Whether you’re looking for mouthwatering barbecue, for a hike on a windswept prairie, or for a day learning about the state that’s the geographical center of the U.S., you’ll find something for you in Kansas! In fact, you may want to compile a Kansas bucket list to ensure you see everything in the state that you want.
In this article, we will discuss our very favorite places to visit in Kansas so you can get ideas for your own travel bucket list.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
In the summer of 1950, 13 parents attempted to enroll their children in their neighborhood schools. These children were refused admission based on their race. The parents filed suit against the Topeka Board of Education, a move that would alter history. Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site to learn more about the case and the history of segregation in America.
Fort Larned National Historic Site
Fort Larned is an authentic army post from the 1860s that’s incredibly well preserved. It’s located along the Santa Fe Trail and shares the history of the Indian Wars and those times with all who visit.
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Another historic fort that provides a wealth of information to visitors is Fort Scott. This site tells the stories of a historic chain of events that happened in the area between the years 1842 and 1873. You’ll get an excellent history lesson.
Nicodemus National Historic Site
During the post-Civil War Reconstruction period, a number of formerly enslaved African Americans left Kentucky and headed west to Kansas. Here, they built the Black settlement of Nicodemus. Today, the Nicodemus National Historic Site represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
There was a time when tallgrass prairie covered 170 million acres in North America. Sadly, less than 4% of this beautiful and amazing ecosystem remains. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects one of the last remaining remnants of the once enormous tallgrass prairie.
National Historic Trails
In addition to historic sites and the preserve, Kansas also has a number of historic trails running through it. Each of these is interesting in its own way, and we definitely recommend visiting and walking in the steps of history.
The National Historic Trails of Kansas include:
- Santa Fe National Historic Trail
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Oregon National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
- California National Historic Trail
Climb Mt. Sunflower
Kansas is a pretty flat place, and the highest point in Kansas is called a mountain, but isn’t really a mountain at all. It’s a small mound in the middle of a very flat plain… yet it is, deceptively, 4,039 feet above sea level. You can visit Mt. Sunflower, sign the guestbook, and take a photo.
Stroll Through the Oz Museum
In the minds of some, The Wizard of Oz is what put Kansas on the map. And the classic story has a whole museum dedicated to it. The Oz Museum touches on the book series and all of the movie adaptations, so you can dive deep into the fictional universe.
Visit the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
Go back to when the carousel was one of the most thrilling attractions at a carnival and learn the history behind this well-loved attraction at C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. You’ll even get to peek at what is quite likely the oldest working carousel in the country!
Pick Flowers at Grinter’s Sunflower Farm
Kansas is called the Sunflower State for a reason. Visit Grinter Farms in the late summer or early fall to see why. This place is home to some of the most amazing sunflower fields in the state, and visitors are invited to wander the fields and pick their own sunflowers to take home.
Stay at Hedrick’s Exotic Animal Farm Bed and Breakfast
Animal lovers will appreciate the unique Hedrick’s Exotic Animal Farm Bed-and-Breakfast, where you can step outside and see giraffes, camels, and a number of other friendly animals.
Step Back in Time at Old Cowtown Museum
The Old Cowtown Museum takes you back to the time of the Old West. This open-air living history museum features a recreated Old West town with interpreters available to answer questions and provide information on the day-to-day lives of the people who lived during this time.
Learn at the National Orphan Train Complex
The orphan trains that ran from the 1850s through the 1920s were life-changing for many and helped shape the U.S. However, many people don’t know about this piece of our country’s history. Visit the National Orphan Train Complex to hear the stories of the people who traveled on these trains.
Discover the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
The famous Amelia Earhart grew up in Kansas, and her childhood home is still standing and open to visitors. The home has been turned into the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, and is a great place to learn something new.
Snap a Photo at the World’s Largest Hand-Painted Egg
Located in Wilson, the “Czech capital of Kansas,” the World’s Largest Hand-Painted Czech Egg is an interesting sight to stop in and see. While you’re at it, be sure to explore the rest of the town and learn a little about Czech culture.
Go Underground at Strataca
Strataca, aka the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, takes guests underground to learn how salt mining was done many years ago in this old salt cave. You can even take home a chunk of salt for yourself!
See The Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts
It’s still possible to see the ruts of the wagons that once traveled the Santa Fe Trail on a journey westward. Visit the Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts site and imagine what it must have been like to be on such a long and difficult journey.
Admire the Art of Lucas, KS
Lucas is a very interesting small town that is chock-full of amazing and unusual artwork. The Garden of Eden, for instance, is an incredible sculpture that tells a new story with every piece, and was created by one man. Meanwhile, the Grassroots Art Center is a place where untrained artists of all ages are invited to display their works.
Other incredible Kansas bucket list worthy spots include Florence Deeble’s Rock Garden that represents various scenes from her travels, the mosaic-filled “Bowl Plaza” restroom, the tiny town built from rocks known as Miller’s Park, and the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things.
Search for Lindsborg Wild Dala Horses
Lindsborg is an adorable little town that takes pride in its Swedish roots, holding festivals throughout the year to carry on cultural traditions. They’ve also decorated their town with beautiful dala horses as a nod to their Swedish culture. Find all of them and take a photo.
Explore Coronado Heights
While you’re in Lindsborg, be sure to stop in at the nearby Coronado Heights. This tiny castle is in the middle of nowhere and has a fairytale vibe that we just adore. Take a picnic to enjoy while you’re there, or just do a little exploring.
Chuckle at the Elk Falls Outhouse Decorating Competition
Elk Falls is a “ghost town that is still living,” with a population of under 100 people. Here, you can see an awesome iron bridge and a beautiful waterfall. But the best attraction in this town is the annual outhouse decorating competition that happens in the fall. Plan your visit to this tiny town during the competition for a lot of laughs.
Check Out Truckhenge
Most works of art are created out of passion. Truckhenge was created because a man wanted to keep his old trucks. When the city told him he’d have to pick them up, he picked them up and buried their back ends in the ground, creating this singular work of art.
Grab a Toy at Moon Marble Company
Everyone loves a good toy store, and Moon Marble Company is one of the best. Not only do they sell a wide variety of good old-fashioned toys, but they also make marbles in-house. In fact, you can watch one being made right before your eyes!
Gaze at Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks features some incredible rock formations that change each year as the wind and rain continue to erode them. Right now, the formations stand about 70 feet tall and are striking against the blue Kansas sky.
Climb at Rock City Park
A strange sight to see, Rock City Park is home to a number of sandstone boulders, which are all oddly spherical in shape, making them unique. Visitors are welcome to climb on the boulders, making this a great destination for kids.
Stand Under a Mushroom Rock
Mushroom Rock State Park is also home to sandstone boulders. These are different, however, because they haven’t completely separated from their host stone. This creates an odd mushroom-shaped rock that you can stand beneath.
Go Wild at Cedar Cove Conservation & Education Center
Learn about big cats and help keep them safe by visiting the Cedar Cove Conservation & Education Center. Cedar Cove cares for endangered species of tigers and educates the public on how to preserve them and their habitats. Admission fees fund the place and ensure these cats live healthy lives.
Find Bison at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
See bison in their natural habitat at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful natural area is home to bison and other animals, as well as some lovely views.
There is a lot to see and do in the Sunflower State, and you may want to consider seeing the state in an RV. This allows you to move easily from one awesome spot to another, staying comfortable the entire time. If you don’t have an RV, check out our Kansas RV rentals.
