Are you planning to experience fall in Kansas? If yes, then this is the perfect article for you. Here, we have listed a few of the best things to do in Kansas to enjoy the fall season.
Kansas is a Midwest state that offers many fun attractions for visitors. From watching NASCAR races to hiking in the Wyandotte County Lake Park, there is no shortage of things to do in Kansas.
However, the real fun starts when the autumn season arrives in the state as it is one of the best places for experiencing fall in the Midwest.
There are many fall activities to enjoy in this charming city including apple picking, pumpkin patches, baking, and more.
If that wasn’t enough, Kansas in the fall is covered with fall foliage with incredible bursts of red, yellow, and orange trees.
Plus, there are many fun fall events to participate in such as the Spring Hill Fall Festival, Kansas State Fair, and more.
Kansas scenery in the fall season completely changes and is just too gorgeous to describe in words.
So, if you are also looking for the best places to see fall foliage in Kansas, then check out this article on fall in Kansas.
Fall in Kansas: Best Fall Foliage + Activities
Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
One of the best places to see fall foliage in Kansas, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offer colors throughout the year.
This is why it is a prime place for visitors to admire the fall colors in Kansas.
You will see the wildflowers decorating the hillside and sumac and persimmon scattered around the ground, making it the perfect place to see fall color in Kansas.
Moreover, there are lots of hiking trails available in this park that will take you to see over 1,700 unique plant species while you are surrounded by the fall colors.
According to the fall foliage map, this is definitely one of the top places where you can enjoy autumn colors in Kansas City.
There is also a fall festival held here where you can visit the farmer’s market, watch the fall parade and concert, enjoy games and interactive shows, and so much more.
So, if you are looking for a place to experience fall in Kansas, then Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a perfect choice.
There are so many other fall things to do in Overland Park you need to check out!
Visit Pumpkin Patches And Carve Some Pumpkins To Experience Fall In Kansas
For families, one of the top things to do in Kansas in the fall is to visit a pumpkin patch with the kids.
At the pumpkin patches, you can observe different varieties of pumpkins and participate in several fun fall events as well.
KC Pumpkin Patch and Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch are a few amazing pumpkin patches near Kansas City.
Here, you will not only enjoy the pumpkin patches but several other activities as well such as hay rides, zip lines, corn mazes, and so much more.
Plus, most of the pumpkin patches are located within a 15-minute driving distance of Kansas City.
Apart from visiting the pumpkin patches, one of the top fun things to do in the fall is carving pumpkins.
Many families consider it a tradition to carve a face or a design on a pumpkin as it is a great time to spend with your loved ones.
Trust me, the best way to enjoy fall in Kansas is by visiting these pumpkin patches and then carving fun designs on the pumpkins.
It will be a little messy but it/s an autumn activity that will surely make the Kansas fall season memorable for you.
Enjoy Apple Picking and Sip on Apple Cider
If you are spending autumn in Kansas, then you cannot miss out on one of the most amazing fall activities in the state – apple picking.
There are several brilliant apple orchards in Kansas where you can enjoy picking apples with your friends and family.
Once you have picked the apples, you can also sip on a glass of apple cider that is freshly prepared at a few of these orchards.
86th St. Orchard in Topeka is one of the top apple orchards in Kansas where you will find a wide range of apples available for picking.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a U Pick farm, then Cider Hill Family Orchard in Kansas City is perfect.
You can also enjoy apple cider donuts, apple butter, dried apples, and other apple-related items at this particular orchard.
So, if you are looking at fun things to do in the fall in Kansas, then don’t forget to go apple picking at the nearby apple orchards.
There are so many fall things to do in Kansas City KS so don’t miss visiting there!
Wyandotte County Lake Park
According to our fall foliage tracker, one of the best places to see fall foliage in the USA is the Wyandotte County Lake Park.
If you are visiting Kansas City in the fall, then do make a stop at this public park. You will see the true Kansas colors in the autumn season with red, yellow, and orange trees standing tall throughout the park.
To admire the fall foliage in Kansas, you can choose to plan a picnic beside the lake in this park or if you are feeling adventurous, then you can hike through these trees as well.
Stoptler Cove Natural Trail and Lake Loop are two of the best fall Kansas hiking trails that you can enjoy here.
This 1500-acre park has trees of all shades in the fall and the foliage looks absolutely mesmerizing around the 300-acre lake.
If you wish to see fall foliage in Kansas, then this is a great place to visit.
Visit Topeka City To Experience Fall In Kansas
Another one of the best places to visit in the fall in Kansas is Topeka City as the autumn leaves decorate this city in the Midwest.
Visitors can stroll through the gardens, parks, and historic sites to watch Kansas fall colors come to life here.
The best place to experience fall in Topeka is Lake Shawnee which is surrounded by fall-colored trees and offers several hiking trails with autumn leaves for visitors to explore.
Moreover, most of the businesses in the city are decorated with fall decor and feature beautiful displays that will give you the complete autumn feels.
From corn mazes to pumpkin patches, to hayback rides, there is no shortage of fall activities to enjoy in Topeka.
If you work up an appetite, you will want to explore the restaurants in Topeka!
Plan a Trip to Wichita to Enjoy the Fall Colors
Of course, one of the best places to enjoy fall in Kansas is Wichita.
There are so many things to do in Wichita including visiting its beautiful parks, and neighborhoods.
You will also find hiking trails that feature fall colors and turn the entire place something straight out of a fairytale book.
A fun autumn activity to enjoy in Wichita is going on nature hikes as the fall leaves surround you.
Riverside Park, Chisholm Creek Park & Trails, and Red Bud Trail are a few places where you can find fall foliage in Wichita.
So, you can plan a picnic at these places or just enjoy a nature walk as you make the most of the autumn season in Kansas.
Go Camping To Experience Fall In Kansas
Another great activity in autumn in Kansas that you can try is camping in a nearby park or forest.
The crisp fall air and the colorful foliage make it such an exciting experience for families and friends alike.
Shawnee Mission Park is a 26-minute drive from the city and is a great place to go camping in Kansas with your family in the fall.
There is a dog park and beach area, hiking trails, beaches, a family fun center, a park archery range, and lots of other fun activities to enjoy here.
This is not the only park in or around Kansas city where you can go camping in the fall.
There are many other options available as well such as Walnut Grove RV Park, Perry Landing Campground and RV Park, Atchison County Lake, Clinton State Park, Hillsdale State Park, and so on.
So, if you love adventure activities, then the most fun fall thing to do is camping in the woods.
Enjoy Fall Foliage at Perry Lake
To admire the best fall foliage in Kansas, plan a visit to Perry Lake in the Lawrence area.
There are so many things to do in Lawrence, especially during autumn!
Plan a road trip by taking the Ferguson Road north from Perry and watching the bursting fall colors in Kansas.
Perry Public Use Area is the best spot for watching the fall foliage during the months of autumn in Kansas.
Initially, you will be surrounded by the fall trees but once you reach the bridge that crosses the lake, you will be blown away by the lake water and the fall colors around it.
If you visit during the day, you can also do boating in the lake and admire the fall foliage from the center.
This lake becomes particularly picturesque during the fall and is the perfect place for photographers to capture the fall colors of Kansas.
Go For a Fall Hike In Kansas
To observe the fall color in Kansas, the best thing to do is to go on a hike on the trails near Kansas City. There are many scenic Midwest hiking trails filled with fall color trees both in your local parks and nearby state parks.
Rozarks Nature Trail is one of the best places to see fall foliage in the USA and is a moderate-difficulty trail that hiking enthusiasts would love to explore.
While the trail does include some steep elevation areas, the fall trees all around make it completely worth it.
There are many other parks as well such as Wyandotte County Lake Park, Overland Park, etc. where you can find several hiking trails to explore.
Since all these parks feature fall foliage in Kansas, it can be an amazing experience to hike these trails in the autumn season.
Visit the Corn Mazes
If you truly wish to make the most of the Kansas autumn season, then you cannot miss out on exploring a corn maze in the city.
This is one of the best activities in autumn where your entire family can have fun.
Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch and KC Pumpkin Patch both offer great corn mazes to tickle your mind and are perfect to explore with kids as well.
So, make sure you stop at a corn maze when celebrating fall in Kansas and try your best to make it out of it.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Located in Bonner Springs, Kansas, one of the best attractions in Kansas in the fall is the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.
It is a 20-minute drive from downtown Kansas City and offers a lot of entertainment options.
This festival begins on 3rd September 2022 and is open on all the weekends till 16th October 2022.
You can purchase the tickets online for unlimited access to fun, games, and contests. From Villager Bingo to Potato Sack Races, there are many fun activities to enjoy at this fall festival in Kansas.
Indulge in the fairie food, explore the artisan marketplace, or participate in the costume contest, there is something interesting here for all age groups.
If you wish to make the most of the fall in Kansas City, then don’t forget to visit Kansas City Renaissance Festival this year.
Plan a Fall Road Trip
One of the most epic ways to enjoy Kansas scenery in fall is by taking a Midwest road trip through the gorgeous fall foliage.
You can go on a scenic drive from Kansas City to Wichita through Topeka and marvel at the stunning Kansas autumn trees on the way.
There are so many cool things to do in Wichita so if you can, plan to spend some time there!
Another option is to cover a part of the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway which hasn’t changed much over time.
There are many beautiful sites to cover on the way including a heritage park, a national preserve, and several vintage Kansas towns too!
All these routes feature fall-colored trees and a road trip through them is one of the best Kansas fall experiences.
Celebrate Halloween in Kansas City
One of the top fall events in Kansas that the entire family can enjoy is Halloween Day.
The people of Kansas absolutely love this festival and hold several spooky and fun events throughout the city.
There are several amazing parties and Halloween events to attend in Kansas City this year or you can take ghost tours around the city.
There are many haunted houses also available where you can test your bravery. The entire Kansas city is decorated to spook you out and there are tricks and treats available at every corner of this place.
Honestly, if you are looking for a fun fall event in Kansas, then you should attend the Halloween Celebrations here.
Johnson County Old Settlers Festival
A popular fall tradition for those who live in Kansas, Johnson County Old Settlers Festival is located in Olathe.
This fall event in Kansas features live music and the show begins at 7:30 PM each night.
Apart from the fun music to dance to, the festival also offers lots of games, contests, carnival rides, and entertainment booths perfect for all ages.
With food, music, and entertainment, what’s not to like at this fall festival in Kansas?
It is held between 8th and 10th September 2022 and is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy fall in Kansas.
Louisburg CiderFest
As soon as the fall arrives, the first thing that enters our mind is the Louisburg CiderFest in Kansas.
This is one of the top fall attractions in Kansas as Louisburg Cider Mill offers some delicious apple cider to the festival goers for two weekends in autumn.
The festival is always held on the last weekend of September and the first weekend of October and the best part is that there is no admission fee to visit the festival.
The autumn activities at this festival begin with Louisburg Lions Pancake Breakfast at 8 AM.
At the same time, visitors can indulge in other fun games and entertainment options as well. There are cider, craft booths, pony rides, slides, and more to enjoy.
You can watch the process of making an apple cider here and then buy a fresh cup of cider to enjoy with a cider donut.
Experience the 10-acre corn maze, pick a pumpkin, and dance to the live music.
Louisburg CiderFest is fun for all ages and is the best way to celebrate fall in Kansas.
Spring Hill Fall Festival
One of the most fun fall events in Kansas that you cannot miss out on is the Spring Hill Fall Festival.
This 2-day festival was started in 1954 and has become a sort of tradition over the last 68 years.
This year it will be held on the last weekend of September and will be kickstarted with a Saturday morning parade.
There will be all kinds of fun activities available here including street dancing, craft booths, live concerts, a chili cook-off, and more.
If you love joining fall festivals, then Spring Hill Fall Festival is a must-attend fall event in Kansas this year.
Packing List When Experiencing Fall In Kansas
If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing to experience the fall in Kansas.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when experiencing Kansas activities in autumn.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!
I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when seeing all the beautiful Kansas in fall scenery!
Hydration is so important when traveling.
You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. then this foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
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Kansas is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest to explore and admire fall colors.
Kansas is surrounded by fall foliage, and charming cities and towns.
If you are considering a trip to the Midwest to see fall foliage, then you’ll definitely want to consider heading to Kansas.
I hope you enjoyed these awesome places to experience fall in Kansas!
Have you been to any of these places? If not, is there one that caught your eye?
I’d love to hear about your fall vacation in Kansas in the comments!
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