If you ask us, practically the entire state of Kansas is a hidden gem. It's not too hard to come up with a list of non-touristy things to do in Kansas because we don't have nearly the number of tourists that some of the more popular travel destinations tend to get. Is your 2024 resolution to explore some of the great attractions all over our amazing state? Next time you're looking for a few hidden gems in Kansas, check out these great Sunflower State secret spots:
The Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is a unique park that's home to a herd of American bison, plus 60 elk. Tours are offered all year and this is such a great way to experience the amazing scenery our state has to offer.
It might seem a little strange to call one of the state's official wonders a hidden gem, but Arikaree Breaks really is off the beaten path in Kansas. Tucked away in the quiet northwest corner near St. Francis, this area of badlands features remarkably majestic canyons. This is such a unique landscape!
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3. Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center: Overland Park
The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is one of our favorite indoor attractions in Overland Park. This place has so much to offer visitors, with tons of information about local history, plus cultural programs like dance classes and theater. My personal favorite exhibit here is the model 1950s all-electric home, a fascinating peek into what we once thought would be the future of society.
Amelia Earhart is one of the most famous people born in Kansas. Her childhood home in Atchinson is now the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, and it's one of our favorite cool places to visit in Kansas. The home was constructed around 1860 and has tons of cool artifacts from the time period, as well as plenty of information about the famed pilot's life.
Truckhenge is one of the Sunflower State's strangest attractions. This folk art display is made up of trucks and other vehicles stuck into the dirt at odd angles, plus plenty of unique sculptures and other oddities.
Did you know that the largest hand-dug well in the world is in Kansas? The well is 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide. It was completed in 1888 and is now home to a cool museum with tons of local history on display.
Mushroom Rock State Park is the smallest state park in Kansas, with only about five acres in its borders. However, it's home to some really neat rock formations that definitely make it worth a visit. The rocks date back to the Cretaceous Period, and are made of sandstone and natural cement. The trail to check out the park's sights is only about 0.2 miles in length, and it's one of the best easy trails in Kansas.
La Crosse, Kansas is the barbed wire capital of the world, so it's only fitting that this little town is home to the Barbed Wire Museum. I love visiting museums with hyper-specific topics: it's truly fascinating how many things people have strong passions about! Every imaginable type of barbed wire is on display at this museum, plus lots of interesting old tools.
One of history's most beloved films is The Wizard of Oz, and it's a movie that's closely associated with Kansas. You'll find a wonderful OZ Museum in Wamego. This spot features exhibits from not only the Judy Garland film, but also the books and other iterations from throughout history. Follow it up with a visit to the nearby Lincoln Street Lanes and you've got one of the best secret getaways in Kansas.
Another incredible cool place to visit in Kansas that we think everyone should check out is the mighty Monument Rocks. These massive structures are actually made of Niobrara chalk, and are the remnants of what was once an ancient sea. Over the years, they've eroded to their current shapes, and are nearly 70 feet tall in some areas.
Strataca may be one of the most-visited attractions in Kansas, but the fact that we aren't exactly a hotbed of tourism means that even that doesn't mean that it's particularly well-known outside of the state. This is one of just 15 salt mines in the country, and it's actually the only one open to the public. There's a great museum here that has information about the salt mine, plus artifacts from history and even a few movie costumes.
Big Brutus is a massive electric shovel that was once used for coal excavation. It's the largest electric shovel still in existence and is now the crown jewel of a mining museum here.
Want to check out even more of the most unique places to visit in Kansas? Check out this great road trip to some of the best kept secrets in Kansas.
All 50 states have their own Capitol buildings, but the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka is a little more unique than most. Did you know this is the only U.S. state Capitol building where tourists are able to walk around the dome to view the city? As you can imagine, this offers up some pretty incredible views, and it's no wonder that this historic building is one of the most popular things to do in Topeka, KS. It's a beautiful piece of architecture and the views offered up by a walk along the dome are unbelievably stunning.
The Kansas State Capitol building houses the state's executive and legislative branches. Previous capitol buildings were constructed in the 1800s when the state was still a territory in both Lecompton and Topeka.
This is an impressive building. At 304 feet high, it's actually a little taller than the United States Capitol (though the dome is a good bit smaller in diameter).
Ever wondered about the statue up top? It was added in 2002 and depicts a member of the Kansa tribe pointing an arrow up at the North Star. Its name is Ad Astra, a reflection of the sttate motto Ad Astra Per Aspera ("to the stars through difficulty").
A visit here is fascinating and quite informative, and one of the highlights is undoubtedly a trip up to the top of the dome. You'll have to climb 296 steps from the fifth floor to the top to get there, but the views are definitely worth it.
It's so hard to believe it, but fall in Kansas is here once again. There's nothing quite like autumn in the Sunflower State, and those on the hunt for fun Kansas fall activities won't have any trouble finding a multitude of adventures. There's so much to do here that the entire family can enjoy, whether you love leaf-peeping road trips or checking out the best pumpkin patches in Kansas. If you're the type to start Googling "fall activities near me" the second we start getting those first few crisp mornings, you're certainly in luck here in Kansas. We've gathered up some of our favorite things to do in Kansas in the fall, and if you're ready to discover some fun autumn activities, scroll on down!
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Kansas Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Kansas For Fall Foliage
For many, checking out Kansas fall foliage is one of the best things to do in the fall in Kansas. The yellows, oranges, and reds that dot the landscape are such a beautiful hue and make the season incredibly magical. When do leaves change color in Kansas? The weather here can be unpredictable at times, but in general, you can expect to see Kansas at peak color from mid-October through early November. Keep in mind that the northern portions of the state tend to see their brightest colors a week or two before the southern climes.
Wow Factor: This state park has over 400 acres of woodland, so there's plenty of trees to admire.
Need to Know: You'll need to purchase a $5 vehicle permit for a daily visit.
Eisenhower State Park near Topeka is a beautiful place with tons of family-friendly activities, and it's even more stunning in the fall. There's quite a lot of forested areas here, which, of course, means lots of changing leaves in the autumn. This park is also home to numerous wildlife species, and the crisp fall days are a perfect time to see critters like deer and birds out and about.
Wow Factor: This historic botanical garden is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Kansas. It's perfect for sitting and reflecting, or taking a stroll through nature.
Need to Know: Note that the park closes for the season on November 10, 2024. Admission is $10 per person and the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Bartlett Arboretum might seem like an odd choice for a fall activity in Kansas. Many of us only think to head out to botanical gardens during the warm months, when the flowers are in bloom and there's color everywhere. However, Bartlett Arboretum has all kinds of gems, no matter the season, and many of the trees here transform in the fall, showing off jeweled hues that are just as gorgeous as spring's blossoms.
Wow Factor: There's so much to see in this area, and plenty of spots to stop in for a meal or a bit of entertainment.
Need to Know: Keep an eye out for the Riverwalk Troll during your stroll!
The Wichita Riverwalk is one of the most beautiful areas in the city, and clear proof that you don't have to head way out into the boonies to see great fall foliage in Kansas. There's so much to enjoy here, from the magnificent Keeper of the Plains statue to the Exploration Place science museum, and kids and adults alike will enjoy all the sights here. The paved surface is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, and you'll find plenty of benches for resting the little ones' legs.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Kansas
Many families love the annual tradition of exploring a pumpkin patch in Kansas. These charming little farms offer up a peek into just how vital agriculture is here in the Sunflower State. There are often tons of other fun activities going on at Kansas pumpkin farms, giving you added bonuses like corn mazes and seasonal food. If you're looking for the best pumpkin patches in Kansas, check out a few of our favorites:
Wow Factor: This great farm offers up year-round fun, and fall is one of the best seasons to visit.
Need to Know: The farm's fall festivities start on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
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This is one of the best pumpkin patches near Kansas City, and there's plenty for every member of the family to enjoy. With 40 acres set up and more than 60 attractions, there's a ton to see! A paid admission ticket is required for entry, but kids under two years are free. Adults can enjoy delicious food and wine slushies, and the little ones will love the fun games and fair rides.
Wow Factor: New activities pop up each year, and this year features additional carnival games and a singing tractor.
Need to Know: This year's season runs from September 21-November 1, 2024.
The Walters Farm offers up some of the best fall activities near Wichita, chief of which is the 30-acre u-pick pumpkin patch. There are tons of games for kids here, and the whole family will love riding the haywagon out to the pumpkin patch. General admission tickets include access to dozens of fun attractions, and tokens are available for purchase if you'd like to enjoy additional activities like gem mining or animal feed for the petting zoo.
Wow Factor: This family-owned farm offers up a variety of unique-looking pumpkins that you won’t find elsewhere.
Need to Know: This year’s dates are September 30-October 30, 2024.
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You don’t have to head to our rural areas for fall fun in the Sunflower State. You’ll find Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch right in Lawrence, KS. This 28-acre patch has free admission and offers u-pick pumpkins, with many sizes and varieties available.
Wow Factor: In addition to the u-pick pumpkins, there’s also a corn maze here, too.
Need to Know: The season may vary some based on weather, but typically, you can pick pumpkins here from early September through the end of October.
Cottage Lane Pumpkin Patch offers up plenty of fall fun in a rural setting near Hays, KS. Activities may vary depending on the day, but you can often find a hayride, farm animals, and more. The farm store has homemade candles and other goods for sale, so don’t miss out.
Best Fall Festivals In Kansas
Festivals can be enjoyed at any time of year in the Sunflower State, but fall is peak time for many cities to host fun events. These fall festivals in Kansas definitely belong on your to-do list:
Wow Factor: This is one of the biggest annual events in Overland Park, and it’s great fun for the whole family.
Need to Know: This year’s festival runs from September 27-28, 2024.
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The Overland Park Fall Festival is a wonderful way to welcome in the season. This event takes place in downtown Overland Park and features over 75 craft vendors, live entertainment, music, great food, and plenty of activities for the kids. This may be one of the state’s largest cities, but it’s festivals like this that make the area feel like a tightly-knit small community.
Wow Factor: The event that would eventually become the Kansas State Fair was first held in 1873!
Need to Know: This year’s state fair runs from September 6-15, 2024.
I just love a good fair - there’s nothing like it to usher out summer and welcome in the fall. When it comes to fairs in Kansas, it doesn’t get any bigger or better than the magical Kansas State Fair. This massive event features livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food, contests, live entertainment, and so much more. There's something for the entire family to enjoy here, and it's a wonderful outing.
Wow Factor: The festival takes place during homecoming weekend at Fort Hays State University, meaning that this is quite the fun party atmosphere. It’s one of the largest Oktoberfests in Kansas.
Need to Know: This year’s Oktoberfest in Hays, KS runs from October 4-5, 2024.
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The annual Hays Oktoberfest takes place in Municipal Park, in the south end of downtown. With live music, eating contests, plenty of beer, and, of course, lots of tasty German eats, there’s something for everyone at this fun event.
Wow Factor: This is one of our favorite small-town festivals in Kansas.
Need to Know: This year’s event will be held October 26, 2024.
Looking for a fall activity that’s full of that charming sense of community that's tough to find outside of a small town? Check out the little city of Fall River, population 500. The Little River Fall Festival is held each year on the last Saturday in October. The entire city gets together for family-friendly fun, with a car show, craft fair, beer garden, kids’ games, live music, and so much more. It may lack the size of some of the state’s more metropolitan affairs, but it’s so much fun and a great way to experience small-town Kansas.
Wow Factor: This is one of the best renaissance fairs in America, and there’s something for everyone here.
Need to Know: This year’s event is scheduled weekends from August 31-October 14, 2024.
If you want to take a trip back in time to medieval Europe (but without the plague and lack of indoor plumbing), a visit to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival might be right up your alley. This event’s been going strong for almost 50 years and attracts nearly 200,000 guests each year. Performers, food, and artisans selling their wares are all on hand to make this one of the most special events of late summer and fall in the Sunflower State.
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Free & Cheap Kansas Fall Activities
Times are tough right now, but it's important to remember that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to make family memories. There are plenty of fun things to do in Kansas in the fall that won't cost a fortune. If you're looking for affordable Kansas fall activities that won't break the bank, here are a few ideas to get you started:
Wow Factor: This is a stunning state and there are great trails no matter where you’re located. You’ll find everything from long hikes that take all day to quick afternoon jaunts that are perfect for heading out with the kids.
Need to Know: AllTrails is a wonderful resource for those looking to explore the state on foot. You can even sign up for a free trial of AllTrails+, which will give you downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions.
Whether you’re visiting our sprawling state parks or going for a stroll at a city green space, there’s no shortage of places to explore here. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while admiring the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Kansas.
Wow Factor: Many only think to spend time on or by the water in the summertime, so the crowds are much lighter during the off months. It makes for such a pleasant experience if you're interested in getting in touch with nature.
Need to Know: Note that lifeguards typically aren't on duty after Labor Day, so if you decide to take a cold-weather dip, be careful!
We may not be by the ocean's coast, but there are so many great lakes in Kansas to enjoy. Whether you love to simply stroll along the shoreline or want to be out in a boat, there's no reason to not put on a sweater and head out to the water this fall. If anything, the lakes here are even more beautiful when surrounded by foliage.
Wow Factor: Did you know Kansas annually harvests around 35,000 acres of sunflowers each year?
Need to Know: Not all sunflower fields are open to the public, so make sure to verify before heading out to take photos at a farm.
Sunflowers typically start blooming in August and some varieties hit their peak closer to October. That makes them the perfect early fall activity in Kansas. Our Sunflower State nickname is quite apt, as we are the sixth-largest sunflower producer in the nation. There are plenty of great sunflower fields all over Kansas, with many offering up fun activities like u-pick flowers or even mini fall festivals.
Have you gotten started on your Kansas fall bucket list? Share your family traditions in the comments!
