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Kansas offers unique attractions outside of “Missouri”

By Bill Clevlen

Since I cover travel and tourism, I’ve heard people say there’s nothing fun in Kansas. So I decided to spend a few weeks exploring Kansas, trying to find small towns, fun attractions, places to eat, and things to do to make your next corporate event special.

It turns out that even the eternal optimist in me wasn’t quite prepared for what I discovered simply by taking a detour down the interstate. Here are eight places in Kansas to consider on your next road trip out west or business gathering.

1. Leavenworth

Start your trip by visiting the Kansas Country Store and sampling delicious homemade fudge. Head to historic Fort Leavenworth and visit some of the museums and sculptures on the base. Admire stunning old mansions on Broadway, take a quick spin on a century-old carousel at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, and tour the house where restaurant pioneer Fred Harvey lived.

2. Lindsburg

Known as America’s “Little Sweden,” Lindsburg is a delightful community with a quaint Main Street filled with locally owned boutiques and restaurants. You can count the colorful Dala horses that dot the city, explore art museums like the Red Barn Studios and a variety of galleries downtown, visit Lindsburg Old Mill and the Swedish Heritage Museum, enjoy a beautiful Kansas sunset in Coronado Heights, or head to the nearby Maxwell Wildlife Refuge to get up close and personal with the more than 200 bison that roam freely within the sanctuary.

3. Jili County

Located in central Kansas, Geary County is filled with colorful murals, including one in downtown Junction City. A short drive away is Hildebrand Farms Dairy, a family-owned and operated dairy farm that offers educational tours of the facility and the chance to try homemade ice cream. Other local attractions include Fort Riley, which has several free military museums, Milford State Park, and the CL Hoover Opera House, which hosts local concerts and performances.

4. Kansas City, Kansas

Love tacos? The city’s taco tour is recognized as one of the best food adventures in the Midwest! Don’t forget the delicious barbecue, either! Check out the new Rock Island Bridge—a fun new gathering place that transforms the old bridge into an event space and a place to dine and celebrate—spanning the water. See how marbles are made at Moon Marble Company and find tributes to Kansas legends at the popular Legends Outlet Mall.

5. Wichita

Before you start your tour, stop by the Nifty Nuthouse, which has every kind of candy or nut you can imagine! Take a walk along the river, stop by the Keeper of the Plains statue, and watch the fire pits erupt at night. There are amazing murals around the town of Wichita, and charming neighborhoods like Delano, which have unique shops and delicious restaurants. You can visit the first Pizza Hut, now a museum on the campus of Wichita State University, or explore Old Cowboy Town, a living history museum that gives you a glimpse into the city’s Old West heritage.

6. Manhattan

Be sure to stroll through beautiful downtown Manhattan, then spend some time enjoying Aggieville’s college atmosphere. (Includes a stop at popular Varsity Donuts for dessert!) Explore the Kansas State University campus, visit a museum, or admire the architecture. For event planning, don’t miss the Flint Hills Discovery Center or the new Museum of Art and Light, scheduled for a grand opening in November 2024.

7. Lawrence

Another fun college town with a vibrant shopping and dining district. You can stop by the University of Kansas campus to see the original rules of basketball. On campus, you can visit the Museum of Natural History and the Dole Institute of Politics, which has an amazing American flag made into a stained glass window. The nearby Baker Wetlands are surprisingly peaceful, great for bird watching, and you can take a leisurely walk.

8. Southeastern Kansas

There’s a lot to see and explore in southeastern Kansas, including the well-preserved military history of Fort Scott. Coffeyville has a small-town feel with beautiful old buildings and restaurants. The ICEE was invented here in the 1950s, and you can buy one at the local visitor center. Don’t miss the world’s largest living power shovel – better known as Big Brutus. It’s incredible! Pittsburgh, Kansas, has beautiful murals around town, as well as gorilla statues honoring the local university’s mascot. Pittsburgh also has some great locally owned restaurants. While you wait, stop by TOAST for a delicious sandwich and popcorn. If you want to go traditional – there are several popular fried chicken restaurants in the area that have been around for decades.

Meet

Bill Clevlen is a staff writer based in St. Louis.

Honorable Mentions

While I didn’t visit any of these destinations on this Kansas road trip, here are some other places you might consider, all with their own unique attractions:

Overland Park

Explore the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which features more than 300 acres of gardens, trails, and natural ecosystems perfect for groups of nature lovers.

Olathe

Visit the Mahaffey Stagecoach and Farm Historic Site in Olathe, Kansas, where you can experience history alive with stagecoach rides, farm activities, and interactive exhibits.

Kansas City, Missouri

Experience the vibrant cultural scene at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, known for its extensive collection of masterpieces and iconic feather ball sculpture.