I’ve had the incredible opportunity to explore Kansas extensively over the past five years, from the exciting Big Kansas Road Trip to a memorable journey along Kansas Highway 36 and, most recently, a thrilling five-day adventure in North Central Kansas. Let me take you on a voyage through 33 fun things to do in Kansas that have captivated my heart during my numerous visits.
Fun Fact: My admiration for Kansas knows no bounds! It all began with a magical visit to Wichita, leading me through the picturesque Flint Hills, bustling Topeka, and charming Manhattan. A second trip introduced me to vibrant Kansas City before embarking on a 16-day escapade along I-70. Let’s dive into the reasons!
1. See the Limestone Statues (Hays)
For years, local sculptor and artist Pete Felten has produced unique limestone sculptures throughout Hays, Kansas. The sheer attention to detail in these mesmerizing pieces is unbelievable. You can see 20+ of the sculptor’s works around town or visit his Stone Gallery professional studio.
To learn more about Felten and Hays, visit the Hays tourism board.
2. See the World’s Largest Czech Egg
Wilson, Kansas, is home to the World’s Largest Czech Egg, a symbol of the town’s deep-rooted heritage. The rural Kansas landscape serves as a stunning canvas for the vibrant designs and colors of the 8,000-pound egg, a testament to the town’s rich history and culture.
The hand-painted fiberglass Czech Egg is 20×15 in size and was painted for display in 2015. Today, it attracts hundreds of tourists who come to see one of the world’s largest roadside attractions and one of the cool wonders of the Sunflower State.
3. Visit Moon Marble Company
The Moon Marble Company in Bonner Springs, Kansas, has been enchanting visitors since 1997 with its captivating color combinations and creative marble designs. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing process of marble-making while exploring the impressive gift shop
4. Overnight in a Missile Silo
Atlas Ad Astra Adventure Resort is not only an adventure resort, but it also has an unusual Airbnb property. Have you ever wanted to sleep in a former missile silo?
Make your Stay overnight at a decommissioned Atlas F Missile Base. This jaw-dropping property was built in the 1950s-60s during the Cold War to deter Nuclear War. It offers a separate bedroom, bunk beds in another, a vast bathroom, and a large amount of space…totally underneath the earth.
While the plans are still being developed, the adventure resort offers campsites, an RV park, hiking trails, and space for stargazing and campfires. It is a little slice of heaven.
Before you ask, the dog does not come with your overnight accommodations in the silo.
5. Visit a Gorgeous Winery
Shiloh Vineyard in WaKeeney has a fantastic selection of wines, a tasting room, and an event space. Wine types range from reds and whites to fruits and dessert wines, but if you are feeling adventurous, try a flight.
At Shiloh Vineyard, you’re not just a customer; you’re a welcomed guest. Owners Kirk and Treva, known for their friendly and engaging nature, are always ready for a chat as you savor our delightful wines in the picturesque tasting room.
6. Witness Monument Rocks
As you set eyes on Monument Rocks Chalk Pyramids, you’ll be transported to a world of natural beauty right in the heart of Kansas – no passport required! The towering, 70 feet tall formations, with their breathtaking sedimentary patterns and rock outcroppings, are a testament to the wonders of nature that will leave you spellbound as you approach.
Situated a mere four miles east of US83 and 25 miles south of Oakley, Monument Rocks are easily accessible. They hold the prestigious title of being the first National Natural Landmark in Kansas, a recognition bestowed upon them by the US Dept. of the Interior in 1968.
7. Ride the Abilene Railroad
Bring the family along on a delightful 10½-mile journey through picturesque farmland and the Smoky Hill River Valley onboard the award-winning Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad.
This heritage train features a 100-year-old wooden coach dining car, offering rides from May to October. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor stunning views and capture memorable photos.
It’s evident that Sara and I are drawn to folks in uniforms or costumes on our adventures. Celebrate these unique encounters!
8. Admire Wichita’s Keeper of the Plains
Keeper of the Plains is an absolutely amazing art installment in the heart of Wichita, Kansas. The 44-foot tall steel sculpture, created by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, looks to the sun with his arms raised on top of an elevated rock perch at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. Around him, fire pots are lit each night at sundown and burn for about 15 minutes.
Thousands of people come out to this sacred site nightly for the ceremony, including street vendors, entertainers, and more.
9. Quench Your Thirst at Irrigation Ales
Thirsty for really great craft beer? You’ll find them alongside a fun ambiance, a calendar full of events, and even pre-made snacks and charcuterie boards at Irrigation Ales.
Owners Luke and Jennifer Mahin embrace “Rural by Choice” and share their love for people, Kansas, and entrepreneurialism through their delicious brews. My favorites are Grape Expectations (finishes like a wine) and Cherry Kolache, a Czech-inspired cherry sour.
10. Visit the Oz Museum: One of the Super Fun Things to Do in Kansas
Wamego, Kansas, is home to the fabulous Oz Museum on Kansas Hwy 99. No place can compete with the enormous collection of Wizard of Oz merchandise and memorabilia housed here. Admission is $9 for adults/$7 for children, and you are free to wander the space filled with 2,000 Oz artifacts, memorabilia, exhibits, and the Oz Museum store.
Treasures you will find inside are the doors and windows from a munchkin house (used in the film The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz), props from the Broadway musical Wicked, original movie posters and rare autographs by original actors playing Auntie Em and Uncle Henry. There is even a Woozy Doll made by author L. Frank Baum.
11. Witness the Stunning Painted Silos
When traveling the Midwest, it isn’t all that uncommon to see a brilliantly painted silo or grain elevator with a moving scene. Salina’s “Mural at the Mill” by world-renowned artist Guido van Helten in 2021, is the best I’ve ever seen.
My jaw literally dropped when I saw the up close details in these children holding hands, and I love that it is done in sepia. Salina is full of cool artsy murals around town, too, but this piece might be the star of the town.
12. Explore Milford Nature Center
Milford Nature Center is a treasure trove of family-fun and hands-on exhibits in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Raptors, eagles, and a bobcat display are outdoors, while inside has native animal furs for touching, turtles, snakes, and an adorable prairie dog whom I’ve bonded with on each visit.
The Butterfly House Exhibit is open from late May through early October, and there is a fun children’s playground. This exhibit is free! It is also a site for parties and events, so the weekend crowds can be thick.
13. Visit A One-Of-A-Kind Cemetery
The Mount Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha is one of the most unique I’ve ever been to—and I do quite a bit of cemetery travel. The Davis Memorial is an intricate tomb that cost between $250,000 and $500,000 in the 1930s when John M. Davis commissioned the work and imported the Italian marble. Keep in mind that this was during the Great Depression.
The finished product featured 11 life-size figures depicting him and his wife Sarah at various stages in their life and was built after her death. A 50-ton canopy tops the massive piece, which has been on Ripley’s Believe It or Not and was an 8 Wonders of Kansas finalist. The legend is that Mr. Davis spent his wealth on this rather than leave it to his wife’s family.
14. See the Eisenhower Park Rose Garden
Abilene is not just about the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum. It also boasts a free and lesser-known attraction, the Eisenhower Park Rose Garden. The grounds are a burst of life, with vibrant rose blooms and a picturesque fountain in the garden’s center, all without costing you a penny.
It is an excellent place to come to appreciate nature or the calm setting, and the picnic tables are perfect for outdoor dining.
15. Go to Mount Sunflower
Mount Sunflower is the highest natural point in the state of Kansas. It is steep (4039 ft) and often muddy, so consider visiting in a 4WD. But once you are at the top, you can see miles and miles of beautiful scenery. Farmlands and golden grasses shine in the sunlight.
At the summit, a mailbox awaits you to sign and leave a memento, a testament to the many travelers who have conquered this peak. Remember the golf ball tradition: Take a swing and leave your mark on this unique spot.
16. Visit the Orphan Train Museum
Concordia, a city with a rich history, is home to the National Orphan Train Complex. This unique institution preserves the memories of a significant historical event-the ‘orphan trains’ of the mid-1850s. These trains transported thousands of orphaned children from the East Coast cities (New York, Boston, etc.) to the Midwest for rehoming purposes.
For seventy years, there were “orphan trains” to bring the children to the Midwest for rehoming purposes. Children were collected as needed and went to new homes for a brighter future.
Prepare to be captivated by the intricate web of stories that unfold at the National Orphan Train Complex. This museum offers a unique interactive experience, allowing you to step back in time and understand the journey of these orphaned children.
You can even hop aboard one of the vintage passenger trains, adding a touch of authenticity to your visit. Plan to spend a few hours immersing yourself in this fascinating history.
17. See the Cathedral of the Plains
Saint Fidelis Basilica in Victoria, Kansas, is a thing of beauty, reminiscent of Europe’s historic churches. Known as the Cathedral of the Plains, it is just a hop, skip, and jump off Kansas I-70. This architectural marvel stands tall at 141 feet, inviting travelers to pause and marvel at its 1911 beauty.
18. Nosh at Varsity Donuts
In Manhattan, Kansas, more my speed, is Varsity Donuts, a local institution. The shop is an Instagrammer’s dream, with a great floor, spaces, beautiful sweet treats, and excellent merch. Varsity Donuts taste every bit as good as they smell and look. My favorite flavors are Thin Mint, Maple Bacon, and Party Girl.
19. Smith County Higley Cabin
While the Higley Cabin’s picturesque setting is a draw, its true charm is its unique connection to the creator of ‘Home on the Range,’ a poem that resonates with many. This personal link adds a unique and exciting dimension to your visit, making it a must-see for any history buff or travel enthusiast.
Higley built the log cabin near Smith Center, Kansas, in 1875. Allow time for the short hike around the property, which features educational signs depicting the story of this unique offering.
20. See the World’s Largest Belt Buckle
Abilene has a lot going on, and one of the most recent big attractions is the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. The picture does not do justice, as the materials used are very ritzy (inlaid with blue quartz) in person. Use the spiral staircase in the back to climb to the top of the belt buckle for excellent photo ops.
Belt buckle dimensions are 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall.
21. See the World’s Largest Ball of Twine
You’ll find another World’s Largest in Cawker City, Kansas. The Guinness Book of World Records certified the ball of sisal twine and measured 41.5 feet at that time. Today, the roadside attraction sees hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
Chances are, you will see this angel, Linda, overseeing the additions to the ball, working tirelessly to welcome visitors to her town and the great state of Kansas.
Fun Fact: The World’s Largest Ball of Twine weighs 17,320 pounds and is still growing.
22. See the Impressive Murals
Manhattan, Kansas, blew me away with the great murals. You’ll find plenty of them in “The Little Apple“, including this goldfish mural (Beginning from the End) next to the famous Chef Cafe. Joseph Renda, Jr, did this particular mural.
A few other murals you’ll want to hunt down while in Manhattan are Prairie Fire, I Know a Place, and Anotações, with the most gorgeous color combinations. Mural hunting is free, so be sure to always drive through the towns you visit to uncover these treasures.
23. Check Out Incredible Bikes
The St. Francis Motorcycle Museum is a walk through history, 115 years to be exact, with a treasure trove of all things two-wheeled. I’ve toured many a vehicle museum in the country, and this is one of the best.
The St. Francis Motorcycle Museum has nearly 150 vintage cycles with brands ranging from Indian, Harley-Davidson, Excelsior, Thor, and Flanders. There are also some unique pieces that you have to see to believe!
24. Wander Through Rock City
Visit Rock City Park at 1051 Ivy Road in Minneapolis, Kansas, to see these giant concretions formed from calcite, barite, pyrite, and more. They are beautiful and interesting and make excellent photo ops. Feel free to walk around at your own pace and even allow the kids to climb on the massive structures if desired.
Over 200 giant rocks can be admired in a space around five acres in size, and more are popping up all the time. This National Natural Landmark is one of the coolest things to do in Kansas I’ve seen yet—and I’ve seen a bunch. Rock City Park is also a popular picnic spot and has a gift shop and facilities.
25. Explore the Kansas Ag Museum
Bonner Springs offers the super cool National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame. This memorial to farming is a collection, indoors and out, of fascinating tools, exhibits, collections, and living history displays. Enjoy a self-guided tour with no admission fee, though donations are appreciated.
The museum hosts several family-friendly events, including Barnyard Babies, Amaizing Sweet Corn Glean-a-thon and Sweet Corn Festival, and International Lineman’s Rodeo.
26. Taste Fabulous BBQ at Joe’s (Kansas City)
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a highly popular game-changer with some original dishes. My favorite is the famous Z-Man sandwich with slow-roasted brisket and provolone on a Kaiser roll. Joe’s potato salad and BBQ beans are both yummy.
Other menu items include pulled pork, sausage, burnt ends, ribs, smoked turkey, smoked ham, and smoked chicken.
Here’s a tip: arrive early as the wait is long daily. And yes, Joe’s is inside a neighborhood gas station.
27. Check Out a Fabulous Independent Bookstore
Lawrence and Manhattan, Kansas, are home to the Dusty Bookshelf independent bookstores. This treasure trove is massive and so well stocked and designed. You can browse through every kind of book imaginable and find great Kansas merchandise, logo souvenirs, toys, cards, journals, puzzles, gifts, games, and reading accessories — and then some.
The Dusty Bookshelf Lawrence location is on trendy Massachusetts Avenue, and the Manhattan store is in Aggieville. You can grab snacks and coffee or teas on the premises.
28. Wander the Prairie Museum of Art & History
I so enjoyed exploring the Prairie Museum of Art & History in Colby. It is chock full of “everything but the kitchen sink.” Also a repository for the Thomas County Historical Society, the museum’s collections range from paintings and artwork to a fascinating doll collection and some of the most original glassware I’ve seen in the country.
Besides the thousands of items inside the museum, there are also noteworthy outdoor buildings. These all share a look at the pioneers who settled in Western Kansas. Amongst the buildings are a sod house, a one-room schoolhouse, and the Cooper Barn, the largest in the state. The Cooper Barn was previously voted one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Architecture.
29. Hike to Beautiful Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake is absolutely stunning and a big surprise when driving the Smoky Hills. This picture postcard is easily the most beautiful in the state and features clear blue water and excellent fishing for largemouth bass. There are designated sandy beaches for swimming, and it is a popular attraction for families.
For an adventure, take the Rocktown Hiking Trail, a three-mile loop trail that starts and ends from the parking lot on the east side of Rocktown. Stay hydrated and wear bug repellent.
30. See Black Squirrels on Parade
Marysville, Kansas, is home to black squirrels, a genetic variation of the Eastern Grey Squirrel. If you even mention Marysville to anyone who has been there, they will immediately strike up a conversation about the black squirrels, which are cute as can be.
A fun play on the rare squirrels in the town is with the Black Squirrels on Parade, the official mascot. The nearly 50 fiberglass sculptures are 5 feet tall and artistically painted and decorated. You can do a scavenger hunt to find them around town and snap up pictures.
My favorites include Frida, Dewey, and Road Warrior, but they are all super cute.
31. Be in Awe at The Garden of Isis
For years, the Garden of Isis has been a freakishly weird but uber-cool Kansas attraction. Visual artist Mri-Pilar has used a vivid imagination and creative streak to build a five-room art gallery from trash, treasures, and many recycled materials.
Parts range from doll bodies and heads to kitchen utensils, machinery, and bling.
Your Grassroots Art Center ticket includes admission to the Garden of Isis. Prices are under $10 for adults and heavily discounted for children ages 6 to 12.
32. See Madonna on the Trail
Stop in Council Bluffs to see the Madonna on the Trail, the only one in Kansas. The statue is one in a series of 12 identical monuments created to honor the spirit of the pioneer women commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.
The 12 monuments are in each state that the National Old Trails Road passed.
33. Visit They Also Ran Gallery
The They Also Ran Gallery is a unique museum that takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the losing Presidential candidates. It is located on the second floor of the First State Bank in Norton. Stop by and ask for a tour of this free and original attraction.
I cherish my relationships with many of these destination partners whom I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating for several years. The warmth and hospitality you’ll experience in Kansas, the heart of America, are second to none.
Maybe you will see why I love Kansas so much from these pics.
