Though we love exploring state parks and seeing just what beautiful colors come out during the fall in Kansas, sometimes you want to just stay in your car for a while. Fall foliage is always one of our favorite things to see in Kansas, right behind sunflowers, of course. Check out one of the best fall road trips in Kansas that should take anyone about two hours to complete from start to finish, not counting the time it takes you to get here of course. Find a nice place to stay nearby and enjoy this drive through the Sunflower State full of beautiful foliage!

Welcome to our next road trip! Between one beautiful town and a scenic byway, this two-hour drive shouldn't take up your whole day, unless you take photos of everything. And who would blame you?
Clarisa A/Google MyMaps
First on our list is Hiawatha, a city that boasts beautiful maples and we're inclined to agree.
Hiawatha, KS 66434, USA
Hiawatha Halloween Frolic Facebook
Driving through this beautiful town could be quick, but we think up to half an hour would be fine, as long as you have time to spare.
City of Hiawatha, KS Facebook
Next on the trip is White Cloud, where you can see plenty of beautiful fall foliage from the road, but there's one sight here you might want to step out of the car for.
White Cloud, KS 66094, USA
Kansas Byways Facebook

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In town, there's a spot called 4-state-lookout that you can stray off course for. Here, you can see three states of fall foliage, and the fourth if you're lucky enough.
Kansas Byways Facebook
Next on the list, after plenty of driving, is Atchison, Kansas. Atchison is a gorgeous little town really close to the Missouri line, with plenty of old homes, history, and trees in every shade during the fall.
Atchison, KS, USA
Brent/Flickr
Though you can be plenty satisfied with driving around and sightseeing, there are a few antique stores I personally stop at every time.
Visit Atchison Kansas Facebook
Last, but not least, on our trip is Leavenworth, where the beautiful trees are everywhere, whether you're on main street or just driving where your heart takes you.
Barbara Ann Spengler/Flickr
You can take this trip in either direction and depending on how long you spend in each town, it can be two hours or more if you spend a lot of time looking at these leaves.
City of Leavenworth - Government Facebook

Here’s a link to the map you see below.

If you’re looking for another way to see beautiful fall foliage in Kansas, you’ll love these beautiful hikes where there’s nothing but trees to see.

What do you think about this road trip in Kansas to see the fall foliage? What stops would you add? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!

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fall road trips in Kansas

Courtnie Erickson | August 16, 2022

What are some day trips I can take during the fall in Kansas?

Fall is one of the best times to explore Kansas. The Sunflower State is bustling with activities that the entire family will enjoy. For example, take a walk through the Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine, Kansas. This is the perfect place to view fall foliage in Kansas and it is a great way to immerse yourself in nature — even if it is just for a short time! Just make sure you bring your camera along as the views here are picturesque!

Another excellent day trip during the fall months in Kansas is to explore Cross Timbers State Park. This beautiful state park is stunning during the fall months when red, orange, and yellow leaves are at their peak. Bring a picnic and just enjoy time outdoors — you won’t regret it!

What are some of the most beautiful fall destinations in Kansas that I should visit?

It is hard to narrow down the best places to visit in Kansas during the fall. There are areas all over the Sunflower State that are going to leave you impressed. So, to help you know where to begin, we created this list of the 11 most beautiful fall destinations in Kansas. On this list, you will find locations such as Shawnee Mission Park, the Botanica Gardens in Wichita, and even the Dillon Nature Center in Hutchinson. Check out this list and see if there are any places you’d add! We’d love to know about some of your favorite places to enjoy fall foliage in Kansas.

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