7 Kansas Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter
When it comes to vacations in Kansas, many of us are guilty of focusing on the spring and summer months. The weather is warm, the leaves are green, and the kids have breaks from school, so it’s easy to plan getaways. There are plenty of great places to see when the weather’s warm, don’t get us wrong, but staying inside in the winter means you miss out on all the great winter day trips in Kansas! We have so many spots that are just perfect in the colder months. Here are a few of our favorites:
Chaplin Nature Center boasts around 230 acres of varied landscapes. You'll find marshes, forests, and prairies here, meaning there's a huge variety of wildlife out and about. The Visitor Center hosts lots of programming for adults and kids, and there are plenty of trails to check out here that are great at any season.
Chaplin Nature Center, 27814 27th Dr, Arkansas City, KS 67005, USA
The Cimarron National Grassland is one of the most beautiful places in Kansas. With over 100,000 acres of protected land, there's a lot to explore here. The area is especially popular in the spring thanks to the fields of wildflowers, but don't discount it in the winter!
Cimarron National Grassland, Westola, KS 67953, USA
Did you know that the 117-mile Flint Hills Trail is one of the longest rail trails in the country? The trail travels through the east-central portion of Kansas and provides great views of the Flint Hills area. It's open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, making it a great way to see the state while getting exercise at any time of year.
Flint Hills Nature Trail, Admire, KS, USA
4. Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park: 990 Stone Creek Dr, Garden City, KS 67846
On really cold days when you just don't want to go outside, a water park may not sound like your idea of a great time. Luckily, we've got a year-round indoor water park in Kansas that makes for an equally good outing in February or July! Parrot Cove features 36,000 square feet of fun, with pools, slides, and a rock climbing area.
Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park, 990 Stone Creek Dr, Garden City, KS 67846, USA
5. Niicodemus National Historic Site, 304 Washington Ave, Bogue, KS 67625
The Sunflower State is full of history, and if you're interested in learning more about our storied past, few places are better than the Nicodemus National Historic Site. The grounds are open year-round and the Visitor Center has some fascinating exhibits about this once-thriving town that now has a population of only a few dozen people.
Nicodemus National Historic Site, 304 Washington Ave, Bogue, KS 67625, USA
The Old Town Wichita district is one of the best historic districts in Kansas. You'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and buildings from the early 1800s, when the city first sprouted up.
Have you ever enjoyed any of these great winter day trips in Kansas? Do you have any others you think should be added? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. Practically all of her free time is spent trapping and fixing stray cats. She also likes reading, playing Pokemon Go, and going to concerts. Her dog Cece is the best dog in the whole world. You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
