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Are you fascinated with visiting Kansas this yr? Listed here are a few of the most enjoyable, visually beautiful, and distinctive issues to do in Kansas. These fascinating sights, thrilling actions, and interesting sights are certain to make for an unforgettable trip expertise.
Questioning what might be the perfect issues to do in KS? Nicely, there are lots! However right here, I’ll allow you to in on the good ones this superb vacation spot provides to vacationers with discriminating style. Kansas, the heartland of America, is a treasure trove of distinctive experiences ready to be found. Referred to 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 position within the American Civil Struggle. It’s a spot the place you may stroll within the footsteps of pioneers, explorers, and outlaws. But it surely’s additionally a state that’s seeking to the longer term, with vibrant cities like Wichita and Topeka providing a thriving arts scene, revolutionary culinary experiences, and a number of contemporary sights. Right here’s the whole lot you could learn about these enjoyable issues to do in Kansas.
Greatest 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 fantastic thing about the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect, these are the experiences that may make your Kansas journey really memorable.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, an out of doors fanatic, a foodie, or a tradition vulture, Kansas has one thing for you. You possibly can discover the state’s beautiful 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 Web site. Or you may 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 sights in Kansas it is best to learn about.
1. Monument Rocks
Searching for 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. Referred to as the Chalk Pyramids, these pure formations stand tall within the flat expanse of the Kansas prairie, providing a sight that’s as surprising 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 ft, had been fashioned tens of millions of years in the past when Kansas was coated by an enormous inland sea.
The rocks are a photographer’s dream, with their intricate shapes and textures providing limitless alternatives for artistic photographs. They’re notably beautiful 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 among the hottest sights within the state.
2. Botanica Wichita
For a distinctive expertise like no different, you’ll need to take a look at 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 house to over 30 themed gardens, every providing a novel 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 interact children with nature.
All year long, the backyard hosts quite a lot of occasions, from concert events and artwork reveals to academic workshops and vacation celebrations. It’s a vibrant neighborhood house that brings individuals collectively to rejoice the sweetness and variety of nature.
Whether or not you’re a gardening fanatic, a nature lover, or just in search of a peaceable retreat, Botanica Wichita is a must-visit vacation spot in Kansas. It’s a spot the place you may join with nature, discover inspiration, and go away with a way of peace and renewal. There may be 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 environment.
The 1.5-mile tri-oval observe provides 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 power of the gang make for an unforgettable expertise.
But it surely’s not simply concerning the races. The speedway additionally hosts quite a lot of occasions all year long, from concert events and automobile reveals 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 searching for the joys of a NASCAR race, seeking to immerse your self in the local people, or just eager to strive one thing new, the Kansas Speedway is among the coolest issues to do in KS you don’t need to miss.
4. Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect
Searching for the perfect locations in Kansas? Add this to your bucket listing! Expertise the sweetness 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 after coated a lot of the central United States.
The protect provides 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 trip. As you discover, you’ll encounter a various array of wildlife, from bison and deer to a large number of hen species.
Don’t miss the prospect to go to the historic Spring Hill Ranch, the place you may be taught concerning 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 searching for a peaceable retreat, the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect provides a novel and enriching expertise. It’s a spot the place you may join with the land, the wildlife, and the historical past of the American prairie. That is positively some of the distinctive Kansas issues to do it is best to 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 training heart provides an immersive exploration of the historical past and wonders of house exploration.
The Cosmosphere homes some of the vital collections of U.S. and Russian house artifacts on the earth. You possibly can see the precise Apollo 13 command module, a full-scale duplicate of the House Shuttle Endeavour, and a Sputnik satellite tv for pc, amongst many different reveals.
The museum additionally contains a planetarium, the place you may gaze on the stars and be taught concerning the mysteries of the universe. For a extra adrenaline-fueled expertise, strive the astronaut coaching simulator, which supplies you a style of what astronauts expertise throughout house flight.
Whether or not you’re an area fanatic, a science geek, or just curious concerning the universe, the Cosmosphere provides an academic and entertaining expertise that’s out of this world. As such, I extremely advocate 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 obtained you coated. Delve deep into the earth at Strataca, an underground salt museum positioned in Hutchinson. This distinctive attraction takes you 650 ft under the floor into an energetic salt mine, providing a captivating glimpse into the world of mining and geology.
The journey begins with a darkish, thrilling trip down the mine shaft in an authentic hoist. As soon as underground, you may discover the mine’s huge community of chambers and tunnels, see big equipment utilized in mining operations, and be taught concerning the geology and historical past of salt mining.
One of many highlights is the Salt Safari, the place you may trip a tram into elements of the mine not often open to the general public. You’ll see distinctive salt formations and be taught concerning 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 in search of an journey, visiting Strataca provides a novel and academic expertise. This makes it among the finest issues to do in Kansas that’s to not be missed.
7. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork
Expertise the Midwest in model 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 embody works by Caravaggio, Titian, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh.
One of many museum’s most iconic options is the Donald J. Corridor Sculpture Park, house to the well-known Shuttlecocks set up. This out of doors house blends artwork and nature, providing a tranquil setting for having fun with the museum’s spectacular assortment of sculptures.
With its numerous assortment, stunning structure, and serene sculpture park, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork provides a wealthy and provoking cultural expertise. Whether or not you’re an artwork connoisseur or an informal customer, you’re certain to search out one thing that captivates and conjures up. No marvel this is among the high issues to do in Kansas for probably the most discerning vacationers.
8. Outdated Cowtown Museum
This is among the greatest issues to do in Kansas, fingers down. Step again in time on the Outdated Cowtown Museum in Wichita, a dwelling historical past museum that recreates a frontier cattle city from the 1860s to the Eighties. This immersive expertise provides a glimpse into the life and instances 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 grime streets, you’ll encounter costumed interpreters who convey the previous to life with demonstrations of interval crafts and trades.
Don’t miss the prospect to see a standard cattle drive, watch a gunfight reenactment, or take a trip 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 in search of a enjoyable and academic expertise, the Outdated Cowtown Museum is among the high Kansas sights you’ll positively need to add to your journey itinerary.
9. Kansas State Capitol
A go to to Kansas can be incomplete with no journey to the Kansas State Capitol. Expertise the grandeur of Kansas’s political historical past on the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. This beautiful architectural masterpiece isn’t solely the seat of the state’s authorities but in addition 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 function is the magnificent copper dome, one of many largest in the US. 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 beautiful 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 provides a wealthy and provoking expertise. It’s simple to see why this is among the greatest issues to do in Kansas!
10. Sedgwick County Zoo
Searching for Kansas actions that don’t break the financial institution? Then that is what you’re in search of!
For a fun-filled household outing, head to the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita. As the most important zoo in Kansas, it’s house to greater than 3,000 animals of almost 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, house 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 stuffed with unique birds, primates, and large cats.
The zoo additionally provides 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 packages that convey you nearer to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Whether or not you’re an animal lover, a nature fanatic, or in search of an excellent day trip with the children, the Sedgwick County Zoo ensures a ton of enjoyment to any customer, that’s why this is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Kansas for me.
11. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Residence
It might 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 Residence. Immerse your self within the life and legacy of one in all America’s most influential presidents on the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Residence in Abilene. This complete complicated provides a captivating 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 navy service in World Struggle II, his presidency, and his private life. Highlights embody his presidential papers, navy uniforms, and private mementos.
Don’t miss the prospect to go to Eisenhower’s boyhood house, 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 adolescence.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a political fanatic, or just fascinated about studying extra about one in all America’s most vital figures, the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Residence is among the high locations to go to in Kansas that it is best to learn about.
12. Flint Hills
This is among the greatest 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 house to the most important remaining tract of tallgrass prairie in North America, providing a panorama of rolling hills, wildflowers, and limitless sky.
The easiest way to expertise the Flint Hills is to take a drive alongside the Flint Hills Nationwide Scenic Byway. This 48-mile route provides beautiful views of the prairie, with overlooks and interpretive indicators alongside the way in which. You can even discover the area’s mountaineering trails, go hen watching, and even take a guided prairie bus tour.
Don’t miss the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect, the place you may see a herd of bison and be taught concerning the ecology and historical past of the prairie. Or go to the Flint Hills Discovery Middle in Manhattan, which provides 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!
Often Requested Questions (FAQs) concerning the Greatest Issues to Do in Kansas
Searching for extra content material on the highest issues to do in Kansas? Listed here are some in style questions (and solutions) I get that may assist you to plan your journey to Kansas:
What’s the primary attraction in Kansas?
One of the vital well-known sights in Kansas is the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Residence in Abilene. This website honors Dwight D. Eisenhower, the thirty fourth President of the US, and options his childhood house, a museum with reveals on his life and presidency, and his ultimate resting place.
Different in style sights embody the Kansas Cosmosphere and House Middle in Hutchinson. As well as, the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is among the largest zoos within the state. Outside fanatics may also benefit from the Tallgrass Prairie Nationwide Protect. This provides a glimpse into the pure panorama that after coated a lot of the central United States.
What’s Kansas most well-known for?
Kansas is most well-known for its central position in U.S. historical past, notably because the setting of many pivotal occasions within the American Civil Struggle. It’s additionally identified for its agriculture, notably wheat farming, incomes it the nickname “the Wheat State.”
What meals is Kansas identified for?
Kansas is famend for its barbecue, notably in Kansas Metropolis, which has a particular model of barbecue that’s characterised by all kinds of meats and a candy, thick, tomato-based sauce. The state can also be identified for its steakhouses and home-style cooking.
What’s the greatest 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 ravishing reddish hue. Each seasons provide gentle climate and beautiful surroundings.
Are there any particular occasions or festivals in Kansas?
Sure, Kansas hosts quite a lot of occasions and festivals all year long. Highlights embody the Kansas State Truthful in Hutchinson in September, the Symphony within the Flint Hills in June, and the Wichita River Pageant 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 provides a novel mix of experiences. They cater to historical past buffs, nature lovers, foodies, and artwork fanatics 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 Outdated 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 provides 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 Outdated Cowtown Museum, or immersing your self in the fantastic thing about the Flint Hills, you’re certain to search out one thing that sparks your curiosity and stirs your soul. So why wait? Begin planning your Kansas journey in the present day, and uncover the wonders that await within the coronary heart of America.