8 Spots in Kansas We’ve Always Known About (But Can’t Stop Visiting)

If you were to ask me what I consider the most beautiful, underrated states in the nation, would you believe me if I said Kansas is easily in my top five? It's true; this beautiful state never gets the love it deserves, but I think perhaps it should. There are several delightful hidden gems in Kansas; at this point, some of them aren't as "hidden" as they once were. But that's okay, I still can't get enough.

So, in honor of these not-so-hidden hidden gems, I've compiled a list of all my favorite hidden gems in Kansas that we all know about but can't get enough of. Which ones are your favorites?

1. The World's Largest Hand-Dug Well

Hidden in Greensburg, Kansas, is a man-made wonder that can take the breath away of even the most skeptical born-and-raised folks. It's 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide; the project started in 1887, and today, the Big Well Museum is the best way to explore this historic town. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; interestingly, it also doubles as a memorial for those lost in 2007, when an EF-5 tornado wiped 95 percent of the town off the map. Come celebrate one of Kansas's most incredible stories of survival and resilience.

2. Mushroom Rock

My favorite little oddity in Kansas is Mushroom Rock at Mushroom Rock State Park, which just so happens to be home to the coolest geological feature in the state and the smallest state park in the Sunflower State. Located in the Smoky Hills, this unique rock formation is positively bizarre and purely otherworldly, conjuring up mental images of a science fiction landscape rather than something in the American plains.

3. Lucas Park Recreation Area

Lucas Park is a stunningly beautiful park nestled along Wilson Lake in Lucas, Kansas. Wilson Lake is one of Kansas's most beautiful natural features; the water is crystal-clear and amazingly clean, always reflecting the sky's brilliant blue above. With nearly 100 incredible campsites featuring magnificent lake views and all the peace and quiet in the world, you can't go wrong with this one. It's a must-see for Kansans and visitors alike.

4. Truckhenge

What is there to say about Truckhenge that hasn't already been said? This quirky, unusual monument to Kansas's charm can be found at the Lessman Farm & Catfish Pond, which is located between Topeka and Tecumseh. Started as a silly tongue-in-cheek project by a local man tired of government overreach, this odd monument to Kansas's quirks is now as much a part of Kansas as the plains themselves. If this one catches your eye, don’t miss the similar roadside art you can find in Nebraska.

5. Flint Hills

The Flint Hills are no secret to those who live here, but I count them as a hidden gem anyway because the rest of the world forgets they exist. Spanning an incredible 9,936 square miles of protected plains and prairie lands, this amazing natural wonder is the epitome of all things Kansas. Spanning from Kansas into northern Oklahoma, this incredible paradise is breathtaking. From rolling hills to endless wheatgrass seas, the Flint Hills are easily one of the most beautiful places in Kansas.

6. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

Speaking of epic natural wonders in Kansas, the Little Jerusalem Badlands are a step above the rest. Neatly wrapped up in a wonderful state park, these are true badlands similar to those in the Dakotas. It's one of the newest state parks in Kansas, established in 2018, and it's home to more than 220 acres of breathtaking wilderness. These badlands were formed from the Niobrara Chalk Formations, and the area's geology is truly wondrous.

7. Elk Falls

Did you know there's a secret waterfall in Kansas? There sure is, and it's called Elk Falls. This waterfall is a sight to behold, located perhaps predictably in Elk Falls, Kansas. The town is home to fewer than 100 people, though many flock to the falls each and every year—especially during the warmer months. Approaching the falls, you'll hear 'em before you see 'em, and they ought to take your breath away each and every time you visit.

8. Cimarron National Grassland

The legendary Cimarron National Grassland is one of just 20 grasslands looked after by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. It's found at the intersection of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado's state lines, covering 108,175 incredible acres. Filled with wildflowers, an ocean of dancing wheatgrass, and even a jaw-dropping view, this incredible hidden gem in Kansas may no longer be hidden, but it's still vastly underappreciated.

So, there you have them: eight incredible not-so-hidden gems you can find in Kansas any time, any season. If you can't get enough of the endless beauty in the Sunflower State, check out one of my all-time favorite scenic road trips in Kansas.

Are you planning to hike around any or all of these incredible wonders in our beautiful state? Try a free trial of AllTrails Plus—I don't know how I ever hiked without it.

And if you're ready to start mapping out your next Kansas adventure, try our Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to pull everything together in one easy place.