early settlers of Wichita and Sedgwick County.
The museum options over 50 historic and re-created buildings, together with a saloon, a jail, a blacksmith store, and residential homes. As you wander the dust streets, you’ll encounter costumed interpreters who carry the previous to life with demonstrations of interval crafts and trades.
Don’t miss the prospect to see a conventional cattle drive, watch a gunfight reenactment, or take a experience on a classic horse-drawn carriage. The museum additionally hosts quite a lot of particular occasions all year long, from historic reenactments to seasonal festivals.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a Wild West fanatic, or just on the lookout for a enjoyable and academic expertise, the Previous Cowtown Museum is likely one of the high Kansas points of interest you’ll positively wish to add to your journey itinerary.
9. Kansas State Capitol
A go to to Kansas could be incomplete with out a journey to the Kansas State Capitol. Expertise the grandeur of Kansas’s political historical past on the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. This gorgeous architectural masterpiece will not be solely the seat of the state’s authorities but additionally a museum that tells the story of Kansas’s journey from territory to statehood.
The capitol constructing, accomplished in 1903, is a marvel of Nineteenth-century structure. Its most placing characteristic is the magnificent copper dome, one of many largest in the USA. You possibly can climb to the highest of the dome for a panoramic view of Topeka and the encircling space.
Inside, you’ll discover fantastically restored areas just like the Senate Chamber, the Home of Representatives Chamber, and the State Library. Don’t miss the gorgeous murals by Kansas artist John Steuart Curry, together with the well-known portrait of John Brown.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a political fanatic, or an structure lover, the Kansas State Capitol affords a wealthy and provoking expertise. It’s simple to see why this is likely one of the finest issues to do in Kansas!
10. Sedgwick County Zoo
In search of Kansas actions that don’t break the financial institution? Then that is what you’re on the lookout for!
For a fun-filled household outing, head to the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita. As the biggest zoo in Kansas, it’s residence to greater than 3,000 animals of practically 400 species, providing an thrilling and academic expertise for guests of all ages.
The zoo is split into themed areas that replicate the animals’ pure habitats. Discover the African Savannah, residence to lions, giraffes, and elephants. Enterprise into the North America Prairie, the place you’ll discover bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. Or go to the Jungle, a tropical rainforest full of unique birds, primates, and massive cats.
The zoo additionally affords quite a lot of interactive experiences, from feeding the giraffes to watching the penguins at play. All year long, the zoo hosts particular occasions and academic applications that carry you nearer to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Whether or not you’re an animal lover, a nature fanatic, or on the lookout for a terrific time out with the children, the Sedgwick County Zoo ensures a ton of enjoyment to any customer, that’s why this is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Kansas for me.
11. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood House
It could be against the law to write down an article on the highest issues to do in Kansas with out mentioning the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood House. Immerse your self within the life and legacy of certainly one of America’s most influential presidents on the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood House in Abilene. This complete advanced affords an interesting perception into Dwight D. Eisenhower’s life, from his humble beginnings in Kansas to his time within the White Home.
The museum homes an enormous assortment of artifacts and paperwork associated to Eisenhower’s life and profession. You possibly can discover reveals on his army service in World Warfare II, his presidency, and his private life. Highlights embrace his presidential papers, army uniforms, and private mementos.
Don’t miss the prospect to go to Eisenhower’s boyhood residence, a modest two-story home the place he lived from 1898 till his admission to West Level in 1911. The home is preserved a lot because it was throughout Eisenhower’s boyhood, providing a glimpse into his formative years.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a political fanatic, or just involved in studying extra about certainly one of America’s most necessary figures, the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood House is likely one of the high locations to go to in Kansas that you must learn about.
12. Flint Hills
This is likely one of the finest issues to do in Kansas as you finish your midwestern journey: go to the breathtaking Flint Hills. This area, stretching throughout a lot of jap Kansas, is residence to the biggest remaining tract of tallgrass prairie in North America, providing a panorama of rolling hills, wildflowers, and limitless sky.
One of the simplest ways to expertise the Flint Hills is to take a drive alongside the Flint Hills Nationwide Scenic Byway. This 48-mile route affords gorgeous views of the prairie, with overlooks and interpretive indicators alongside the best way. You too can discover the area’s climbing trails, go fowl watching, and even take a guided prairie bus tour.
Don’t miss the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect, the place you’ll be able to see a herd of bison and be taught in regards to the ecology and historical past of the prairie. Or go to the Flint Hills Discovery Heart in Manhattan, which affords interactive reveals on the area’s pure and cultural historical past.
Whether or not you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just somebody who appreciates the fantastic thing about the open street, the Flint Hills provide an expertise that’s quintessentially Kansas. Is that this one of many coolest issues to do in Kansas? You wager!
Regularly Requested Questions (FAQs) in regards to the Finest Issues to Do in Kansas
In search of extra content material on the highest issues to do in Kansas? Listed below are some standard questions (and solutions) I get that may make it easier to plan your journey to Kansas:
What’s the primary attraction in Kansas?
Probably the most well-known sights in Kansas is the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood House in Abilene. This website honors Dwight D. Eisenhower, the thirty fourth President of the USA, and options his childhood residence, a museum with reveals on his life and presidency, and his ultimate resting place.
Different standard points of interest embrace the Kansas Cosmosphere and Area Heart in Hutchinson. As well as, the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is likely one of the largest zoos within the state. Out of doors lovers may also benefit from the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect. This affords a glimpse into the pure panorama that when lined a lot of the central United States.
What’s Kansas most well-known for?
Kansas is most well-known for its central function in U.S. historical past, significantly because the setting of many pivotal occasions within the American Civil Warfare. It’s additionally recognized for its agriculture, notably wheat farming, incomes it the nickname “the Wheat State.”
What meals is Kansas recognized for?
Kansas is famend for its barbecue, significantly in Kansas Metropolis, which has a particular type of barbecue that’s characterised by all kinds of meats and a candy, thick, tomato-based sauce. The state can be recognized for its steakhouses and home-style cooking.
What’s the finest time of yr to go to the Flint Hills in Kansas?
The most effective time to go to the Flint Hills is within the spring (Might and June) when the wildflowers are in bloom, or within the fall (September and October) when the grasses flip a lovely reddish hue. Each seasons provide delicate climate and gorgeous surroundings.
Are there any particular occasions or festivals in Kansas?
Sure, Kansas hosts quite a lot of occasions and festivals all year long. Highlights embrace the Kansas State Honest in Hutchinson in September, the Symphony within the Flint Hills in June, and the Wichita River Competition in Might.
Why ought to individuals go to Kansas?
Individuals ought to go to Kansas for its wealthy historical past, numerous landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. From the rolling prairies of the Flint Hills to the bustling metropolis lifetime of Wichita and Kansas Metropolis, the state affords a singular mix of experiences. They cater to historical past buffs, nature lovers, foodies, and artwork lovers alike.
Is there something enjoyable to do in Kansas?
Completely, Kansas is brimming with enjoyable actions for all ages and pursuits. Whether or not it’s exploring the cosmos on the Cosmosphere, stepping again in time on the Previous Cowtown Museum, having fun with the joys of a race on the Kansas Speedway, or immersing your self within the arts on the Nelson-Atkins Museum, there’s no scarcity of thrilling experiences available within the Sunflower State.
Ultimate Ideas on Visiting Kansas
From its rolling prairies to its bustling cities, Kansas affords a wealth of experiences which can be as numerous as they’re fascinating. Whether or not you’re exploring the cosmos on the Cosmosphere, stepping again in time on the Previous Cowtown Museum, or immersing your self in the fantastic thing about the Flint Hills, you’re positive to search out one thing that sparks your curiosity and stirs your soul. So why wait? Begin planning your Kansas journey immediately, and uncover the wonders that await within the coronary heart of America.
