Sometimes it's hard to find places to be alone with your thoughts. Even out on the road, there's usually a steady stream of other drivers clouding your otherwise clear head. This gorgeous lonely road in Kansas, however, will take you a million miles away from your problems, if only for a little while. Why not give it a try? The views are simply divine.
The Flint Hills Scenic Byway is a sparsely driven road through gorgeous Kansas countryside, much like it once was when settlers first arrived.
Its nearly 50 mile stretch of road takes you through winding turns and tumbling hills between Council Grove and Cassoday. Tallgrass prairie as far as the eyes can see!
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The view along the drive is gorgeous any time of year, and brings peace to the minds of those who travel it. Minus the speed (and your shocks,) you might even feel like you're weaving a wagon through the hills like the early Europeans once did.
It's a great place to spot local wildlife, and get your fill of these ever-changing Kansas skies.
Truly, the real places to find peace in Kansas are out in our natural grasses. (Unless you're allergic, like me!) This lonely road doesn't have a lot of drivers, but that doesn't mean being lonely is a bad thing, here.
Even when the prairie burns, be it wildfire or farming, the entire landscape remains beautiful, and gains the light of fire, adding red to every sunset. It's breathtaking, really. Being lonely was never so beautiful.
Summer in Kansas... there's nothing like it, is there? With such a huge variety of things to do, it's easy to become overwhelmed, but we're here to remind you that it's okay to just stick to the basics. Everyone needs a summer bucket list in Kansas, and we're here to help you plan yours! We've gathered up a few of our must-visit spots for warm weather months in the Sunflower State. Check them out:
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1. Attend a county fair.
Modern life can be quite hectic, but a visit to an old-school county fair feels like a step back in time. No matter where you are in the Sunflower State, there are fun old-school fairs being held throughout the summer and early fall months, and all are worthy of a visit.
2. Enjoy a hike through one of our state parks.
There are 28 state parks in Kansas, and each is worthy of exploration. I love getting out and hiking! It's a wonderful way to get exercise while seeing the beauty that surrounds us in the Sunflower State. Check out our friends at AllTrails to learn more about some of the state's best hikes.
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3. Catch a movie at a drive-in theater.
Yes, they do still exist! Many people aren't aware that you can still enjoy this old-fashioned activity, but we actually have quite a few drive-in theaters in Kansas. Whether you're catching a new release or want to view a special showing of an older classic, it's a fun treat that the whole family can enjoy.
4. Cool off at a water park.
Summer is great, but those high temperatures can get pretty old after a while! If you're looking for a fun way to cool off, you're in the right spot, because we have so many amazing water parks in Kansas.
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5. Attend a summer festival.
Here in Kansas, we're always looking for an excuse to celebrate just about anything, and you'll find plenty of summer festivals where you can do just that. One of our favorites is the 10-day Dodge City Days, centered around western heritage and cowboy culture. There are tons of great festivals held all over the state from Memorial Day to Labor Day that are worthy of a visit.
6. Visit a museum.
In the summer months, many of us are anxious to spend time outdoors, but it can get pretty hot. One of my favorite indoor attractions is to check out a museum in Kansas. Admission prices are often very reasonable (sometimes even free!), and it's a great educational outing that the whole family can enjoy, all in the pleasure of air conditioning.
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7. Visit a sunflower farm.
We are the Sunflower State, after all! No summer in Kansas is complete without a visit to a beautiful sunflower farm. There's something about these charming flowers that just brightens up your day. They're one of the best parts of late summer and early fall. A visit to Grinter's Sunflower Farm is an annual tradition for many Kansans seeking great photo ops, but there are quite a few wonderful sunflower fields all over Kansas.
8. Enjoy a road trip.
I've always thought of a road trip as the quintessential American vacation, and there are certainly plenty of great road trips in Kansas waiting to be enjoyed. Whether you're looking for a quick-and-easy afternoon journey or want to spend a few days exploring large swaths of the state, there's so much to love about the joy of just hitting the highway and adventuring.
What's on your summer bucket list in Kansas? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Remember, fun in the sun is great, but it can also be harmful on your skin. Always apply a high quality sunscreen when heading outside, especially in the summer months.
Lindsborg is one of our favorite small towns in Kansas. This unique town was founded by Swedish immigrants. The population of around 4,000 is incredibly proud of the town's Swedish heritage, and a visit here might make you forget you're in the Sunflower State (or America at all!). The town is full of "wild Dala horses" (colorful horse sculptures decorating the streets and businesses), and also has European restaurants and European shops. It's such a unique little place, and a visit here practically requires a special place to stay to really make your trip amazing. If you're looking for the most unique place to stay in Lindsborg, KS, don't sweat it: we've done the work for you! Check out the wonderful little Stenhuset, a Vrbo property that's as charmingly special as the city it's in:
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This beautiful Vrbo in Lindsborg, KS is a stone home that was constructed in 1877.
Fittingly, you'll find plenty of European-inspired decor here, including the beautiful Dala horse out front with the property's name, which means "stone house" in Swedish.
The cabin's age lends it so much rustic charm, but there are modern amenities here to be enjoyed, too, like Wi-Fi and streaming.
The two-bedroom home can sleep up to six guests.
I love this adorable patio area that's perfect for an al fresco meal or cup of coffee!