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. Don’t get us wrong, we know that there are plenty of great places to see when the weather’s warm, 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, and here are a few of our favorites:

1. Chaplin Nature Center, Arkansas City

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.

2. Cimarron National Grassland, Westola

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!

3. Flint Hills Nature Trail, Admire

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.

4. Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park, Garden City

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.

5. Nicodemus National Historic Site, Bogue

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.

6. Mount Sunflower, Weskan

7. Old Town Wichita

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.

Want some more fun ideas for winter day trips in Kansas? Check out this YouTube video by Classic Church highlighting some of the best attractions in our state.

https://youtu.be/ep-GPy_Hx9E?si=vBcDaeYhAEDZNv89&t=19

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!

Wondering what to bring on a winter trip to Kansas? We can help!