Kansas
Trip Ideas|Day Trips

This Unique Park In Kansas Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year

Published Mar 7, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

We've got so many amazing state parks in Kansas, and each offers up its own special attributes. They're all full of history and incredible scenery, plus recreational opportunities ranging from hunting to relaxing on a beach. Each of these wonderful places is worthy of a visit, and if you're looking for a great park near Manhattan, KS, it doesn't get much better than Fancy Creek State Park. This spot is only a 30-minute drive north of the Little Apple, and it makes for such a fun day trip for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Sunflower State. Check it out:

Fancy Creek has a lot to offer visitors. You'll find miles of trails here, suitable for both hiking and mountain biking.

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Courtney Branch/Alltrails

There's so much room to explore here, and if you're into biking, the trails here are considered some of the best mountain biking trails in Kansas.

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Bobby Whitsett/Alltrails

The views here are quite lovely, and I love that there's a mix of both wooded areas and the open landscape that Kansas is so well-known for.

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Jess Scism/Alltrails

If you get here and decide you just don't want to leave, there are plenty of campsites available for rent.

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Teri Dow/Alltrails

Fancy Creek State Park Campground has 200 primitive campsites and 24 electric sites available.

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Bobby Whitsett/Alltrails

Looking to get some practice in on a gun range? There's a fantastic outdoor range here that's perfect for target practice.

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Dani Mueting/Alltrails

This is such a lovely park, and whether you decide to stay for just an afternoon or enjoy a few nights at the campground, you're sure to enjoy this beautiful place.

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Erin Kelly/Alltrails

For more information about this great state park near Manhattan, KS, check out the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website. You can learn more about the great hikes at Fancy Creek State Park from our friends at AllTrails. If you're an avid hiker, you'll definitely want to consider a free trial of AllTrails+. It's got all the benefits of the regular site, plus downloadable trail maps, turn-by-turn directions, and more.

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

This Budget-Friendly Day Trip Destination In Kansas The Entire Family Will Enjoy

Published Jul 1, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

I think we'd all love to splurge on a four-figure vacation every now and again, but times are tough and that's not always possible. If you're looking to save a buck, a day trip might be a great option for you. Not having to deal with the cost of overnight lodging is a huge money saver, and if you live in the Sunflower State, there are so many great places within easy driving distance! One of our favorite budget day trips in Kansas is the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, KS. This is not only one of the best museums in Kansas - it's one of the top space museums in the whole country. Best of all, admission is under $30 per person - the exact price depends on what add-ons you choose. During the summer, there are often deals where kids can get in for free or at a deeply discounted rate, saving families even more money. Check this place out:

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Cosmosphere was opened in 1962 and is one of the world's largest space museums. It's home to an amazing 13,000 spaceflight artifacts.

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Cosmosphere/Google Reviews

You'll find all kinds of treasures here, with both Russian and American artifacts on display dating all the way back to the 1940s.

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Cosmosphere/Google Reviews

There are five venues here, including interactive areas for kids of all ages and a 4K theater.

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matthew jerkovic/Google Reviews

This is truly one of the best museums in Kansas, and the exhibits do a great job of making science accessible to even young children.

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Adnan Khalil/Google Reviews

Space travel is such a fascinating topic that it can interest just about anyone, and if you've ever found yourself curious about what lies beyond our night skies, a visit to Cosmosphere is a must.

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Scott Beaubien/Google Reviews

At only an hour away from Wichita, it's a centrally-located spot that is easily accessible for many Kansas residents.

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Adnan Khalil/google Reviews

For more information about this great space museum in Hutchinson, KS, check out the Cosmosphere website. You can also find deals and upcoming events on the Cosmosphere Facebook page.

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Hutchinson, KS? Extend your day trip into a whole weekend and consider a stay at the Santa Fe Boxcar. It's one of the most unique Vrbo properties in Kansas!

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Just 30 Minutes From Kansas City, Prairiefire Is The Perfect Kansas Day Trip Destination

Prairiefire in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a unique day trip experience with a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping.

Updated Apr 25, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Looking for a day trip in Kansas? We have plenty of attractions here. Beautiful state parks, wonderful historic sites, charming small towns in Kansas…the Sunflower State really has it all! One spot that we’re especially fond of is Prairiefire. This shopping center is about half an hour away from Kansas City, and we know it sounds weird to call a shopping center a “day trip.” But trust us, this isn’t like your typical shopping center! In fact, it’s one of our favorite things to do in Overland Park.

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Prairiefire is a 60-acre mixed-use development in Overland Park that's like a miniature town all on its own.

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Prairiefire/Facebook

The area's most popular attraction is the Museum at Prairiefire, one of the best natural history museums in Kansas.

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Museum at Prairiefire/Google Maps

This is a great family-friendly destination with 42,000 square feet of educational opportunities. There are permanent and rotating exhibits, virtual reality experiences, and more.

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Daniel Simmons/Google Maps

Pinstripes is a neat entertainment venue at Prairiefire. Here, you'll find a bocce court, an indoor bowling area, an outdoor patio, and delicious food.

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Jeremiah Rapada/Google Maps

There are plenty of other great spots to get food at Prairiefire, though. We love Rock and Brews, a chain co-owned by Gene Simmons, the lead singer of KISS. It's a great place to grab some delicious food and a beer.

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Rock & Brews Overland Park/Facebook

Chicken 'N Pickle is great fun. Here, you can stuff yourself with wood-fired chicken while playing pickleball and other lawn games like Connect Four and cornhole.

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Prairieland/Facebook

Prairiefire truly has everything! You can even catch a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theatre on site.

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V G/Google Reviews

That's not even touching on all the great shops that are here. Prairiefire is a fantastic day trip in Kansas that provides ample opportunities for entertainment, dining, and more!

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Prairiefire

Want some more fun things to do near Prairiefire in Overland Park? Be sure to check out this YouTube video by  City Travel Review:

https://youtu.be/u5eR2dIfcCE

For more information, including a full list of tenants, check out the Prairiefire website.

If you're looking for a great place to stay near Prairiefire in Overland Park, check out this amazing Vrbo vacation rental.

Have you ever visited Prairiefire? Share your experiences in the comments! And if you’re searching for family-friendly activities in Kansas, check out this previous article listing state parks in Kansas great for glamping.

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