It doesn’t matter if it’s the weekend or you simply need to get away, we’ve got you covered with some of the best day trips in Kansas. The Sunflower State is home to some pretty incredible sights and landmarks, which make for the most unique day trips. We’ve made a list of some of the most unique (and inexpensive) day trips around the state. From small towns to Route 66 in Kansas, here are some of the best destinations to enjoy your time off to the fullest.

1. Route 66
U.S. Route 66, U.S. Rte 66, Baxter Springs, KS, USA
el-toro/Flickr
If you are planning to motor west, you may as well just take the highway that's the best! Get your kicks on Route 66 in Kansas by stopping off for lunch and shopping in the historic towns of Galena, Baxter Springs, and Riverton. Learn more about Route 66 in Kansas in this article.

One of the best day trips in Kansas is driving the iconic Route 66. Check out a few things to do and see along Route 66 in this video from Mike and Heather:
2. Fort Scott
Fort Scott, KS, USA
Franklin B Thompson/Flickr
Fort Scott is the epitome of a Charming Small Town, in the U.S.A. with its lovely architecture, roaming trolley, and area museums that explain the historical significance of this wonderful town. (Are you seeing these colorful buildings?) Learn more about Fort Scott, Kansas in this article.
3. Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway
Cheyenne Bottoms, Cheyenne, KS 67544, USA
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
Are you looking to reap all the benefits of a road trip without even leaving the comfort of your air-conditioned car? Just hop on the 77-mile Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, which connects drivers with views of some of the most beautiful wetlands and native animals in the state.
4. Hutchinson
Hutchinson, KS, USA
Feline Groovy/Flickr
Who loves a good museum? Hutchinson is home to SEVERAL must-visit museums in Kansas including the impressive Cosmosphere and Strataca. Not to mention, this town is also home to some killer burgers and BBQ joints.
5. Abilene
Abilene, KS 67410, USA
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
Speaking of museums, Abilene is where you will find many of the best in the nation including the wonderful Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum. Did you also know that Abilene is home to the nostalgic Abilene & Smoky Valley Excursion Train, which takes its passengers on a 10-mile trip through the Smoky River Hill Valley? There is no need to search for road trips near me in Kansas when that attraction is nearby.
6. Atchison
Atchison, KS, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Tour the birthplace of Kansas's favorite girl (no, not Dorothy ... we're talking about Amelia!), discover a haunt or two, and shop around the quaint downtown area of this northeast Kansas treasure.

Take a journey to Atchison, KS, and Amelia Earhart's Birthplace Museum in this video from DE Ultramedia:

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7. Wamego
Wamego, KS 66547, USA
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
... however, if you do prefer Dorothy over Amelia, you may want to make a trip to the memorable Oz Museum (one of the best must-visit museums in Kansas!), Toto's Tacoz, and Oz Winery in lovely Wamego. Make sure you save plenty of time to visit the stunning Wamego City Park as well.
8. Hays
Hays, KS 67601, USA
Ammodramus via Wikimedia Commons
There is so much more to love about my favorite college town (favorite because that's where I went to school!) than just Fort Hays State University! In fact, there is a brick-paved downtown area (complete with a fabulous microbrewery), an impressive Sternberg Museum of Natural History, inexpensive and fun Larks Baseball games, and so much more. No wonder Hays is known as one of the most charming small towns in Kansas.
9. Lindsborg
Lindsborg, KS 67456, USA
Franklin B Thompson/Flickr
Do you want to leave the country without ever stepping foot outside of Kansas? It is possible when you visit Lindsborg, also known as the Little Sweden U.S.A. This small town is certainly one of the best day trips in Kansas. While visiting, you can enjoy authentic Swedish cuisine, unique shopping, and a different cultural surprise at every turn (like these traditionally painted Dala Horses).
10. Council Grove
Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Experience the Flint Hills life in historic Council Grove, which was at one time the final stop along the southwest-bound Santa Fe Trail. (A fact in which the town prides itself on with a number of beautiful monuments, historic buildings, and one-of-a-kind festivals.) While you're in the area, make plans to also swing by ...
11. Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
... the equally historic (and lovely) Cottonwood Falls. This small town is also home to several nature hikes and waterfalls. When visiting Cottonwood Falls, make sure you explore the unique and beautiful downtown area.
12. Lucas
Lucas, KS 67648, USA
Caroline Giegerich/Flickr
The town of Lucas may be small with a population of less than 400, but it is one of the most colorful towns in Kansas with its numerous grassroots art exhibits, including the Garden of Eden, the World's Largest Collection of Smallest Versions of Largest Things, and actual Grassroots Art Center. This small town is certainly one of the best road trips near me in Kansas.

Check out the last of our Kansas day trips by visiting the unique Garden of Eden in Lucas, KS. This video from WanderingWalksofWonder gives you a virtual tour:

Did your favorite road trip destination in Kansas make the list? Tell us about your favorite day trips in Kansas in the comments!

Do you want to make your day trip last even longer? Here are 10 road trips in Kansas to take before you die.

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Day trips near me in Kansas

Courtnie Erickson | September 04, 2021

What are the best road trips in Kansas?

Some of the best road trips in Kansas include:

 

The Sunflower State is a pretty incredible place to explore. In fact, in just a few hours, you can see some stunning sights, visit many historic landmarks, and even eat at some of the best restaurants around. If you want a road trip that will take you to the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, check out this road trip that requires approximately 11 hours of drive time. Kansas is also home to some pretty creepy sights and if you are brave enough for a haunted adventure, check out this terrifying road trip.

In just under eight hours of drive time, you can explore some of the most amazing places in Kansas on this road trip. Plus, it is one adventure you can actually complete on a single tank of gas.

What are some must-visit museums in Kansas?

No matter what part of the state you may be in, you are likely near one of the must-visit museums in Kansas. Here are a few to check out:

  • Strataca Salt Mine, Hutchinson, KS: is one of the most popular and you can even explore a salt mine 650 feet below the earth’s surface on a train.
  • Atchison Rail Museum, Atchison, KS: The Atchison Rail Museum is a favorite if you love trains. At this museum in Kansas, you can explore all types of rail cars.
  • Kansas Firefighters Museum, Witchita, KS: If in Wichita, stop by the Kansas Firefighters Museum. This museum is home to the last horse-drawn fire station.

 

Read more about these museums and a few more in this article about a handful of underrated museums in Kansas worth checking out.

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