12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Kansas This Year

Is your New Year's resolution to explore more of the Sunflower State? It's easy to stick to places we've been and know we love, but Kansas is a big state an there's so much to see and do! Next time you're looking to get a little off the beaten path, check out one of these hidden gems in Kansas. Some of them are better known than others, but each is worthy of a visit.

January: Greyhound Hall of Fame

The Greyhound Museum is a great free museum in Kansas that's interesting even if you're not a fan of greyhound racing. The vast majority of the dog racing tracks in the U.S. have closed down over the last few years, but you can find out tons of information about dog racing, domestication, and the greyhound breed at this museum. It's even home to two retired greyhounds who you can interact with on your visit.

February: Wichita Troll

Typically, the phrase "hidden gem" refers to an underappreciated place. In this case, the attraction is actually quite literally hidden. Underneath the popular River Walk area in Wichita, you'll find the Wichita Troll. This seven-foot tall goblin is living in the sewer and visible beneath a grate.

March: Johnson County Art and Heritage Center

The Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center is a wonderful museum featuring plenty of information about the history of the local area. It's got several attractions for kids and is home to the All-Electric Home, a 1950s model home that was quite futuristic at that time period.

April: Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

Famed pilot Amelia Earhart is one of the most famous people from Kansas. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchinson is open seasonally and will be allowing visitors again in spring. The historic home features facts and exhibits about Earhart, and is maintained by a group of female pilots known as the Ninety-Nines. Earhart was the first president of that international group.

May: S. P. Dinsmoor's Garden of Eden

The small town of Lucas is one of the most creative towns in the state, so its no surprise that it's home to the oldest folk art in America. The quirky Garden of Eden was created from 1907 to 1928 by a local artist. It's a collection of concrete statues depicting religious and political figures. The creator, S. P. Dinsmoor, is actually located in a glass-topped coffin on the property that visitors can look inside.

June: The Lessman Farm and Truckhenge

Another strange attraction in Kansas is Truckhenge. This art installation is located at Lessman Farm and is made up of all kinds of folk art, most notably trucks standing up on their back ends. The farm's owners frequently host events at the site.

July: The Big Well Museum

Did you know the world's largest hand-dug well is in Kansas? The well was completed in 1888 and now houses The Big Well Museum, which has plenty of information about both the well and the surrounding area.

August: Mushroom Rock State Park

Mushroom Rock State Park is the smallest state park in Kansas, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. The park spans just five acres and is home to fascinating rocks dating back to the Cretaceous Period. The rocks have worn down in interesting patterns and are really quite something to see in person!

September: Coronado Heights Castle

You don't have to travel to Winterfell or Hogwarts to see a castle - we've got castles in Kansas! One of the most beautiful is the Coronado Heights Castle. This spectacular stone castle is gorgeous, and you'll find plenty of fun trails all around it that are great for hiking or mountain biking.

October: Barbed Wire Museum

The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum may sound like an odd attraction, but this place is actually pretty interesting. You'll find over 2,000 examples of barbed wire here! The museum has exhibits on barbed wire and information on how it tamed the Wild West.

November: Wilson State Park

Wilson State Park is one of the most scenic and underrated state parks in Kansas. The park has lovely scenery, with plenty of jagged cliffs and gently rolling hills, plus you can kayak, swim, or fish at Wilson Reservoir.

December: Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge presents a great opportunity to observe native wildlife species that live on the plains, and even get up close and personal with bison on a vehicle tour. It's a perfect hidden gem in Kansas to visit in December, as there are typically lots of holiday events going on at the preserve!

Did we miss your favorite hidden gem in Kansas? What are some of your favorite places to explore in the Sunflower State? Share your suggestions in the comments!

One of our favorite ways to explore the best hidden gems in Kansas is on a road trip. Check out some of our favorite road trip itineraries for the Sunflower State and some of our favorite road trip snacks.