Best Places to Visit in Kansas
Searching for the best places to visit in Kansas? Well, you are in the right place! Having traveled through its countryside and cities, over the many trips I’ve found that Kansas offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and small-town hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
From family-friendly attractions to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, Kansas has plenty of memorable places to visit. Here are the ones I recommend from our most recent four week road trip, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls, Kansas felt like stepping into a slower time surrounded by rolling prairie and warm hospitality. We drove north from Wichita in about an hour and a half and stayed at Clover Cliff Ranch Bed & Breakfast for two days.
I loved walking along Broadway Street, where antique shops, art galleries, and local cafés make up a main street that feels straight out of a classic Midwest postcard.
You can also explore the nearby Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where open skies and endless grasslands showcase the last remnants of true tallgrass prairie. Stop by the Chase County Historical Museum, stroll across the Cottonwood River Bridge, and visit Cottonwood Coffeehouse for a coffee break.
- Location Map
- Location: East-central Kansas, in Chase County along the Cottonwood River
- Population: 785
- Scenery: rolling Flint Hills, tallgrass prairie landscapes, river views
My favorite highlight was standing on the hill above town at sunset, watching the prairie glow gold and purple in the fading light.
2. Lawrence, KS
Visiting the vibrant college town of Lawrence, KS in September was such a great idea because we found warm days, cool prairie breezes, and fall foliage colors starting along the Kansas River. With students back at the University of Kansas, Lawrence buzzed with creative energy with music and art.
I drove about 45 minutes west of Kansas City and spent a lively, easygoing long weekend based at the 4-star Oread Hotel for two days. I wandered down Massachusetts Street, browsing the indie bookstores and vintage shops while evenings brought live bluegrass along patios, and mornings were all about slow walks along the Burroughs Creek Trail.
- Location Map
- Location: Northeastern Kansas, in Douglas County along the Kansas River
- Population: 94,934
- Scenery: tree-lined streets, rolling hills, historic downtown architecture, riverfront views
Dinner at Merchants Pub & Plate in Lawrence, KS was a standout, a modern Midwestern twist with locally sourced comfort food like the roasted sweet corn chowder and a pint of Kansas pale ale which were perfect after a long day exploring.
3. Dodge City
Dodge City, Kansas, out on the western plains, is one of those places where the Old West comes alive in a way that feels both exciting and authentic. I can almost hear echoes of cowboys, cattle drives, and saloon doors swinging open.
We drove west from Wichita in about three hours and stayed at the comfortable Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dodge City for two days.
We started at Boot Hill Museum, and I loved walking down the recreated Front Street with its wooden boardwalks, old-time shops, and even staged gunfights.
I also appreciated the Santa Fe Trail tracks and the historic sites scattered around the area. Standing where wagons once crossed made the experience feel so real, and it reminded me of how much this city meant in shaping frontier life.
- Location Map
- Location: Southwestern Kansas, in Ford County along the Arkansas River
- Population: 27,788
- Scenery: classic Old West atmosphere, open prairie landscapes
For me, Dodge City is one of the coolest destinations in Kansas. It’s not just a tourist stop...it’s a living connection to the Wild West that combines museums, history, and small-town friendliness into something truly memorable.
Check prices at the Dodge House Hotel, another unique place to stay in town.
4. Manhattan, KS
Manhattan, Kansas, known as “The Little Apple,” quickly became one of my favorite places to explore in the Flint Hills. About two hours west of Kansas City, it felt like an awesome mix of vibrant college town energy and spectacular natural beauty, making it one of the best underrated destinations in the state. We checked into 3-star Bluemont Hotel for two days.
My favorite hidden gem was the Flint Hills Discovery Center because I loved how interactive and interesting the exhibits were, teaching us about the unusual and rare tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
We also thought Konza Prairie, just south of town, was spectacular and the views at sunset were unforgettable and made for one of the most romantic and affordable adventures I’ve had in the state.
- Location Map
- Location: Northeastern Kansas, in Riley County at the junction of the Kansas and Big Blue Rivers
- Population: 54,794
- Scenery: rolling Flint Hills, river valleys
The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art on campus was my favorite underrated stop I enjoyed because it offered a vibrant collection of regional and contemporary works.
5. Abilene, Kansas
Abilene, Kansas, about midway between Kansas City and Wichita, is such an easy day trip (but you also turn it into the most perfect weekend getaway!). There's plenty of history for sure since Abilene played a big role in America’s story.
We drove west from Topeka in about an hour and a half and stayed at 2-star Holiday Inn Express & Suites Abilene for two days.
I instantly loved that there was so much to see and do. We started at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and I loved how it gave such a powerful look into the life of the 34th president. I learned at least 10 things I didn't know and the visit will help my son's history grade too.
We also enjoyed exploring Old Abilene Town, where wooden boardwalks, historic buildings, and even staged gunfights brought the Wild West past to life. There's noting like stepping into the past while in the present.
You can also explore local history at the Heritage Center of Dickinson County, and learn about greyhounds at the Greyhound Hall of Fame (super unique, I've never been to a place like this!). Kids love to ride a historic steam engine on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (named #5 Best Scenic Train Ride in America by USA Today 10Best in 2025), and don't forget to see the historic Seelye Mansion.
- Location Map
- Location: Central Kansas, in Dickinson County along the Smoky Hill River
- Population: 6,460
- Scenery: historic small-town charm, tree-lined streets, and prairie landscapes
Chris, my son and I thought that Abilene is one of the coolest small towns in Kansas in the heart of the Midwest.
My favorite highlight was watching the sunset from the Abilene City Park footbridge.
6. Topeka
Topeka felt to me like one of the most underrated gems in the Midwest, and I loved how it balanced history, culture, and fun in such an affordable way that completely won me over. Just an hour west of Kansas City, it made for a brilliant weekend getaway with plenty to see and do.
I started my mornings with a coffee and stroll through Gage Park, its rose garden still blooming in late summer color, and followed the trails along the Shunga Creek Greenway as the cottonwoods began to turn gold. Downtown, I loved wandering Kansas Avenue, where murals and local shops brought bright splashes of character to the streets of Topeka.
- Location Map
- Location: Northeastern Kansas, in Shawnee County along the Kansas River
- Population: 125,963
- Scenery: riverfront parks, tree-covered neighborhoods
Dinner at The White Linen in Topeka was unforgettable, a cozy, refined spot tucked into a historic downtown building and where the chef’s tasting menu celebrated Kansas ingredients in an elegant way with tender beef with roasted root vegetables, paired with a glass of smooth local red wine.
Check prices at the Cyrus Hotel ($189), a boutique spot blending modern comforts with nods to local history.
7. Wichita
Wichita, Kansas, right in the heart of the state, always impresses me with how much energy and variety it has. We started and ended our recent Kansas road trip here and stayed at Ambassador Hotel Wichita (AAA's Four Diamond winner so you can trust that it's a quality place) for two days. Although I already wrote about it in my Best Places to Visit in Kansas article, I think it makes a great day trip if you live out in the country.
You can spend two hours in Downtown Wichita which features historic brick warehouses now filled with breweries, coffee shops, and art spaces. One of my favorite things to do is Botanica where you can see 4,000 unique plant species.
I also enjoyed Old Cowtown Museum, where walking past frontier buildings made me feel like I had stepped back into the 1800s. That unusual mix of living history and city life added depth to the trip and made it stand out.
- Location Map
- Location: South-central Kansas, in Sedgwick County along the Arkansas River
- Population: 396,192
- Scenery: urban skyline, riverfront parks
For me, Wichita is one of the most exciting cities in Kansas. From its aviation heritage at the Kansas Aviation Museum to its vibrant food scene and welcoming neighborhoods, it offers a blend of history, culture, and fun that always makes me eager to return.
8. Cheney State Park
This Kansas lakeside getaway surprised me with its wide-open beauty, sparkling blue waters, and peaceful prairie backdrop ... it felt like a hidden Midwest gem!
I drove about 35 minutes on a day trip from Wichita to reach it, and as soon as I arrived, the calm water and open skies instantly put me in relaxation mode.
- Location Map
- Location: South-central Kansas, about 20 miles west of Wichita, spanning parts of Reno and Kingman Counties
- Scenery: large reservoir surrounded by prairie grasslands
I spent the day swimming in the clear lake, kayaking along the shoreline, hiking the nature trails through native grasslands, and ending the evening watching a spectacular sunset!
Conclusion
After exploring so many towns and cities, I’ve come to realize that Kansas is full of surprises. Each stop, from the wide-open prairies to the historic streets, left me with a joyful sense of discovery and connection to the state’s story.
I loved uncovering hidden gems like Abilene’s presidential library, Atchison’s aviation and ghost stories, and Dodge City’s Wild West flair. Every place offered something cool and memorable, proving that Kansas isn’t just flyover country but a destination full of depth and charm.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
