When most people think of Kansas, they picture endless plains—but Northwest Kansas is full of surprises! This region is a great road trip destination, from quirky roadside attractions to rich history, wineries, and stunning landscapes. Buckle up and get ready to explore charming small towns, artistic hubs, and historic sites as we take a Northwest Kansas road trip and see more of the Sunflower State!
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See and learn way more about President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Abilene, Kansas. Grab a tasty meal, there, too.
The Ultimate Northwest Kansas Road Trip Itinerary
Hays (Ellis County) – Start Your Journey
Kick off your adventure in Hays, a vibrant college town packed with frontier history, artsy vibes, and a great food scene.
- Visit the Sternberg Museum of Natural History to see a fossilized “fish within a fish” and other prehistoric wonders. This cool museum is great for kids and adults, plus it has quite a few animals and reptiles to check out.
- Explore Historic Fort Hays for a deep dive into frontier life through four preserved buildings and costumed interpreters.
- Stroll “The Bricks” in downtown Hays for boutique shopping and a taste of the local craft beer scene. Do not miss stops, which include Hays Art Council, Breathe Coffee House, Simply Charmed, and Gella’s & Lb Brewing Co.
Lucas (Russell County) – The Grassroots Art Capital
A short drive east takes you to Lucas, a small town known for its grassroots art.
- VVisit the Grassroots Art Center, which showcases quirky and creative works from self-taught artists. You could literally spend hours in this treasure trove.
- You’ll find more amazing art creations at the Garden of Eden, Miller’s Park, the Bowl Plaza (a must-see public restroom you’ll be talking about for weeks), and the Worlds Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things Museum
- Stop by Meridy’s Steakhouse for a classic Kansas beef dinner. I highly recommend the lunch buffet.
- Explore Lake Wilson nearby for breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
WaKeeney (Trego County) – The Christmas City of the High Plains
Even if it’s not December, WaKeeney keeps the holiday spirit alive year-round with its “Christmas City of the High Plains.”
- Stop by Trego County Historical Society Museum for fascinating local artifacts.
- Grab an excellent dinner at Western Kansas Saloon & Grill.
- No road trip is complete without a stop at Shiloh Vineyard & Winery for a wine tasting. Relax and unwind with a glass of locally crafted wine before heading home!
Check out this post for where to eat right off I-70.
Oakley (sits in Gove, Logan, and Thomas Counties) – Home to Monument Rocks
Gateway to Monument Rocks and the story of Buffalo Bill Cody.
- Visit Monument Rocks, one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, and marvel at these natural chalk formations.
- Another epic rock formation you won’t want to miss, only minutes from Monument Rocks, is Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Admission is $5 per vehicle. Go for the amazing sunrise.
- Check out the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center for a tribute to the legendary frontiersman.
- Pull over for an overnight at the cutesy Annie Oakley Motel or camp/RV at High Plains Camping, at exit 70 on I-70 and US Hwy 83.
- Last but not least, the Fick Fossil Museum is a treasure trove of fossils, geology, military, and cowboy artifacts. It is a free attraction.
Colby (Thomas County) – Oasis on the Plains
Known as the “Oasis on the Plains,” Colby is a great place to recharge.
- Stop by the Prairie Museum of Art & History to explore Kansas’s history and heritage. Many of the exhibits and collections will really impress you.
- Grab a bite at B’Hive for fresh, local flavors.
- Walk through downtown, which is beautifully lit during the holidays and filled with small-town charm.
Goodland (Sherman County) – The Giant Van Gogh
Famous for its giant Van Gogh sunflower painting and aviation history.
- See the giant easel and replica Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting in Pioneer Park East.
- Visit the High Plains Museum for cool local history exhibits.
- Grab a tasty coffee or tea and a Terra Bona Coffee Bar homemade pastry.
St. Francis (Cheyenne County) – Western Vibes
A hidden gem for outdoor lovers, near Arikaree Breaks and scenic landscapes.
- Hike or take a scenic drive through Arikaree Breaks, a rugged, unexpected landscape in the otherwise flat plains.
- Stroll through the fantastic St. Francis Motorcycle Museum, which is loaded with 115+ bikes, from vintage to current. It is truly one of the best museums of its caliber.
- Bird City is another small but mighty town in Cheyenne County, offering loads of rural charm.
- Grab a tasty meal at Big Ed’s in Bird City, a real charmer.
Atwood (Rawlins County) – Hidden Gem
A noteworthy small town with scenic Lake Atwood and a welcoming community.
- Take a relaxing break at Lake Atwood, a beautiful spot for fishing or a picnic.
- Check out local antique stores for unique finds.
Norton (Norton County) – A Blend of History & Nature
Home to Prairie Dog State Park and a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Stop at the They Also Ran Gallery, dedicated to U.S. presidential candidates who never won. This unique museum, totally tongue-in-cheek, is a hoot and free.
- Visit Sebelius Reservoir for camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
- Hike, picnic, or admire the prairie dogs at Prairie Dog State Park.
- Grab some cool photos at the vintage Conoco station.
Oberlin (Decatur County) – Full of Community Spirit
Steeped in history, with museums showcasing pioneer and Civil War stories.
- Walk through Decatur County’s Last Indian Raid Museum, which tells the story of the last Native American raid in Kansas. Don’t let the name fool you. I’m willing to bet it will take you 2-3 hours at least to get through this treasure trove, which has both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
- Enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner from the Re-Load Bar & Grill.
- Indulge in a cozy bed and breakfast stay at the Landmark Inn, a gorgeous property with a fantastic restaurant on site.
Hill City (Graham County) – Heart of the High Plains
A cozy community with deep ranching roots and a historic downtown.
- Visit Graham County Auto & Art Museum for vintage cars and unique local art.
- Learn about the African American homesteading movement across the Great Plains at the National Historic Site(managed by the National Park Service) in Nicodemus, Kansas. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.
- Admire the lovely Pete Felten (Hays, KS native) sculpture in front of the Graham County Public Library.
- Grab a selfie in front of the awesome Hill City mural on Hwy 24.
Hoxie (Sheridan County) – Rural Charm
A peaceful prairie town offering small-town charm and farming traditions.
- Eat a fantastic meal from The Elephant Bistro & Bar, an upscale eatery you will be surprised to find in rural Kansas.
- Another fun find is the Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site in Studley, KS, still in Sheridan County. The property is open for tours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Phillipsburg (Phillips County) – Outdoor Fun & History
Hosts Kansas’ longest-running rodeo and a strong agricultural scene and award-winning businesses.
- Explore Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Check out Hansen Museum, a world-class institution featuring regional history and art exhibits through a generous grant from Kansas’s greatest benefactor.
- Partake in a tasty breakfast or lunch, or indulge in tasty sweets from The Flour Shop at Third Street Bakery.
Wallace (Wallace County) – Wild West History
Discover Kansas’ cowboy Wild West heritage in this historic western town.
- Explore Fort Wallace Museum, which tells the story of early frontier life and is chock full of interesting indoor and outdoor exhibits.
- Shop for treasures and antiques at The Memory Bank and Wallace Trading Company.
- GGo off-roading to see Mount Sunflower, the highest spot in Kansas, where you can also hit a golf ball and sign in via the guestbook.
Smith Center (Smith County) – The Geographic Center of the U.S.
A proud farming community and birthplace of the legendary song “Home on the Range.”
- Stand at the Geographic Center of the Contiguous United States (the lower 48) for a unique photo-op!
- Visit Home on the Range Cabin, where the famous song was written.
- Renew your vows in the tiny rural church.
Plainville & Stockton (Rooks County) – Small-Town Kansas at Its Best
Plainville is a friendly town known for oil, farming, and its historic Main Street, while Stockton is another small town with deep pioneer roots.
- Stop in Plainville for great local eateries and a friendly atmosphere.
- Visit Stockton’s Rooks County Museum to explore pioneer history.
- Get a dose of wildlife and nature at the Webster State Park – Reservoir and Wildlife Area.
Pro Tip: One hour from this town is Cawker City, home to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Add a piece to the record-setting “World’s Largest” and rub elbows with people from around the globe who stop by this small town daily. Tell Linda Clover I sent you!
A Midwest Must
The Southerners have Buc-ees, and the Midwest has Casey’s. Though not as big and shiny, Casey’s is a one-stop shop for refueling, grabbing a snack, bathroom breaks, and chowing down on a piece of their breakfast or regular pizza. It’s cheap and ready to go, plus utterly delicious.
Route Through 13 Northwest Kansas Communities
The route that gets my vote for exploring all of these Northwest Kansas towns is as follows:
Start in Sharon Springs (Wallace County), then head north on Kansas Highway 27 (K-27) to Goodland (Sherman County) and then St. Francis (Cheyenne County). This is the famous Land and Sky Scenic Byway, which runs to the Kansas-Nebraska state line. Please note: It is the only agriculture-themed byway in the United States.
Travel east on U.S. Highway 36 to Atwood (Rawlins County). Continue east to Oberlin (Decatur County), then on to Norton (Norton County) and Phillipsburg (Phillips County). Keep heading east to Smith Center (Smith County).
From Smith Center, backtrack west to Phillipsburg, then head south on U.S. Highway 183 to Stockton (Rooks County). Continue south to Hays (Ellis County) via I-70. After exploring Hays, go east to Lucas (Russell County).
From Lucas, return west through Hays (it’s worth a second stop!) and take I-70 west to Wakeeney (Trego County). From Wakeeney, head northeast on U.S. Highway 83 to Oakley (Logan County)—a great home base for visiting Monument Rocks.
Directions to Monument Rocks (Gove County)
From Oakley, go south on U.S. Highway 83 for about 20 miles. Turn right on Gove County Road J (4 miles), then south on County Road H (3 miles). This road turns into Gove County Road 16—continue about 1 more mile south to reach Monument Rocks. Follow signs for guidance.
From Monument Rocks to Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
Take the slightly longer 26-minute route (just 3 minutes extra) to stop at the Keystone Gallery in Scott City, a must-visit spot for fossil lovers. Then, continue to Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park.
Final Route
From Little Jerusalem, head northeast on U.S. Highway 83 back to Oakley. Then, hop on I-70 west to Colby (Thomas County). Continue west on US-24 W to Hoxie (Sheridan County)and finish in Hill City (Graham County).
This route covers all 13 communities while maximizing scenic stops along the way!
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Northwest Kansas Road Trip
Northwest Kansas is chock full of interesting finds, from stunning landscapes to rich history, tasty local eats, and friendly small towns. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor adventurer, or enjoy a fun road trip, Northwest Kansas is calling your name.
To learn more about these communities, visit the tourism boards (click the hyperlink) corresponding to each area:
Atwood, Bird City, Colby, Goodland, Hays, Hill City, Hoxie, Norton, Oakley, Oberlin, Phillipsburg, Plainville, Russell, Smith Center, St. Francis, Stockton, WaKeeney, and Wallace. You can learn more about NW Kansas at this site.
