Looking for the best things to do in Kansas? From dramatic rock formations to quirky museums, these Kansas attractions showcase the very best of the Sunflower State.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a road trip or a longer Midwest adventure, Kansas offers something for every type of traveller. Explore vast tallgrass prairies, discover the history of the Old West, follow in Dorothy’s footsteps and uncover unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
This guide highlights 15 of the best places to visit in Kansas, from natural wonders to fascinating museums.
Kansas Attractions at a Glance
Use this guide to compare some of Kansas’ most famous landmarks, museums and natural attractions before planning your itinerary.
| Attraction | Best For | Location | Allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Rocks | Natural scenery | Oakley | 1–2 hours |
| World’s Smallest Museum | Quirky roadside attraction | Lucas | 30–60 mins |
| Coronado Heights | Scenic views & history | Lindsborg | 1 hour |
| Big Brutus | Mining history | West Mineral | 1–2 hours |
| Strataca | Underground adventure | Hutchinson | 2–3 hours |
| Cosmosphere | Space & science | Hutchinson | 3–4 hours |
| Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve | Hiking & wildlife | Strong City | 2–4 hours |
| Oz Museum | Wizard of Oz fans | Wamego | 1–2 hours |
| Truckhenge | Roadside art | Topeka | 30–60 mins |
| Giant Van Gogh Easel | Photo stop | Goodland | 20–30 mins |
| Cedar Bluff State Park | Outdoor recreation | Ellis | Half day |
| Cheyenne Bottoms | Birdwatching | Great Bend | 2–3 hours |
| Exploration Place | Families | Wichita | Half day |
| Kansas State Capitol | History & architecture | Topeka | 1–2 hours |
| Boot Hill Museum | Wild West history | Dodge City | Half day |
14 Unique Things To Do In Kansas
Monument Rocks: One of Kansas’ Eight Natural Wonders
Did you know that Kansas has 8 Wonders? Yes, it does, and Monument Rocks is one of them. Think of this as nature’s Stonehenge.
In Oakley, these chalk formations stand over 70 feet high and are actually remnants of the Western Interior Seaway. And they are pretty spectacular.
Monument Rocks was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968 and is one of Kansas’ Eight Wonders.
With such names as “The Eye of the Needle” and ” Charlie the Dog” adding this to your things to do in Kansas list is a great idea.
Matter of fact, this could be a great Midwest weekend getaway!
Visitor Tip: The roads leading to Monument Rocks are unpaved, so check conditions before you travel, especially after heavy rain. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit if you’re hoping to photograph the dramatic chalk formations.
World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things Museum: One of Kansas’ Quirkiest Attractions
Out of all the KS attractions, this one may seem a bit odd however it is also surprisingly interesting. Located in Lucas, this would make a great thing to do in Kansas if the weather isn’t on your side.
Erika Neilson researches, visits, and photographs some of the world’s largest things.
She then makes the world’s smallest version of the world’s biggest thing. The little replicas and the photography are exhibited at the museum.
Originally a traveling exhibition it is now has a site at Lucas. Opening hours can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the museum’s website or arrange an appointment before visiting.
If you like the strange and unusual then this is one Kansas attraction you will want to visit. This really is a Midwest hidden gem.
Visitor Tip: Pair your visit with a walk around Lucas to explore its other unusual public art installations, including the famous Garden of Eden and Bowl Plaza. Together they make one of the most unique stops in Kansas.
Coronado Heights Castle: Follow the Legend of the Seven Cities of Gold
Coronado Heights Castle overlooks the Smoky Valley near Lindsborg and commemorates the legendary expedition of Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, who is believed to have travelled through this area in the 1540s while searching for the mythical Seven Cities of Gold.
The Discovery of a mysterious Spanish coin in 1881 in this area seemed to confirm the legend that Francisco Vasquez de Coronado did indeed visit the area in the 1540s on his hunt for the golden cities.
The tale of the “Seven Cities of Gold, is believed to be steeped in Portuguese myth and Coronado ended his expedition here and returned empty-handed.
Coronado Heights Castle was built under a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in the 1930s marking the spot where Coronado is said to have gazed over the flatlands.
This is really one of the small towns in Kansas to visit!
Visitor Tip: Visit on a clear day for panoramic views across the Smoky Valley. Bring a picnic and take time to explore the surrounding park as well as the castle itself.
Strataca: Take an Underground Tour of a Working Salt Mine
Sixty-five stories below the ground in Hutchinson, Kansas is a massive salt mine. So large that the salt veins stretch from there all the way to New Mexico.
But that is not the most interesting thing about Strataca. The museum contains a 250-million-year-old salt crystal in which a living bacterium was discovered in 1998.
Talking of blockbusters, the mines also store government records and thousands of Hollywood films such as the master prints of Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, although these places are off-limits.
You can see the piece of salt where the bacteria was found. Strataca regularly hosts special events throughout the year, so check the calendar before your visit to see what’s happening.
You can also take a tram ride through the mine which is aptly named Dark Ride. Everything about this place sounds mysterious, creepy and so interesting. Which makes it the perfect attraction in Kansas.
Visitor Tip: The mine stays around 68°F (20°C) all year, so bring a light jacket even if you’re visiting during the summer. Book tickets in advance, especially for the Salt Safari tour, as it often sells out.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: Experience Kansas’ Wild Prairie
Established in 1996, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects more than 10,000 acres of one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America.
With oacres to explore this unique ecosystem offers open space, beautiful vistas, wildflowers, wildlife, and a wild bison herd.
The preserve prides itself in offering opportunities for people to make meaningful connections with the land and the people who lived there.
Mostly you come here to hike, take in nature and learn about the history. You can also take bus and horse tours.
It’s free to enter the park and it is open all year round. When it comes to what to do in Kansas, visiting The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve should be high on your list.
Visitor Tip: Visit in late spring or early summer to see the prairie covered in wildflowers, or in autumn when the tall grasses turn shades of gold and copper. Keep an eye out for the preserve’s free-roaming bison herd from a safe distance.
Oz Museum: Follow the Yellow Brick Road in Wamego
I could not write about Kansas and not include anything to do with the film that made it famous, The Wizard of Oz!
Founded in 2004 in the small town of Wamego the museum celebrates all things Oz from the book to the film. You can take steps down the yellow brick road, visit Dorothy’s farmhouse and watch it transform from back and white to color. You are surrounded here by Oz memorabilia, and the museum is painted emerald green.
Wamego embraces its Oz heritage with themed shops, public art and annual events, making it a fun place to spend a few hours beyond the museum itself.
For adults and children alike this is definitely worth adding to your things to do in Kansas list.
Visitor Tip: If you’re visiting in autumn, check whether your trip coincides with OZtoberFest, Wamego’s annual Wizard of Oz festival, when the town comes alive with themed events and entertainment.
Truckhenge: Discover Kansas’ Quirkiest Roadside Attraction
This one is on the wild side but something about it is so wholesome and intriguing. It’s just like Stonehenge but with trucks. Are you curious?
Truckhenge was created by local artist Ron Lessman, who transformed old trucks and farm equipment into one of Kansas’ most unusual outdoor art installations. Ever the rebel, he instead buried one end of his trucks into the ground so they stuck up and wrote slogans on them. What he created then became known as a work of art today.
There is something so cool about an act of rebellion becoming art. It also has a number of other items on this farm, one known as “Beer Bottle City.”
Check current opening hours before visiting, as access and guided visits may vary throughout the year.
Visiting here is truly one of the most unique things to do in Kansas. And could make a great Midwest road trip!
Visitor Tip: Leave plenty of time to explore beyond the famous trucks. The property also includes folk art, sculptures and the eclectic “Beer Bottle City,” making it much more than a quick photo stop.
Giant Van Gogh Easel: See One of the World’s Largest Paintings
Seems like Kansas has a thing for creating big works of art. This one is somewhat of a roadside attraction and while it is not a real Van Gogh, it is well worth stopping and having a better look. Standing more than 80 feet tall, the Giant Van Gogh Easel in Goodland is one of the world’s largest reproductions of a famous painting.
As part of Cameron Cross’s Big Easel Project, he created a 24 by 32-foot reproduction of Van Gogh’s “Three Sunflowers in a Vase, and it sits on a huge easel.
On the outskirts of Goodland, there is a parking lot behind this attractions in Kansas if you want to stop to get a better look.
Visitor Tip: Visit around sunrise or sunset for the best light on the giant easel. It’s just off Interstate 70, making it an easy stop if you’re road-tripping across Kansas.
Cedar Bluff State Park: Take in Spectacular Views Over Cedar Bluff Reservoir
Cedar Bluff State Park is one of the best places in western Kansas for scenic views, hiking, boating and wildlife watching.
Going to visit a reservoir might not be everyone’s idea of a Kansas attraction, but this one comes with a view. That view provided by 150-foot tall, cedar-covered limestone bluffs on the south side of the lake.
Formed by years of erosion by the Smoky Hill River you can easily access the bluff from the small parking area. The reservoir in the Cedar Bluff State Park is also a haven for wildlife and watersport activities.
Nearby Threshing Machine Canyon features historic wagon trail inscriptions dating back to the mid-1800s, offering a glimpse into the area’s frontier history.
With so much to do, add this to your best things to do in Kansas bucket list!
Visitor Tip: Drive up to the scenic overlooks for sweeping views across the reservoir, especially at sunrise or sunset. If you have extra time, bring hiking boots or a kayak to make the most of the park.
Cheyenne Bottoms: Experience One of America’s Largest Inland Marshes
Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the United States and one of Kansas’ most remarkable natural attractions.
It’s the largest interior marsh area in the United States. The Cheyenne Bottoms Visitor and Nature Center tells the story of the importance of wetlands through interactive exhibits.
Bird watchers will love this place as it’s been named a Hemispheric Reserve by the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network.
It is also designated as a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy and a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Committee.
More than 300 species of birds have been recorded at Cheyenne Bottoms, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in the Central Flyway.
This natural geologic depression lies north of the Arkansas River and really is a special thing to do in Kansas.
Visitor Tip: Spring and fall migrations are the best times to visit, when thousands of shorebirds, cranes and waterfowl stop here along the Central Flyway. Bring binoculars if you have them, and don’t miss the visitor centre for current wildlife sightings.
Keeper of the Plains: Visit Wichita’s Most Iconic Landmark
In downtown Wichita, at the point where the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers join together, is an Iconic sculpture.
At 44 feet tall, the Keeper Of The Plains looks over the land between the two rivers. This is sacred ground to the Native American people. It is also home to the Mid-America All-Indian Museum.
The 44-foot steel sculpture was created by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin and stands at the meeting point of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. He never really had the chance to see what it came to represent.
Sitting on a 30-foot stone plinth, the Keeper of the Plains rises a full 74 feet above the union of two rivers. At the eastern end of the park, it is reached over a bridge, and weather permitting, is lit by a ring of fire in the evenings.
Admission is free. If you’re visiting in the evening, try to catch the Ring of Fire lighting beneath the sculpture, one of Wichita’s most memorable sights. Check current lighting times before you visit.
There are so many interesting things to do in Wichita, and this is definitely one of them.
Visitor Tip: Plan your visit around sunset so you can enjoy both the views over the rivers and the dramatic Ring of Fire lighting ceremony after dark. The nearby Mid-America All-Indian Museum is also well worth visiting.
Kansas State Capitol: Climb the Capitol Dome in Topeka
The Kansas State Capitol building in Topeka is stunning. Construction of the Kansas State Capitol took nearly four decades, from 1866 to 1903, resulting in one of the state’s most impressive historic buildings.
The dome climb involves 296 steps and is not accessible by elevator, but visitors who make the ascent are rewarded with panoramic views over Topeka. However, there are tours available elsewhere around the rest of the building.
Inside, you’ll find beautifully restored legislative chambers, historic courtrooms and impressive murals that tell the story of Kansas’ history. There are also staterooms, galleries, the spectacular Senate Chamber, and the ornate Old Kansas Supreme Court to see.
If you love architecture and history the Kansas State Capitol Building is highly recommended as one of the best things to do in Kansas. It truly is a beautiful building inside and out.
After exploring the city, why not check out some of the best restaurants in Topeka?
Visitor Tip: Dome tours are free but involve climbing 296 steps, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fairly strenuous ascent. If you don’t want to climb, the rest of the Capitol is still well worth exploring.
Exploration Place: Discover Wichita’s Interactive Science Museum
Exploration Place is a science museum and discovery center in Wichita, Kansas. The building is as interesting as what goes on inside it.Named the island-building it is surrounded by water and sits beside the Arkansas River.
Highlights include the immersive Boeing Dome Theater and Planetarium, live science demonstrations and hands-on exhibits exploring science, engineering and Kansas history.
There are also five science shows in the Kemper Creative Learning Studio. It is a place to discover local history and explore hands-on science.
Visiting here is one of the most fun and educational things to do in Kansas. Check the daily schedule before your visit for temporary exhibitions, science shows and planetarium presentations.
After exploring the city, visit some of the restaurants in Wichita for a delicious meal!
Visitor Tip: Allow at least half a day to explore the exhibits. If you’re travelling with children, don’t miss the interactive STEM galleries and catch a show in the Boeing Dome Theater for the full experience.
Boot Hill Museum: Experience the Wild West in Dodge City
You cannot visit Kansas and not get a dose of the wild west! Boot Hill in Dodge City is the place where it is at.
Here things haven’t changed much since the 1870s. The museum located here has thousands of artifacts and photographs depicting Dodge City in its early years.
Located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery you will find lively, interactive displays and activities the entire family will enjoy.
Cold sarsaparilla, grandma’s homemade fudge, and the Boot Hill Gift Shop will also keep you occupied.
You can take a stroll through some of the historic buildings like the schoolhouse and Fort Dodge jail, the general store, and the local saloon.
And if you are there at the right time you might also get to experience the reenactment street shootout of the Boot Hill Gunfighters.
Visitor Tip: Visit during the summer for the fullest programme of live entertainment, including gunfight reenactments and evening performances. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the museum and its recreated frontier town.
Planning Your Kansas Road Trip
A Kansas road trip is the best way to experience the state’s small towns, scenic byways and unique roadside attractions. While many visitors simply pass through on Interstate 70, taking time to explore beyond the motorway reveals some of the state’s most memorable experiences.
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, sightseeing and wildlife watching, while summer is ideal for festivals and family attractions. If you’re planning to visit Monument Rocks or other remote destinations, fill up with fuel beforehand and download offline maps, as mobile reception can be limited in rural areas.
Many of Kansas’ most popular attractions are spread across the state, so planning your route in advance will help you make the most of your trip.
Museums and attractions also offer seasonal opening hours, so it’s worth checking their websites before setting off.
FAQs
What is the number one attraction in Kansas?
Some of the most popular attractions include Strataca, Monument Rocks, Boot Hill Museum, the Keeper of the Plains and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
What is Kansas best known for?
Kansas is known for its vast prairies, Wild West history, wheat fields, The Wizard of Oz, and unique attractions such as Strataca, Monument Rocks and the Kansas State Capitol.
How many days do you need in Kansas?
A three to five-day road trip gives you enough time to visit many of the state’s highlights, although you could easily spend a week exploring Kansas’ small towns, parks and museums.
Is Kansas worth visiting?
Absolutely. Kansas offers a surprising mix of scenic landscapes, fascinating history, quirky roadside attractions and excellent museums that many travellers overlook.
What is the best time to visit Kansas?
Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit thanks to mild weather, colourful scenery and ideal conditions for hiking and sightseeing.
Can you visit Monument Rocks for free?
Yes. Monument Rocks is free to visit, although it’s located on private land, so visitors should respect the site and follow any posted guidance.
What are the best weekend trips in Kansas?
For a memorable weekend, combine Wichita and Hutchinson, explore Dodge City and western Kansas, or discover the Flint Hills and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Kansas is far more diverse than many people expect. From exploring an underground salt mine and hiking through one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies to discovering Wild West history and quirky roadside attractions, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences across the Sunflower State.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer holiday, these are some of the best places to visit in Kansas.
Packing List For Visiting Kansas
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Wisconsin, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting any of the attractions in Kansas.
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. You can place it under your hiking clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
f 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 so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies with all those nature shots whilst checking off your list of things to do in Door County.
Hydration is so important when hiking. You want to remain hydrated throughout your day 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.
You can find filter replacements here.
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.. when exploring all the best things to do in Kansas. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack!
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