No matter how long you’ve lived here, we all know Kansas is an incredibly beautiful state. From our plains to our rock formations to our cities, we have a lot of gorgeous places in the Sunflower State. However, life gets to us all sometimes. It’s easy to go about your day-to-day life and forget about what a pretty place this is. If you feel like your love for Kansas is in need of rejuvenation, we’ve got just the solution. This road trip will take you to some of the most beautiful places in Kansas, and remind you that there’s no place like home.

Google Maps
For this road trip in Kansas, we'll focus on the western half of the state, which often gets ignored. This region may lack big cities like Wichita and Kansas City, but it has some absolutely beautiful scenery. The entire trip will take about 4.5 hours of driving time, and you can customize the itinerary on Google Maps.
1. Mushroom Rock State Park: Ave K, Brookville, KS 67425
Mushroom Rock State Park, Ave K, Brookville, KS 67425, USA
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
Your first stop is at Mushroom Rock State Park. It's the smallest state park in Kansas at only five acres. However, its fascinating natural scenery means it's considered one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas. There are some really neat rock formations here that are unlike anywhere else in the Sunflower State.

If you find yourself intrigued by these strange formations, check out this video to see more:
2. Lucas, KS 67648
Lucas, KS 67648, USA
David Seiser/Google Maps
Lucas is a quaint small town in Kansas that's filled with outsider art. You'll find fascinating mosaics, sculptures, and more all over the town. One of our favorite spots is the Garden of Eden in Kansas, which is the oldest intact folk art piece in the United States. Walking through this town will make you feel like the entire city is an art gallery! Fans of the wacky and weird won't want to miss this stop.

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3. Cheyenne Bottoms, Cheyenne, KS 67544
Cheyenne Bottoms, Cheyenne, KS 67544, USA
designatednaphour/Wikimedia Commons
Did you know Kansas is home to the largest wetland in the USA? Cheyenne Bottoms is a 41,000-acre preserve that's a phenomenal spot for bird watching. Many migratory birds stop over at Cheyenne Bottoms in the spring and fall. It's a great place to visit at any time of year - it's got so much untouched beauty!
4. Cedar Bluff State Park: 32001 KS-147, Ellis, KS 67637
Cedar Bluff State Park- Bluffton Area, 32001 KS-147, Ellis, KS 67637, USA
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
Cedar Bluff State Park is one of our favorite parks to visit in Kansas. It's absolutely stunning no matter what time of year you go. If you'd like to make your road trip a real adventure, consider camping here for the night! You'll find plenty of primitive campsites within the park.
5. Monument Rocks Natural Landmark: Scott City, KS 67871
Monument Rocks Natural Landmark, Scott City, KS 67871, USA
Lane Pearman/Flickr
Your final stop on this road trip to beautiful places in Kansas is Monument Rocks. This amazing natural rock formation is made up of 70-foot tall chalk boulders that have been here for centuries. This is one of our favorite natural wonders in Kansas.

Get a closer look at this stunning natural landmark in Kansas:

How many of these spots on this road trip to beautiful places in Kansas have you visited? Anything you feel like should be added to this amazing scenic road trip in Kansas? Share your experiences in the comments!

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Scenic Road Trip in Kansas

Tori Jane | February 02, 2023
  1. Where should I go on a scenic road trip in Kansas? 

If anyone ever tells you Kansas is not scenic, unfriend them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. There are numerous options for a good old fashioned scenic road trip in Kansas, including adventures like:  

  • The Flint Hills Scenic Byway – 48 miles long and goes right through the incredible Tallgrass Prairie Nature Preserve, which is the very essence of Kansas 
  • The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway – 63 miles long and filled with unusually interesting geology  
  • The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway – 42 miles long and filled top-to-bottom with options for anyone who loves outdoor recreation 
  • Land and Sky Scenic Byway – 88 miles long and filled jaw-dropping scenery; easily one of the most incredible drives in the central plains 

Learn more about some options for the best scenic road trips in Kansas. 

  1. What are some of the most scenic places in Kansas? 

Of course, if you ask us, Kansas is easily one of the most underrated states in terms of its amazing scenery. Some of our favorite jaw-droppingly beautiful scenic places in Kansas include: 

  • Monument Rocks National Landmark – one of the very first places to be designated as a National Landmark is right here in Kansas, and totally awesome 
  • The Flint Hills – this is typically what most people think of when they think of Kansas: rolling hills, amazing tallgrass prairie, and endless blue skies 
  • Geary County Lake – this lake is famous for its seasonal springtime waterfall known as Geary Lake Falls. There aren’t a lot of waterfalls in Kansas, but this one is epic 

Learn more about some of the amazingly scenic state parks in Kansas.   

  1. Where can I find some of the most amazing Kansas scenery? 

The amazingness that is Kansas doesn’t end with just the above ideas and scenic drives. There are hundreds, if not thousands, more options when it comes to amazing Kansas scenery, including awe-inspiringly beautiful KS scenery like:  

  • The Topeka lavender fields are quite truly as amazing as they sound like they are. Imagine lavender for as far as the eye can see: that’s Kansas.  
  • The Lawrence Wetlands – a little peek into natural life in, well, a wetlands. This wetlands is special, though – it's cared for by Baker University to make sure it maintains its delicate natural balance.  

Learn more about some of the most beautiful places in Kansas.   

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