All too often, Kansas is mischaracterized: completely flat, corn-filled, boring. Those in the know know it’s really not so. For one thing, there are a number of amazing Kansas waterfalls. Below is a list of the 10 you need to see the next time you visit the state.
Top 10 Waterfalls in Kansas
Visiting Waterfalls in Kansas
Angel Falls
Small but stunning, Angel Falls is conveniently located right within the city limits of Lansing, Kansas, and the falls are accessible via a short hiking trail with parking available at a local Catholic Church.
Although beautiful year round, these falls are an especially worthy stop in autumn, when the leaves are changing, and the path is calm enough for families exploring with kids as well as those looking for a quick after-work jog.
Things to do near Angel Falls
Lansing has plenty to offer in its own right as far as dining and shopping opportunities. That said, this whole complex of suburbs is actually only half an hour from Kansas City — both the Kansas and Missouri sides — which is, of course, a major and beloved urban metropole.
Swissvale Falls
Although often overlooked, Topeka, Kansas really has so much to offer — not the least of which are the nearby Swissvale Falls. This waterfall can be accessed along the Landon Nature Trail just southeast of the city proper.
Another small and gentle waterfall surrounded by lush Kansas greenery, Swissvale Falls cascade gently over the gorgeously carved rock ledge behind them, standing less than five or so feet tall but spanning the entire width of the creek they straddle. The water here is certainly gentle enough to wade in, and the trail itself is fairly flat (though it’s always a good idea to watch your footing in moist environments, such as those around waterfalls).
Things to do near Swissvale Falls
Topeka is home to an incredible zoo and history museum, not to mention the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site.
Deep Creek Falls
Otherwise known as Pillsbury Crossing, Deep Creek Falls is one of the best-known and most-often visited waterfalls in Kansas. Located southeast of the town of Manhattan, this is a short and gentle (but broad and beautiful) waterfall, tumbling just a few feet over the tiered rock ledge behind them, and surrounded on all sides by stunning examples of local foliage that turn gorgeous colors in the fall.
One of the very best parts of this waterfall? How accessible it is: you literally just drive up and walk a few feet to the viewpoint. There are also restrooms available nearby, making this an easy and scenic place to while away an afternoon any time of year.
Things to do near Deep Creek Falls
The landscape just southeast of Manhattan, Kansas is filled with worthwhile to-dos, such as the nearby Konza Prairie Kansas Valley lookout point and a variety of area state parks.
Chase Lake Falls
Tumbling mightily down Prather Creek (and also known a Prather Creek Falls), Chase Lake Falls is really like several different waterfalls all in one. At the top, a straight-over-the-edge flow gently pummels the rock well below it, where a bridal-veil-like sideways cascade begins down the tiered rock ledges. The entire vertical drop measures maybe some 40 feet, but its visual intrigue is absolutely endless — and that’s not even counting the beautiful local flora and fauna that surround the falls themselves.
One important note about these falls, however: they can vary pretty significantly depending on what time of year you go. Often, by the end of the summer, the falls have run dry. Visit in spring or early summer for the best chance of seeing the cascade in action.
Things to do near Chase Lake Falls
Chase Lake itself is another state-designated fishing destination, and is home to catches like channel catfish, largemouth and spotted bass, saugeye, bluegill and crappie. It’s all just minutes away from small but well-furnished Kansas towns like Strong City and Cottonwood Falls, so all your needs can be met easily.
Santa Fe Lake Falls
Although its name is decidedly southwestern, Santa Fe Lake is actually just east of Wichita — though it offers a getaway no less scenic to those who make their way to its shores. Along with its fishing, boating, swimming, and plain old sunsetting opportunities, Santa Fe Lake is also home to a gorgeous set of powerful cascades known as the Santa Fe Lake Falls.
Technically a spillway, this waterfall is such a well-kept secret that even many who have visited the lake for years don’t know they exist! In order to see them at their full extent of power, be sure to visit in or just after the rainy season.
Things to do near Santa Fe Lake Falls
Wichita is an excellent destination city in its own right, boasting several college campuses, an Air Force base, and unique to-dos like the science discovery center known as Exploration Place.
Rock Creek Waterfall
The Rock Creek Waterfall may be man-made, but that doesn’t make it any less scenic or worth visiting. Located on the northwestern corner of Rock Creek Lake, where it’s fed by the Marmaton River, this stunning spillway streams in three powerful flows over the rock ledges into the body of the lake itself. It provides an excellent place to stop and have a picnic or simply sit and enjoy the scenery.
Once you’ve had your fill of the falls, you can head down to the lake itself for swimming, boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing opportunities including crappie, channel catfish, and carp.
Things to do near the Rock Creek Waterfall
This beautiful natural preserve is located just ten minutes west of Fort Scott, Kansas, which is home to a number of other preserved green spaces along with the renowned Fort Scott National Historic Site. For more places to stretch your legs and enjoy your surroundings, we suggest Gunn Park, other nearby waterways like Cedar Creek, and the Fort Scott National Cemetery.
Bourbon Falls
Just a touch further west of Rock Creek, Bourbon Falls sits on the Bourbon State Fishing Lake, which offers many access points for fishermen and boaters alike. The waterfall is considered by many locals to be both a hidden gem and an absolute must-see, tumbling some 30 feet down the rock wall that characterizes and crafts it.
The walking trail to the best waterfall viewpoint is short and relatively easy, but still offers some adventure. Depending on what time of year you visit and how high the water level is, you may need to cross a small stream to get to the right spot.
Things to do near Bourbon Falls
Unlike some of the other waterfalls and waterways on this list, Bourbon Falls, and the Bourbon State Fishing Lake, are fairly far afield from any major population centers. This makes visiting these falls a great opportunity for those looking for a real getaway.
Cowley County State Lake Waterfall
Just east of Arkansas City, the Cowley County State Lake Waterfall is tucked along the eastern shore of the lake of the same name. It offers a truly impressive, broad flow, especially during and after the rainy season.
There’s a dedicated viewpoint for this waterfall above them and to the west. That said, there is also an unofficial trail to the foot of the falls if you want to get an even better angle. If you take this route, we do suggest wearing hiking boots and perhaps bringing a pole, as it can be a little treacherous.
Once you’re done with the waterfall itself, you can go on to enjoy even more outdoor recreation opportunities on the lake.
Things to do near the Cowley County State Lake Waterfall
Only 20 minutes away from downtown Arkansas City, this waterfall offers a great marriage of off-the-beaten-path outdoor fun and close-to-town convenience. Arkansas City boasts many small but beautiful preserved green spaces with walking paths and other attractions.
Butcher Falls
A classic, natural waterfall tucked away in the landscape near the small city of Sedan, Kansas, Butcher Falls is considered by the state to be a natural landmark. Additionally, this waterfall, which stands some 10-15 feet tall, is located on the property of Bill Kurtis, a local Kansas celebrity known for his career in broadcasting and journalism.
There’s even a sweet nearby cabin known as the Butcher Falls Bunkhouse that can be rented out for a unique and private getaway — though of course those traveling by RV don’t have to worry about securing any additional lodging!
Things to do near Butcher Falls
Sedan may be small, but it’s still an intriguing city, and it offers some excellent barbeque restaurants, among other options. If you’re looking for some brighter lights and bigger buildings, Wichita is less than two hours away.
The Best Kansas Waterfalls for RVers
Geary Lake Falls
The Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is already a popular destination for Kansans as well as those from further afield. Known for its opportunities to reel in saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass, among other delicious catches, it’s also a great place for recreational boating, swimming, and simply relaxing with the fam. This is especially true when it comes to the gorgeous Geary Lake Falls right off the northwestern part of the lake where it’s fed by a tributary of Lyon Creek.
Standing an impressive 35 feet tall and cascading in multiple rivulets over the rock behind it, Geary Lake Falls is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the state, and it’s yet another Kansas waterfall that’s relatively easy to access and supported by facilities like nearby bathrooms.
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
We love that onsite camping is available at this park. Sure, it’s dry camping with very few amenities, but it’s totally free and gives you easy access to the waterfall and all the recreation opportunities found in the park.
Things to do near Geary Lake Falls
These falls, and the wilderness area that surrounds them, are located just south of Junction City, which is a great place to stop for any vacation resources you might need. You’re also not at all far afield of other outdoor recreation opportunities, such as Wilson State Park and Milton State Park.
Planning an RV Trip to Kansas
We’re sure you’ll agree that all these Kansas waterfalls are surprisingly beautiful, but they’re far from the only reason to explore this state. In fact, we RVing through the state in order to see it all properly. Make sure to stop in as the top 10 campgrounds in Kansas, as well as the best state parks and the cities of Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas.
