5 Airbnbs Near Kansas’ Most Epic Waterfalls

If you’re looking to splash into Kansas nature, April through June is hands down my favorite time to do it. This seasonal window is when the landscapes are at their finest, brandishing lush green prairies in bloom, clear waterways before the first algae blooms, and best of all, the waterfalls. Kansas waterfalls are particularly fickle, ranging from a trickle to a gush depending on recent rainfall or snowfall in the previous season. Your best shot at seeing them is to book one of the following Airbnbs near waterfall trails in Kansas during these peak dates.

1. Geary Falls - Junction City 

Many people are not aware that any waterfalls exist in Kansas. Most are the result of scenic dams, but a few are from natural flowing water, too. If you’ve heard of any of them, it’s probably Geary Falls in the Flint Hills. Unfortunately, it hasn’t had more than a trickle in recent years. Even so, it’s still a beautiful area, and it’s best to visit right after it has rained. The hike to the waterfall is an easy, under-a-mile trail with scenic views of Geary Lake. A good place to camp out while you wait is at this Kansas Airbnb with a pool, just 11 miles away in Junction City.

2. Prather Creek Falls (Chase Creek Falls) - Cottonwood Falls

For a more reliable Kansas waterfall, head out to Prather Creek Falls. It’s also known as Chase Creek Falls because it's located within Chase Creek State Park. These falls routinely have the best flow in May and dwindle to a trickle by early July. This waterfall is less visited and is located halfway between Kansas City and Wichita, around 75 miles from each. Prather Creek Falls is another relatively easy waterfall hike in Kansas, at just 1 mile round-trip. If you’d like to combine this hike with a scenic stay, try this dreamy Airbnb cottage just 18 miles away in Cottonwood Falls. 

3. Butcher Falls - Sedan

One of my favorite things about Kansas is its hidden gems in nature. There are endless opportunities to take a road trip to epic, remote spots, and Butcher Falls is one of them. This waterfall is located in the southeastern corner of Kansas, nearly 100 miles from Wichita. To access Butcher Falls, you have to enter the Red Buffalo Ranch. It’s a tourist working ranch that offers public access, and you can reach the falls just a few steps from the road. The ranch also offers jeep tours and horseback riding tours, if you’d like to explore more. Continuing with the theme of waterfalls and ranches, there’s a scenic Kansas Airbnb ranch stay just 20 miles north in Moline. There’s even an additional waterfall and ghost town up there in Elk Falls.

4. Pillsbury Crossing (Deep Creek Falls) - Manhattan

Heading back north, Pillsbury Crossing, also known as Deep Creek Falls, is probably the best-kept secret on the list. Just a stone’s throw from Manhattan, you can find it tucked into the Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area. This waterfall is created by a natural, limestone shelf over a shallow river crossing. It’s known to flow constantly, and it's one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Kansas, at less than half a mile, and located just 9 miles from downtown Manhattan. If you want to stay at an Airbnb near waterfall trails in Kansas, Manhattan has plenty of options. My top pick is this house with a private pool that sleeps up to 14 people.

5. Cowley Falls - Arkansas City

The final option for a Kansas waterfall hike and stay is Cowley Falls. It’s located just 30 miles east of the previously mentioned Butcher Falls. Cowley Falls isn’t always predictable and has been known to go for long periods without water. Fortunately, the last time the falls were reportedly fully flowing was in April 2025, and they remained so through early June. It’s hopeful that the same will happen this year, too. The best place to stay is in nearby Arkansas City, about 20 miles west of Cowley Falls. This huge, updated Airbnb house rental with lots of windows and porches is suitable for a group of eight.

Looking for more Kansas hikes paired with great Airbnb stays? See what Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner can piece together. You can also check out more of the best waterfalls in Kansas.