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The 15 Best Kansas Roadside Attractions

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Are you planning a Kansas road trip and want to find all the best Kansas roadside attractions along your route? Whether you’re driving across the state on I-70, traversing one of the state’s many scenic byways, taking the tiniest of adventures on Route 66, or vacationing in Wichita or Topeka, you won’t want to miss these fifteen must-see places to go in Kansas. They’re fun road trip stops and great additions to your travel itinerary or route.

Below are the 15 best roadside attractions in Kansas: from the world’s largest ball of twine to the world’s largest easel, from a Wizard of Oz house to a Stonehenge made of trucks, from a toilet stop shaped like a toilet to a collection of tiny versions of all your favorite big things! You won’t want to miss any of these bucket list worthy tourist traps and road trips stops on your Kansas vacation.

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• 1. World's Largest Ball of Twine
• 2. Dorothy's House and the Land of Oz

3. The Big Well

4. keeper of the plains.

• 5. World's Largest Czech Egg

6. Rock City

7. the garden of eden, 8. wheat liberty bell.

• 9. World's Largest Collection of Smallest Versions of Largest Things
• 10. M.T. Liggett's Political Sculptures

11. Big Brutus

12. johnny kaw statue, 13. bowl plaza, 14. truckhenge.

• 15. World's Largest Easel & a Giant van Gogh Painting

The 15 best Kansas roadside attractions (in no particular order):

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1. World’s Largest Ball of Twine

719 Wisconsin St, Cawker City, KS

In 1953 Frank Stoeber started the innocent task of rolling spare bits of sisal twine he found in his barn into a ball. Eight years later that ball grew to 11-feet in diameter and contained over 1,600,000 feet of twine. This was an impressive accomplishment for any one man, but when another man in Darwin, Minnesota out twined his ball, the locals got to work. They organized an annual Twine-A-Thon and the ball has continued growing ever since. As of 2018, the world’s largest ball of twine contained over 8 million feet of twine and weighed over 10 tons.

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2. Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz

567 E Cedar St, Liberal, KS

There’s no place like home and the most famous resident to call Kansas home might just be Dorothy Gale, the character who wanted nothing more than to return to her farm there in the book and film The Wizard of Oz . In 1981 the town of Liberal declared itself to be the home of Dorothy and imported a house from a nearby town that resembled the one in the movie. Today you can visit Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz and follow the yellow brick road to the house, take a tour through an animate retelling of the story, and take a selfie with Dorothy herself (either the statue out front or a decked out tour guide).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Francis Burghart (@215_runningtourist) on Aug 26, 2019 at 4:23pm PDT

Big Well Museum, 315 S Sycamore St, Greensburg, KS

The Big Well in Greensburg is the world’s largest hand dug well. The 109-foot deep, 32-foot diameter hole was originally created in 1888 to be the source of water for the town. Many years later a staircase was added and even later still it was open to the public as a Kansas tourist attraction. In 2007 the town was devastated by a tornado but the well, along with a new museum, reopened in May 2012. Visit to to descend a spiral staircase deep into the earth, learn about the town’s history, and also check out the World’s Largest Pallasite Meteorite.

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339 Veterans Pkwy, Wichita, KS

The Keeper of the Plains is an iconic symbol in Wichita. The 44-foot tall, 5-ton statue was created by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin and unveiled in 1974 to celebrate the United States Bi-centennial. The sculpture sits on top of a 30-foot pedestal overlooking the city at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. Visit during the day to learn more about the statue and see more work from the artist at the Mid-America All-Indian Center and visit at night to witness the “Ring of Fire,” when the firepots are lit to represent the relationship of earth, water, air and fire.

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5. World’s Largest Czech Egg

2520 Ave D, Wilson, KS

Find the World’s Largest Czech Egg in Wilson, the “Czech Capital of Kansas.” This 22-foot tall giant egg is painted in traditional Czech design and is the centerpiece of the town’s annual celebration of Czech Heritage in July.

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1051 Ivy Rd, Minneapolis, KS

Across a five acre park in Minneapolis, you’ll find over 200 Dakota sandstone concretions: large spherical boulders that span up to 27-feet in diameter. Visitors are encouraged to climb these natural creations and, according to a sign out front, Rock City is the “only place in the world where so many concretions of such giant size are found in one area.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kat Braz (@skatbraz) on Jun 29, 2019 at 7:22pm PDT

305 E 2nd St, Lucas, KS

The Garden of Eden is a wonder both inside and out. S. P. Dinsmoor moved to Lucas in 1891 and spend the rest of his life creating this masterpiece. In 1907 he completed the famed log cabin, a unique home made from carved limestone logs that ranged in size up to 27-feet long. He then spent his years filling the garden with limestone and concrete sculptures of bugs, trees, a giant blinking Eye of God, and other forms. On the premises you’ll also find a mausoleum where Dinsmoor and his first wife lay to rest.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cynthia Kiesel (@cynthiakqb) on Mar 16, 2019 at 2:07pm PDT

Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum, 200 Poplar St, Goessel, KS

At the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum you’ll find a double-size replica of the Liberty Bell made out of turkey red wheat straw. The attraction was dedicated during the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial and was originally displayed in the Smithsonian. Find this wheat Liberty Bell in the “Turkey Red Wheat Palace” building among other relics dedicated to farmers who introduced and developed the wheat industry in Kansas.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Erika Nelson (@worldslargestthings) on May 1, 2019 at 2:19pm PDT

9. World’s Largest Collection of Smallest Versions of Largest Things

214 S Main St, Lucas, KS

Artist Erika Nelson has spent years traveling the country in search of roadside attractions and creating the world’s smallest versions of the world’s largest things she sees. From Albert the Bull to the World’s Largest Strawberry to the giant Paul Bunyan she has seen it all and crafted it all. Stop by her storefront museum in Lucas Kansas to see her creations.

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10. M.T. Liggett’s Political Sculptures

207 Elm St #201, Mullinville, KS

Artist M.T. Liggett’s former property is filled with hundreds of hand-built sculptures: some beloved some abhorred. Liggett (1930-2017) never minded the controversy his yard of art turned Kansas roadside attraction brought. Fun windmills and whirligigs are mixed among totems of political figures, both local and national, depicted as caricatures in comprising positions or surrounded by offensive imagery.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sam Kelly (@samkelly096) on Nov 25, 2019 at 1:39pm PST

6509 NW 60th St, West Mineral, KS

Big Brutus is a Bucyrus-Erie model 1850-B electric shovel designed to dig up to 69 feet into the earth. The 16-story tall, 11-million pound beast worked around the clock until it was retired in 1974. The giant shovel was then declared a declared a state landmark and turned into a museum. Admire Big Brutus’s impressive size from outside and climb inside to explore the five stories of gears and exhibits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lora (@lora_explores) on May 8, 2019 at 1:43pm PDT

N. 11th St. and Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS

Johnny Kaw is a fictional settler of Kansas whose tall tales live up to Paul Bunyan’s lore. His legend was born from George Filinger, a professor of horticulture at Kansas State University in 1955, as a PR move to kick up interest in Kansas and Manhattan’s 100th birthday. The 25-foot-tall Johnny Kaw statue was constructed in 1966 as a way to establish the hero as a local legend. Though Kaw hasn’t quite caught on the way Bunyan has, he has remained a local favorite and makes for a fun Kansas road trip stop.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jeremy Pafford (@jeremy.pafford) on Mar 9, 2020 at 7:03pm PDT

121 S Main St, Lucas, KS

Everyone needs to take a toilet break on a road trip, but if you’re looking for a toilet beyond the average gas station restroom, head to Lucas, Kansas. Bowl Plaza is a public toilet shaped like a toilet and covered with folk art mosaics.

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4124 NE Brier Rd, Topeka, KS

England has Stonehenge. Nebraska has Carhenge . And Kansas has Truckhenge. Truckhenge is made up of six antique trucks partially buried in the ground and surrounded by other works of recycled art. The piece was created by Ron Lessman in 2000 in response to county officials who wanted him to clean up his land. He was told to “pick the trucks up,” so, in an act of rebellion, he partially elevated them from the ground, creating a Kansas roadside attraction on the way.

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15. World’s Largest Easel & a Giant van Gogh Painting

1901-1917 Cherry Ave, Goodland, KS

In 2001 artist Cameron Cross painted a large-scale, 24×32 foot reproduction of Van Gogh’s “Three Sunflowers in a Vase,” which was then displayed on an equally large-scale steel easel. The 80-foot tall, 45,000-pound structure is the world’s largest easel!

Want to see more of the strangest roadside attractions in America? From Alabama to Wyoming, check out our list of the best roadside attractions in each state .

Pin this list of the 15 best Kansas roadside attractions:

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Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

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Last modified: April 13, 2022 Category: Kansas Tourist Attractions & Road Trip Stops , Roadside Attractions

The 15 Best South Dakota Roadside Attractions

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BY Valerie Bromann

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

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12 Kansas Road Trips Featuring Painterly Landscapes, Charming Small Towns and Historic Sites

Towering rock formations, breathtaking prairie vistas and pristine lakes combine to make Kansas a natural choice for crowd-free (and crowd-pleasing!) family road trip adventures. 

Interstate highways are like hit singles—big sellers with successful formulas that appeal to mainstream audiences. The scenic byways of Kansas are like album cuts—deep tracks underappreciated by the masses yet treasured by connoisseurs. The Sunflower State offers 12 such routes for finding your Midwest summer road trip groove.

Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

Follow the paths of Native peoples who lived in the region and settlers who arrived via the Santa Fe Trail. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Strong City shows what Kansas looked like then. In Council Grove, dine at the historic Hays House. And in Cottonwood Falls, see the striking Chase County Courthouse.

Distance: 48 miles

Major towns: Cottonwood Falls, Strong City, Council Grove

Frontier Military Historic Byway

Ten-hut! Built to move soldiers and supplies, this once dusty trail connects Fort Leavenworth and Fort Scott National Historic Site. Several towns feature veterans memorials, including at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Dining options far outrank mess halls. (Don't miss the fried chicken in Pittsburg.)

Distance: 168 miles

Major towns: Baxter Springs, Fort Scott, Leavenworth, Pittsburg

Glacial Hills Scenic Byway

When ancient ice masses lost their grip on this region, they left behind rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys. You'll leave having checked off some cool boxes, including a four-state vista in White Cloud, a flavor-packed lineup of global cuisine in Leavenworth, and Amelia Earhart's birthplace, now an eye-opening museum in Atchison. To discover more Atchison treasures, take a trolley tour of the historic town.

Distance: 63 miles

Major tows: Atchison, Leavenworth

Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway

Outdoor rec options (including epic horseback riding ) abound on this drive, as do the spirits of pioneers, cattle ranchers and Native Americans. Swim, boat, fish, hike and camp at Coldwater Lake in Coldwater. And see the Medicine Lodge home where bar-bashing Carry Nation lived.

Distance: 42 miles

Major towns: Coldwater, Medicine Lodge

Kansas Historic Route 66 Byway

It's the shortest stretch of Mother Road in any state, but a drive long on landmarks and nostalgia. See the route's last original Marsh arch bridge, a nearly century-old general store and inspiration for the movie Cars. Stop by Cars on the Route to see the boom truck that inspired Tow Mater. Just down the street, Gearhead Curios (in a 1939 gas station) displays a replica of the film's Doc Hudson race car character.

Distance: 13 miles

Major towns: Baxter Springs, Galena, Riverton

Land and Sky Scenic Byway

Cross the Great Western Cattle Trail, "scale" the state's highest point at Mount Sunflower (in the middle of a pasture), and explore the deep canyons and rugged landscape of the Arikaree Breaks. The nation's first agriculture-theme byway also showcases crops and wildlife. Heads up for roadside art too, like a replica van Gogh on an 80-foot easel in Goodland.

Distance: 88 miles

Major towns: Goodland, St. Francis, Sharon Springs

Native Stone Scenic Byway

This route romances the limestone in natural formations and historical buildings, like those in Alma. Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie Park in Wamego is hallowed cultural ground—the site was on the Underground Railroad. Wildwood Adventure Park in Manhattan provides zipline views of native limestone, while Alma Creamery promises a delightfully cheesy experience.

Distance: 75 miles

Major Towns: Alma, Eskridge, Manhattan

Post Rock Scenic Byway

Resourceful settlers on the treeless prairie subbed limestone for wood fence posts. That creative spirit lives on at quirky art spots like Bowl Plaza, a mosaic-covered public restroom resembling a giant toilet in Lucas. In Russell, the Deines Cultural Center houses the wood engravings of printmaker E. Hubert Deines. For lake-based fun with a side of mountain biking, head to Wilson State Park.

Distance: 18 miles

Major towns: Lucas, Wilson

Prairie Trail Scenic Byway

Famous figures (Coronado, Zebulon Pike, Buffalo Bill) and everyday folk have taken this route. Find buffalo at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in Canton, cool formations at Mushroom Rock State Park in Marquette, and all things Swedish (except Ikea) in Lindsborg. While in town, admire the craftsmanship of Dala horses at Hemslöjd and grab a latte at Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery.

Distance: 80 miles

Major towns: Ellsworth, Lindsborg

Smoky Valley Scenic Byway

The Smoky Hills kiss the sky with a purple haze, while wildflowers lay a kaleidoscopic carpet. Drive to overlooks at Cedar Bluff State Park, and marvel at Castle Rock, a bluff resembling a medieval fortress. Scenery comes with sips of reds, whites, and fruit and dessert wines at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery in WaKeeney.

Distance: 60 miles

Major towns: Ransom, WaKeeney

Western Vistas Historic Byway

No need for an amphibious vehicle, but you will be driving through a prehistoric ocean. Prepare to have Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Monument Rocks (both south of Oakley) rock your world with their formations. See the ruins of Native pueblo El Cuartelejo at Historic Lake Scott State Park. And give Wild West legends Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill their props.

Distance: 102 miles

Major towns: Oakley, Scott City, Sharon Springs

Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway

Two major air hubs for migrating birds — Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge —anchor this route. Get oriented at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Several historic buildings stand in Stafford, while the Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village in Great Bend features a rock home, 1898 church and other structures.

Distance: 77 miles

Major towns: Ellinwood, Great Bend, Hoisington

Extend your journey (and discover even more opportunities to explore) when you stay overnight in one of Kansas' state parks .

Driving Kansas I-70, The Essential Road Stops

Article By: Kyle McCarthy

Driving Kansas I-70 is worth more in memories than 500 miles of 18-wheelers and corn fields. There are small towns with huge scale artworks, 50s cinemas, arts festivals, military forts and local history museums to appease every restless road tripper in your vehicle.

If your family is on a cross-country road trip, take advantage of “ Seventy on I-70 ,” a vintage Kansas travel guide highlighting the interstate’s many large, small and almost ordinary attractions. Kansas offers a surprising amount of pure Americana.

Kansas Interstate-70 from East to West

Heading East to West, leave the verdant hills of Missouri for what’s at first glance, desolation. Kansas City, KS does not compare to Kansas City, MO – the gem of Missouri whose museums, barbecue joints, sports teams and hotels outshine their neighbor just across the border.  

However, the border region does have some attractions. Cross-country road-trippers desperate for a pit stop between Kansas I-70 Exits 410-423 should stop when there’s a NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway . Alternatively, shop in the Legends Outlets Mall or catch a Kansas City T-Bones game — they’re not the Missouri Kansas City Royals but few teams are.

Shawnee and Kansas’ Native American Heritage

Shawnee, off Kansas I-70 Exit 411, was home not only to the Shawnee tribe of Native Americans. After the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, President Thomas Jefferson planned to offer land west of the Mississippi River to eastern tribes who would voluntarily resettle. As European American settlements grew, however, they pushed Westwards for more land. Congressional Acts in 1825 and 1830 then forced several different Native tribes to move farther west into the inhospitable territories of Kansas and beyond.

Shawnee Town 1929 is a recreated farming village that celebrates the town’s agricultural success with exhibits, authentic farm artifacts, costumed interpreters and events. Summers are marked by food trucks, live music events, crafts fairs and family activities starting with the Old Shawnee Days Festival in June, a big Independence Day event and the August Tour de Shawnee bike races. Check the town’s website to see how public health protocols may change events. Mission Park, with its boating lake and facilities, makes it a great picnic stop other times of year.

Side Trips off Kansas I-70 and East Kansas Detours

Side trips in this area include Bonner Springs , where the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame is located. The Ag Center, with its exhibits on better farming, is most worthwhile if you have future farmers of America strapped into the backseat.

Leavenworth , 18 miles farther north, has a 28-block historic district downtown and a famous maximum security military prison portrayed in the 2001 movie, “The Last Castle.” Fort Leavenworth, established in 1827 to assist settlers in fighting off Native American tribes, is the nation’s third oldest active military installation. The facility and Frontier Army Museum are, sadly, temporarily closed to the public due to the pandemic.

Kansas Prairie, Wetlands and Rocks

Missing the call of the Wild? Turn off Kansas I-70 at Lawrence to find Baker Wetlands , a 1,000-acre environmental preserve protecting nearly 500 plant species, wildlife and 278 species of birds. This is a special place to stretch your legs.

Or, take Exit 313 for Manhattan, not the city you’re expecting. Instead, Manhattan is home to Tuttle Creek State Park , known for the camping and recreation facilities around its reservoir. Younger kids will appreciate the snake collection at the Sunset Zoo’s Nature Exploration Center .

Fishermen will likely know Milford Lake , outside Junction City , the largest one in the state and the best place to go fishing and camping. The Milford Nature Center is located just below the dam and between February and May, it’s fun to visit the fish hatchery.

Detour for a photo opp farther west off Kansas I-70 Exit 76, at Monument Rocks , a national natural landmark about 25 miles south of Oakley . We’d like to say you can see this towering rock arch and walls for miles but that’s not quite accurate. Up close your family will appreciate the noble kestrel falcons which nest in the rock’s perforations, and feel the mystical vibe that Native Americans believed existed here.

Do you drive after dark? Kids will be love watching the aliens land through the ink-black skies. Yes, the blinking red lights of wind turbines , thousands of them, extend as far as the eye can see across the plains north and south of Kansas I-70, creating a scene worthy of “Star Wars.”

Eisenhower in Abilene

Kansas’ number one attraction is the Eisenhower Presidential Library , museum and home in Abilene, off Exit 275. While it is temporarily closed due to the pandemic, Abilene can teach you a lot about Dwight D. Eisenhower, the country’s 34th president from 1953-1961 and a five-star general. Ike, as he was known, and his wife Mamie were very popular during their time.

Not only did Eisenhower sponsor the Federal Highway System you are driving on, he also sponsored and signed the 1957 Civil Rights Bill which Congress then altered and weakened. In addition to negotiating a peaceful end to the Korean War, Eisenhower resisted getting into other battles over several Cold War incidents that might have turned a less cool head to war.

Jesus Watches Over Colby

We chose Colby as the place to sleep on our 2020 cross-country road trip because of the famous billboard, Wheat Jesus . Let us all praise Google for alerting us to these roadside wonders when we ask our phones, “what’s interesting about (this place)?”

Wheat Jesus is a two-sided billboard portraying Jesus holding a sheaf of wheat in his right hand. There is no text. The billboard is a gift to road trippers by local business people Tuffy and Linda Kay Taylor, who wanted to inspire drivers with a “silent message” about what was important in their own lives. Erected in 2009 with the help of a local artist and sign making company, the remarkable portrait seems to watch passersby from every angle. The Taylors and contributions pay the electric bills to keep the billboard illuminated 24/7.

Since Colby straddles I-70, most of its business comes from long haul truck drivers. That clientele makes the Sonic Burger drive-through restaurant another of the town’s hallmarks. For a retro experience, show the family how carhops deliver burgers and shakes to your car window.

Yet another Colby attraction is the Oasis Travel Center Dog Park at Kansas I-70 Exit 53. (You are 53 miles east of the Colorado border at this point.) With separate areas for both large and small dogs, this is a worthwhile stop to give your canine pals a break from the road.

Overnight in Colby, Kansas I-70 at Exit 54

Colby is a town of few lodging choices, so we picked a  Super 8 that was well reviewed as “sparkling clean” with “blazing fast Internet.”

The following morning, we met Eric, the desk clerk who put out their big buffet breakfast. Yes, despite other hotels having shut their restaurants to stop the spread of COVID-19, this friendly Super 8 was serving a huge public buffet. We sampled the hot biscuits n’ gravy, freshly made by Eric himself from his mom’s recipe, first. Follow it up with tasty u-cook waffles, fruit, cereals, yoghurt, toast and more; breakfast is free with double double-bed rooms that start at $59 per night.

Don’t leave town without a visit to the Prairie Museum of Art & History . The 24-acre property has several buildings, including the Cooper Barn, the largest single barn in Kansas. Considered one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, it was built in 1936 to house show-worthy Hereford cattle. Catch the museum’s “Prairie Grasses to Golden Grains” exhibit, the one room school building, sod house and 1930s farmstead. Inside, the Kuska Collection comprises dolls, furniture, old coins, household ceramics, family clocks and silverware – the treasures of a 19th-century prairie farmer’s life.

Another must, stop at the Colby Aquatic Park if you’re traveling in the blazing hot summer between June and August. The town facility has a few swimming pools and some waterslides.

Westward to Goodland, I-70 at Exit 19

The beauty and ingenuity of Goodland , off Kansas I-70 at Exit 19, capped our brief tour of the state. Goodland connects to America’s first agriculture-themed designated road, the Land and Sky Scenic Byway at Exit 17. Pass by again during your travels to watch crops grow as the seasons change.

Drivers from either direction are hard-pressed to miss an 80-foot version of Vincent Van Gogh’s painting, “Three Sunflowers in a Vase.” The 30-foot-tall painting sits atop a huge easel towering over the small town of Goodland. It was reproduced from the original for the Rotary Club of Goodland by Canadian artist, Cameron Cross.

A placard posted by the proud people of Sherman County declare it to be the World’s Largest Painting on an Easel . Yes, sunflowers do grow in Kansas. This still life by the Dutch Impressionist Vincent Van Gogh has inspired many other, smaller art works in the town’s public parks. In fact, signs ask visitors to use the hashtag #goghgoodland in their social media posts.

The High Plains Museum is another highlight of the town. Like Colby’s Prairie Museum, the focus of the collections is agricultural with many exhibits about farming daily life. Founded in 1959, it also features several personal collections that document the life of Northwestern Kansas, as lived by ordinary teachers, farmers, doctors, bankers and soldiers.

Interestingly, a model of the world’s first patented helicopter is featured inside the main room. Watch as its blades slowly rotate.

The first helicopter is just another of the unexpected finds along Kansas I-70. For more ideas of what to do in Kansas, please visit TravelKS.com .

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10 Best Road Trips You Can Take Through The Scenic State Of Kansas

Discover the heartland's beauty with these captivating road trips through Kansas, showcasing its hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes.

• Kansas offers diverse landscapes, from tall grass prairies to red hills to wetlands, making it an ideal destination for road trips to experience its natural beauty.
• The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway provides a breathtaking journey through the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in North America, where visitors can spot bison and prairie chickens.
• The Frontier Military Historic Byway explores Kansas' role in settling the American frontier, connecting three former frontier forts and showcasing historic sites and battle sites.

The American Midwest offers some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes across the country. Kansas, in particular, is filled with vibrant prairies, rolling hills, dense forests, beautiful wetlands, and scenic waterfalls waiting to be explored . For travelers looking to take in the scenic beauty of the Sunflower State, a road trip is often the best way to experience everything in the states, including some of the wonders of Kansas .

The diversity of Kansas landscapes allows for completely different scenery and attractions within just a few hours’ drive. Glide across the widescreen Flint Hills, then wander the eroded red hills of the Gypsum Hills. Spot shorebirds at a wildlife refuge before touring frontier forts. Whether spending a weekend or a week on the road, Kansas offers the chance to soak in quintessential Great Plains scenery while exploring the state’s distinctive landmarks. From the tall grass to the red hills to the Wetlands, here are 10 of the most scenic road trips to experience the natural beauty of Kansas.

Florida Vs. Kansas: Are Swamps Or Prairie Lands Flatter?

10 flint hills national scenic byway, a drive through the lush tallgrass prairie of the flint hills.

Visiting Flint Hills is one of the awesome must-do things in Kansas . But a visit to this ecosystem is not complete without driving the namesake byway. Stretching through the heart of the state, the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway provides a breathtaking journey through the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in North America. Designated as a National Scenic Byway in 1986, this drive takes visitors through wide open spaces filled with lush, rolling grasslands. Travelers have the chance to walk the tall grass prairie , where they can spot bison, prairie chickens, and many other species that call this iconic landscape home. With very few trees or settlements along the way, the pristine prairie seems to go on forever.

The Flint Hills Byway connects numerous ranches, small towns, and state parks that offer opportunities to learn about the area's ecology and history. Located just north of Wichita, the byway provides easy access for visitors as a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

• Distance: 48 miles
• Road Trip Length: Full day or overnight
• Major Stops: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve , Chase County State Fishing Lake , Flint Hills Discovery Center

9 Frontier Military Historic Byway

Historic forts and battle sites along the frontier military scenic byway.

For history buffs, the Frontier Military Historic Byway explores Kansas' crucial role in settling the American frontier. The 168-mile route connects three former frontier forts that protected westward travelers in the 1800s. At Fort Riley, the 1st Infantry Division Museum outlines the fort's origins along the Santa Fe Trail. Visitors can also tour the fort's historic homes and cavalry stables. Just down the byway lies Fort Larned, featuring a fascinating history museum inside the stone commissary building. The star attraction of the route is Fort Scott National Historic Site, where costumed reenactors and various demonstrations showcase military life on the frontier.

Beyond the forts, roadtrippers can explore battle sites like Mine Creek and Little Osage Crossing. Interpretive signs and walking trails explain the events that took place there. For an in-depth experience of the frontier army, this byway is a must-see.

• Distance: 168 miles
• Road Trip Length: 3 hours
• Major Stops: Fort Riley , Fort Larned National Historic Site , Fort Scott NHS

8 Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway

Vivid red hills and wild prairie along the gypsum hills byway.

Winding through the vivid red gypsum hills of south-central Kansas, this byway treats travelers to one of the state's unique landscapes. The 42-mile route passes through the Gypsum Hills Scenic Area, known for its vibrant red soils and wildly eroded formations. Contrasting with the red hills, lush green prairie grasses blanket the valley floors in a colorful patchwork. Visitors might spot bison, wild turkeys, and prairie dogs roaming through the grasslands, as well as diverse wildflowers in spring. The byway's southern section features the restored ghost town of Old Mobeetie, providing a glimpse of frontier life.

With various hiking trails leading into the gypsum hills, road trippers can easily stretch their legs to admire the striking red vistas and stone sculptures up close. For a scenic drive off the beaten path, Gypsum Hills offers sensational grassland scenery.

• Distance: 42 miles
• Road Trip Length: Half day to full day
• Major Stops: Rock City Park , Old Mobeetie Town Site

7 Kansas Historic Route 66 Byway

Following the mother road through classic kansas towns.

Get your kicks on the legendary Route 66 through southeast Kansas. As one of the state's most iconic drives, this stretch of the "Mother Road" transports travelers back to Route 66's 1950s heyday. The byway closely follows the original Route 66 alignment past classic diners, drive-ins, and mid-century motor courts in retro towns like Galena, Baxter Springs, and Riverton. Road trippers can stop to see historic attractions like the 1926 Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge, the last surviving marsh arch bridge on Route 66.

From the ornate Coleman Theatre in Miami to the mining exhibits at the Historic Route 66 Visitor Center in Galena, this byway is the perfect way to experience the nostalgia of travel's golden era. Visitors can even stay overnight in a Wigwam motel room. With its classic Route 66 stops, southeast Kansas offers travelers the iconic Mother Road journey.

• Distance: 13 miles
• Road Trip Length: About 20 minutes drive
• Major Stops on the route: Rainbow Bridge , Waylan's KuKu Burger, Coleman Theatre

The Best Stops Along Route 66, Ranked

6 land and sky scenic byway, panoramic views along the land and sky byway.

Taking its name from the incredible prairie vistas, the Land and Sky Scenic Byway provides phenomenal viewing opportunities as it winds through the wide-open spaces of west-central Kansas. Stretching 88 miles between historic Fort Larned and the town of Leoti, the route features panoramic landscapes extending to the horizon. With few trees or buildings obstructing sight lines, travelers can experience the immersive grandeur of the vast prairie. The byway also connects a series of excellent viewpoints, including Coronado Heights, where visitors take in sweeping ridge-top views. The Pawnee River Valley Overlook offers a breathtaking perspective over the valley's eroded red rock formations.

• Distance: 88 miles
• Road Trip Length: 2 days
• Major Stops: Coronado Heights , Pawnee River Valley Overlook, Point of Rocks

5 Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway

Abundant birds and wildlife along the wetlands & wildlife byway.

For nature lovers, the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway provides excellent opportunities to spot birds and wildlife. Located in the southeast corner of the state, the byway loops through sections of the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge near the Missouri border. Travelers can admire diverse wetland habitats, including marshes, streams, forests, and prairie. The refuge protects the habitat for migratory birds like sandhill cranes, ducks, and geese. Visitors might also spot white-tailed deer, beaver, and river otters. Interpretive overlooks explain the refuge's ecology.

• Distance: 77 miles
• Road Trip Length: 2 hours
• Major Stops: Marais des Cygnes NWR , Osawatomie

4 Native Stone Scenic Byway

Limestone canyon country along the native stone byway.

Winding through the dramatic limestone canyon country of southeast Kansas, the Native Stone Scenic Byway treats travelers to spectacular rock formations and rolling green hills. The byway loops for 75 miles among waving bluestem grasses, wildflowers, and rocky outcrops. Signature attractions include Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, where acidic waters have carved fascinating formations in the soft chalk deposits. At Rock Creek Crossing, visitors can hike through the riverside canyon for close-up views of the eroded limestone.

The scenic drive also passes beautifully preserved Victorian buildings in the towns of Independence and Neodesha. With its picturesque prairie landscapes and charming small towns, the Native Stone byway showcases some of Kansas' best scenery.

• Distance: 75 miles
• Road Trip Length: 90 minutes
• Major Stops: Little Jerusalem State Park , Rock Creek Crossing

3 Post Rock Scenic Byway

Limestone outcrops along the post rock byway.

Named for the unusual fence posts carved by early settlers, the Post Rock Scenic Byway in north-central Kansas provides a tour through the rugged Post Rock Country. The region is known for its scenic limestone formations that create a unique prairie landscape. The 20-mile byway passes through WaKeeney, the self-proclaimed "Post Rock Capital of the World," where monuments and fences exhibit the area's famous stone carvings. Visitors can also see post-rock fences bordering picturesque prairie vistas throughout the grasslands.

Signature stops include the stone-walled Bridgeport Hill Ranch and the mushroom-shaped rock sculpture known as Mushroom Rock State Park. In spring, colorful wildflowers bloom across the prairie. With its iconic post-rock landmarks, the byway captures the spirit of the rural Midwest.

• Distance: 20 miles
• Road Trip Duration: 30 minutes
• Major Stops: Mushroom Rock State Park .

Small Kansas Towns That Will Make You A Believer In Its Beautiful Countryside

2 smoky valley scenic byway, pristine prairie along the smoky valley byway.

Travelers journey through one of the most intact prairie regions of Kansas along the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway. Following the Smoky Hill River, the byway winds through the Smoky Valley for over 60 miles of lush native grasslands. With very little development along the route, visitors experience expansive open landscapes dotted with wildflowers and small herds of grazing bison. Beside the cottonwood-lined river, travelers might spot white-tailed deer, coyotes, badgers and meadowlarks.

Several scenic overlooks allow roadtrippers to take in the sea of grasslands stretching to the horizon. The byway also passes charming small towns like Lindsborg, which exhibit their Swedish pioneer heritage. For breathtaking pristine prairie vistas, the Smoky Valley byway is a perfect choice.

• Distance: 60 miles
• Road Trip Length: Full day
• Major Stops: Lindsborg , Kanopolis State Park

1 Prairie Trail Scenic Byway

Following the oregon trail along the prairie trail byway.

Retrace earlier pioneers' footsteps along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, a segment of the historic Oregon Trail. Located northwest of Salina, the byway closely follows the wagon ruts and traces left by 19th-century settlers heading west. Road trippers can walk in the pioneers' footsteps along the rugged Alcove Spring Trail while learning about life on the Oregon Trail at the Alcove House historical site. The byway also passes other important trail remnants like Independence Crossing and Devil's Backbone.

Beyond Oregon Trail history, the route features beautiful prairie vistas dotted with wildflowers and roaming bison herds. Visitors might glimpse pronghorns, coyotes, prairie chickens, and other wildlife native to the plains. With its combination of heritage and scenery, the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway is a special Kansas road trip.

• Distance: 80 miles
• Major Stops: Alcove House , Independence Crossing

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11 Best Kansas Road Trips to Enrich Your Traveling Memory

The Sunflower State is best known for being on the I-70, but once you get off the interstate, you’ll be mesmerized by all the iconic sceneries and human-made attractions that make the state special. For the best kansas road trips, there’s a diverse range of places that you can include on your route. Contrary to what others say, there are detour-worthy destinations in the state that might just surprise you or take your breath away—whichever comes first. 

Your next journey to Kansas will be more special if you take the drive to some of the best scenic spots in the area. Here are some of the stopovers you need to discover while exploring the state and special roadside attractions in Kansas. If you have a frugal budget, then check out our dedicated sampling of free and cheap things to do in Kansas .

Don’t let the Sunflower season pass; quickly find out the best road trip destinations in Kansas through the below slides.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve – One of the Best Kansas Road Trips

Castle rock, mount sunflower, eisenhower presidential center, milford state park, amelia earhart birthplace museum, kansas originals, monument rocks, little jerusalem, ready to witness what are the roadside attractions in kansas you.

If you are planning for the best Kansas road trips, all the scenic attractions in nature do not miss. Get a spectacular view of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, one of the world’s last remaining tallgrass prairies that is home to grazing bison. The 11,000-acre area boasts 40 miles of trails that will show you a unique piece of what the old days looked like. The small section survived the 19 th -century plowing to give way to progress and is now protected by the government. 

It’s ideal for visiting the area in the fall when the grass goes above your height, making you feel delightfully lost in the beauty of nature. The prairie hosts different activities throughout the year, including Junior Ranger programs that help kids appreciate the environment a little more. 

Considered as a geological anomaly, the Castle Rock is more than a freestanding spire above the western badlands. It features towers of limestone and shale pillars, with rich historical lore to back up its grandeur. This landmark nestled along the Smoky Hills Trail was named by the survey team sent to investigate the area in 1865. 

The route sits on private land, so if you’re planning the best kansas road trips, showing respect for the property is highly recommended. Here you’ll see the route that took passenger, mail, and freight across Colorado via the Butterfield Overland Dispatch in the 19 th century. It was also violently defended by the Cheyenne and Arapaho from encroachers, but ultimately became obsolete with the invention of railroads. 

Your trip is incomplete if you miss Mount Sunflower from the list of best Kansas road trips. It’s on the far west of the state and only a few paces away from Colorado, but it’s a great drive to see the 4,039 feet elevation up close. It’s also the highest point in the entire state. It’s more hilly than mountainous, which makes it a better Kansas homage than a hike. 

The Mount Sunflower lies on the 19 th -century homestead of Edward and Elizabeth Harold, but is now accessible to the public, welcoming tourists and visitors year-round. At the pinnacle, you can see a pretty sunflower sculpture as a fitting adornment, which is made from scraps of the metal railway. 

The regality of the Eisenhower Presidential Center will greet you once you set foot in its halls. It is dedicated to Dwight D. Eisenhower, former US president and World War II’s Supreme Commander of 

the Allied Forces assigned in Europe. You can tour his modest boyhood home and see the dense museum filled with artifacts of the late president’s life. 

Located in Abilene, this Kansas stopover holds interactive exhibits that display Eisenhower’s presidency from 1953-1961. It’s where you can check out the original script of his 1961 landmark speech where he gave warning on the ‘military-industrial complex’. When you’re done touring the museum, you can also head to the Brookville Hotel for some family-style meals that will satisfy your palate. 

The Milford State Park sits outside Junction City and features the Milford Reservoir, the largest lake in Kansas, spanning 15, 709 acres. If you’re into hiking, the Eagle Ridge Trail stretches for 80 miles and is blessed with a prairie landscape tinged with wildflowers. The park has eight campgrounds complete with water and electric hook-ups. You can hold events and have a nice, intimate outdoor adventure with loved ones while you’re here. 

Aside from the stunning scenery, the Milford State Park is also popular among tourists who love to fish. The lake is home to a diverse species, including the walleye, white bass, catfish, crappie, smallmouth, and largemouth bass. The wildlife on the park’s west side is also outstanding, with a bald eagle flying over during the winter. 

Are you up for an unusual adventure while in Kansas? You can try visiting Stull, a small, quiet town in Douglas County, Kansas. It only has a handful of buildings and residents, but if the legend is to be believed, the town’s cemetery belongs to the ‘Seven Gateways to Hell’. It’s creepy to hear, but travelers looking for quirks in Kansas will find this location to be worth driving by. 

Legend has it that somewhere within the city lies hidden steps descending to the netherworld. They say it’s nearly impossible to trace, and only opens during the Spring Equinox and Halloween. It’s one stopover you might want if you’re fascinated by the occult. 

Amelia Earhart has made her mark in history as the first female to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a solo flight. If you’re her big fan, or just curious to know her story, her childhood home is now known as the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum on the 223 North Terrace Street of Atchison, Kansas. The museum remains the most tangible association with the famous woman pilot herself. 

The museum is a National Historic Site and is visited by thousands of tourists annually. It houses several artifacts, including a vintage portrait of her grandmother. It’s owned by the Ninety-Nines, the international organization for female aviators which Amelia Earhart served as inaugural president. It’s a great place that will serve as an inspiration for women who dream big and achieve success through grit and determination. 

Another detour you can include on your Kansas itinerary is the OZ Museum, which takes you to the world of Dorothy Gale and the Wizard of Oz. It’s an empowering story that’s fascinating for both kids and adults, with endearing characters that teach people about believing in oneself. 

The museum is home to all things OZ, serving a unique experience that brings people across the globe to Wamego, Kansas. It is the exclusive site where the earliest OZ Parker Brothers board games and Baum books are on display. There are more than 2,000 artifacts in the museum and is a legacy that the small town and the rest of the state cherish dearly. 

The Kansas Originals Market & Gallery is a worthy pitstop for the best Kansas road trips because it’s where you can get to meet the identity of the locale. From arts and crafts to gifts and delicacies, you can find everything Kansas here. It’s at the junction of K-232 and I-70 exit 206, right at the Post Rock Scenic Byway. 

Exceptional art made of wood and limestone are on display in the Kansas Originals Market & Gallery, and these items are well-appreciated by foreigners and travelers from other states. It opened in 1991 and is still going strong today, exhibiting food items, paintings, and sculptures that show the uniqueness of Kansan art and culture. 

The wide, prairie-like flatland is decorated by striped Monument Rocks, the 80-feet high geological formations found about twenty-five miles south of Oakley, Kansas. They are also called Chalk Pyramids, granted by the chalky characteristic of limestone. It is said that these rock outcroppings were caused by sea bed erosion some 80 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. 

Like the badlands of Castle Rock, Monument Rocks is nestled on private land, but the owners allow the public to visit during daylight. If you’re planning on putting this in your best Kansas road trips, you should come early because staying after dark is strictly prohibited. You should also pick up your trash to maintain its beauty and cleanliness for other visitors, too. 

The Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is the 28 th state park that got its name from the ‘ancient walls’ that look like Jerusalem’s walled city from afar. It is a chalk formation that is the most dramatic Niobrara geological formation. It features the largest Great Plains wild buckwheat population and is home to several species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. 

Evidence of Kansas having an aquatic past is depicted in this area as remnants of flying and swimming reptiles living some 85 million years ago have been discovered here. Today, the park has two permanent trails for hiking enthusiasts, with some towering over 100 feet on top of the Smoky Hill River. The natural beauty of the state is vividly on display in this area and begs to be experienced by road trip lovers like you. 

Wherever the roads lead you in Kansas, always make sure that you and your car are ready for the scenic byways that you’ll be passing through on your journey. Check your gauges and bring necessities. May you have the best time of your life in the Sunflower State!

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Kansas Road Trips & more! Top Cities & towns

Ready to take on Kansas road trips & more? Or are you just passing through Kansas? Don’t be a “flyover snob!” You know that every state has attractions worth seeing, right? Whether big city life in Kansas City or “large city” attractions in Wichita. Or haunted buildings in Atchison? Or Kansas mining history in Southeastern Kansas? And/or college campus-driven lifestyles in Manhattan or Lawrence? Or the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City!!?? Or the impressive rock formations near Scott City!

Let’s get into Kansas Road Trips & More.

This post is currently a work in progress, as not all posts to be referenced have been published yet. I wanted to provide readers with a tool to view and read about road trips in Kansas as I complete them. I’ll update this with links and the relevant sections referencing new posts, and I hope to add more posts later on subsequent visits to Kansas.

Let’s recap so you will find links to all The Driveby Tourist road trips in the Great State of Kansas! Remember, while Kansas is a “low visit” state, that doesn’t give you “permission” to skip it!😊😁 Looking at you, North Dakota and Nebraska as you are in the same category. (They both have slogans based on their “last on the list” status. Nebraska uses “Nebraska, It’s not for everybody!” and North Dakota uses “Best for Last!” The Visitor Center in Fargo has free t-shirts for those making it their 50th state and shirts that say “A Lot Can Happen in the Middle of Nowhere!”)

Here’s more about visiting all 50. Some of my research shows that the last three states visited by “50 Staters” are Alaska, Hawaii, and North Dakota! (Not for me; I grew up in northwestern Minnesota, so North Dakota was #2!)

Additionally, here’s a link to Visit Kansas (their website, not mine!) 😁😂

Want to include Kansas Road Trips while on a quest to visit all 50 states?

Again, Kansas joins Alaska and other midwestern states among the “least visited” states. But that doesn’t mean you should skip it! For example, there is a Kansas City, KS, and a Kansas City, MO. More of the population lives in Missouri, and much of what Kansas City is known for is also in Missouri. But you still don’t have “permission” to skip it!😊😁

Kansas City Barbeque places abound in both states. Kansas City, Kansas, is known for fountains and murals. They also exist on the other side of the border. So, follow along and stop here in Kansas when you cross the country or visit for business or pleasure.

Let’s go to the links and the summaries!

Places to eat

Big brutus & mining history, route 66 connections in kansas, wyandotte national burying ground along kansas road trips & more, side trip – atchison for the “hauntings” & leavenworth for the prisons, wichita – the wild west begins as a section of kansas road trips & more., dodge city & gunsmoke, scott city as part of kansas road trips & more & a state park, us-83 – the road to nowhere, wlcowsvowlt, s. p. dinsmoor’s garden of eden, world’s largest ball of twine, geographic center of the contiguous 48 states, abilene and eisenhower presidential center, conclusions about kansas road trips & more, crawford county & kansas road trips & more.

Here’s the link to the post about Crawford County in southeast Kansas. The county seat is Pittsburg, KS. (That’s without the “H”!) With Pittsburg as a base, you’ll see much of the mining history and the evolution to today’s world here. (Read more about “Drop the H” in the link.)

Ready for places to eat?

This post will be “out there” soon and linked from here, as I want to shine a bright light on all the fantastic eating places in and around Pittsburg, KS, that we visited on the trip!

We’ll cover the restaurant scene, including a brew pub.

(The link for this post will be published soon.)

The post of specifics about Big Brutus includes an inset into the rightmost picture showing the part in front of the tracks for Big Brutus, so you know I’m actually in the picture! By the way, there are hiking trails through these old mining areas. The recovered mining areas include lakes made from the leftover surface mines.

The link is pending for this one.

Some fantastic images about Galena, Kansas, and Route 66 are in the (upcoming) link. We enjoyed visiting and learning more about Route 66 while stopping here. The upcoming link includes a bit about the Gearhead Curio shop. The owner is a very enthusiastic promoter of Galena and Route 66!

Another link for this one is coming soon as well.

Kansas City Kansas

You can visit many places on the Kansas side. I believe we’ll all “forgive” you if you spend some time in KCMO!

The image is from an outdoor mall called “Legends Outlet Mall.” While there are many other things (of course) to see, I thought I’d add the statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower fishing.

Kansas decides to honor him here for his favorite pastime. There are so many other places that celebrate his many accomplishments, both as an Army General and US President!

Here’s the link to the post about Kansas City , KS. Although the post has links to the three additional posts below, links to them are included here for your ease of viewing whatever appeals to you.

Additionally, here’s an example of the murals found in Kansas City. Follow the link here .

The linked post includes seven images of murals. When you make it to Kansas City, Kansas, take the time to visit these in person, as well as others.

Although I’ve passed through several times and spent an overnight a few times, my trip here in 2023 for a travel blogger conference was the first time I spent more than that.

Kansas City hosts a cemetery with an interesting story. After years of developers seeking to relocate it for the use of valuable real estate, the Wyandotte Nation finally secured the cemetery for posterity.

It’s now a protected national site. Here’s the link to read “the rest of the story! ” And it’s an intriguing story!

Want to visit a haunted house? Or a bunch of them!?!

Of course, any side trip from KCK to Atchison must include the supposedly haunted places in this most haunted town in Kansas!

Here’s the link to an Atchison/Leavenworth post .

Several of us from the Midwest Travel Network attended a workshop in Wichita. In addition to 15 hours of classroom education, we visited many destinations as guests of #visitwichita. While western Kansas remains quite dry, we did have some rain one day while visiting. Yes, the other days were sunny! #mtnwichita #mwtravel

Blog posts about Wichita are on my schedule.

Please excuse the image condition! Due to travel delays, including late leaving Wichita and construction delays on the highway, I arrived late in Dodge City. While I knew I wouldn’t be able to spend quality time, I hoped to take some better pictures. The two on the right are from the outside. They were taken while I hung over a fence above the old, historic main street in Old Town Dodge City! I stopped here as another point on my Kansas Road Trips & More quest.

If you imagine it, you can see the old-time gunfighters milling around, itching for a gunfight! Fortunately, Wyatt Earp or Marshall Dillon will handle it! 😎🙌

Due to my schedule, I don’t have enough images for a post. I plan to go back another time. (My sister-in-law and her husband live in Kansas, so I likely will be back.)

By the way, Kansas tourism created a Gunsmoke Trail with stops in Abilene, Dodge City, Hays, and Wichita. About 20 other towns are named in the TV series, and some may have a stop on the trail at some future time. Here’s a link to more information about how to follow the Gunsmoke Trail . It’s a self-guided tour.

Two attractions north of Scott City on US-83 to stop and see. However, it’s only about 20 miles south of I-70. On the left, you’ll see badlands-type terrain called Little Jerusalem State Park. It’s about 300 acres carved out of agricultural land eons ago. On the right, you’ll see rocks rising from the plains around them. They’re called “Monument Rocks.”

More details and pictures for these stops are planned in the future.

US-83 starts at the Canadian border in North Dakota and runs to near Brownsville on the Mexican border in Texas. It’s called the Road to Nowhere because it doesn’t come close to any well-known tourist attractions. Until it reaches Abilene, TX, the largest city is Bismarck, ND. The largest city in Texas on US-83 is Laredo, with about 250,000 population.

In Kansas, the highway runs through Oakley and Scott City and enters Oklahoma just south of Liberal, KS. (The northernmost significant population is in Oberlin near McCook, Nebraska.) In Kansas, as in other states, the land is mainly agricultural. With the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, US-83 became a major truck route, shipping goods to all the small towns and cities on US-83 and both into and out of Canada and Mexico. Be careful of the 18-wheelers on this road!

By the way, as part of Kansas Road Trips & More, I’m looking for material on US-83. If you have material and want it published, please get in touch with me. I’ll include your information and give you credit for it!

Here’s a link for more about US-83, a subset of a post about visiting all 50 states .

Western Kansas to back east on I-70 (and sightseeing detours!)

My last two days on this trip involved driving from Scott City to Salina, KS, and then home with a stop in Abilene. While I mostly drove on I-70, I did go off-interstate to see several attractions north of the highway. Either quirky attractions or just plain “I was there” attractions. Here’s an accounting of them:

That’s “The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things!” It’s in Lucas, KS. It’s a bit off I-70 but close enough to make the trip. The museum owner visits these large objects and then creates the miniature image. She also maintains a mobile version of this land-based museum. She’s an artist, educator, and one of America’s foremost experts and speakers on the World’s Largest Things. (Yes, that’s a “thing to do!”)

By the way, S. P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden also found a home in Lucas. About 100 years ago, he presented his faith with this display. All of the displays are made of concrete. According to the person at the desk, they contain over 100 yards of concrete! Again, I’ll consider including more information here in the future. Let me know if you want me to make it or anything in this post a priority!

This one’s in Cawker City, KS.

If you show up here, and you can attract the attention of the person who, more or less, runs the attraction, you can add some of your twine to the ever-expanding ball! There’s a giant ball of twine in Darwin, Minnesota that previously held the record before this one outgrew it! Now that one calls itself “The Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by one Person.” While the one in Minnesota obviously doesn’t grow, this one continues to grow as visitors add twine.

Near Lebanon, Kansas lies the geographic center of the 48 contiguous states. The first picture shows the visitor center for the area. It’s in a former service station, and the pumps display a price from the long-forgotten past! The second picture marks the actual geographic center. It’s about 3 miles from the town of Lebanon. There are a couple of other markers on the site, but don’t plan to visit unless it’s a bucket list item or you are a travel blogger who wants to say she or he’s (or they) been there! Or something to “write home” about it! (Or, in today’s world, something to post on social media so robbers know you are out of town and they can break into your house!!)

The Eisenhower Presidential Museum and Library will be a post. This is always a great museum! That one will wait for a while. There are more posts scheduled before this one. Here’s a post about the Eisenhower Museum by a fellow blogger, Roadrunner Journeys .

And the World’s Largest Belt Buckle (So much excitement!!) also lies near a park and the Eisenhower Museum—maybe more detail here soon?

There’s a scaffolding set up in the rear to allow climbing and having your picture taken overlooking the buckle!

Again, more to visit in Abilene!

There’s much more to see in Kansas as well. The I-70 Association promotes tourism for 17 communities along I-70, from Kansas City, KS, in the east to Goodland in the west. Initially founded in 1989 with 12 communities participating, the association grew and continued to raise awareness about the communities.

The community’s goals include increasing tourism and visitors to the communities and generally increasing economic benefits.

The communities are Kansas City, Shawnee, Bonner Springs, Leavenworth, Lawrence, Lecompton, Topeka, Manhattan, Junction City, Abilene, Salina, Russell, Hays, WaKeeney, Oakley, Colby, and Goodland.

Next time you drive across on I-70, all of these communities welcome your visit, and all have visitor centers near I-70 for more information. And you likely want a break as it’s over 400 miles across Kansas! While the interstate system isn’t the most exciting, you must get off for Kansas Road Trips & More to see.

Here’s the link to the organization’s website I-70 association . #Ipulledoverforthisks #visitkansas And here’s another link !

Again, please remember this post is a work in progress, with more information being added as more visits occur. If you have anything you want publicized about Kansas, please let me know!

Classic Rock Recollection

“Dust in the Wind” by Kansas

I close my eyes Only for a moment, and the moment’s gone All my dreams Pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind All they are is dust in the wind

Written by: Kerry Livgren

#thedrivebytourist #crawfordcounty #pittsburgks #visitwichita #visitabilene #visitkansas @explorecrawfordcounty #Ipulledoverforthisks

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3 Days in the Sunflower State: The Ultimate Kansas Road Trip

Kansas is unlike any other state in the U.S. It houses fields upon fields of sunflowers, has numerous museums throughout the state dedicated to baseball, art and jazz, and—here’s a kicker—remnants of an 80-million-year-old inland sea.

While most cross-country travelers think they’ve seen all of Kansas from their drive on I-70, that tour just scratches the surface. We outlined a potential three-day itinerary, from west Kansas near Colorado to east near Missouri, hitting some of the best spots along the way. We not only included sites you heard about before, but also some of the hidden secrets. You might find out that three days is hardly enough time to see everything Kansas has to offer.

Kanorado to Russell, Kansas 293 miles

What better way to see Kansas than climb to the state's highest natural point?  Mount Sunflower —one of Kansas' quirkier sites about 25 miles south of I-70—is 4,039 feet of beauty and about as close to the Colorado/Kansas border as you can get. The site is located on private land, which you have to take dirt roads to access, but its owners—Ed and Cindy Harold—encourage people to visit. They even set up a Little Free Library, a picnic table and a sunflower sculpture to entice passers-by.

And after, coffee. Head over to the Clark Crossing Company in Goodland, a bookstore and coffee shop that is a favorite among locals and tourists. For something a little extra, treat yourself to their cinnamon roll latte—you’ve earned it after visiting Mount Sunflower!

Once you check Kansas’ high point off your list, get started on your journey toward Goodland. If you are an art enthusiast, you’ll love our next stop. It’s a larger-than-life version of Van Gogh’s famous painting  Three Sunflowers in a Vase . You will also get to see a 24-by-32-foot reproduction of the work created by Canadian artist Cameron Cross as part of his Big Easel Project.

Beginning to see a theme here with sunflowers? The beloved yellow flower shows up in the state nickname, on the state quarter, the state flag, and in fields throughout Kansas.

Next up, 87 miles east, is one of the oldest attractions in the entire state:  Monument Rocks . It’s considered one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas. Walking among the chalk monoliths, also called the Chalk Pyramids, is like stepping back in time. Eighty million years ago, the area was part of an inland sea, so take a close look at the formations for shells and other fossils. You can take as many photos as you like, but leave the fossils for others to see. The rocks are on private property, but visitors are welcome.

Day one will be your longest day in the car, so get back on I-70 and drive a little over two hours east to Russell. Along the way, you’ll pass miles and miles of the "amber waves of grain," which you might remember from the song “America the Beautiful.” While many U.S. states grow wheat, Kansas ranks number one for growing roughly 80 percent of “winter wheat.”

Once you get to Russell, book a room at Lasada at the rustic  Black Swan Inn . You will get to sleep inside a dairy barn originally built in 1898—though it has been remodeled since then! The main floor was carved from limestone, and fossilized shells remain visible in the stone, and the wooden beams were carved by hand. It’s a wonderful spot to sit back, relax, and take in one of those famous Kansas sunsets. Lasada also has an on-site restaurant featuring "country gourmet" meals made from scratch.

Russell to Wichita 196 miles

From Russell, head 40 miles south on US-281 to another one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas:  Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area . Birdwatchers should definitely bring their binoculars. Test yourself to see how many of 320-plus species of birds you can identify, which includes many threatened and endangered species. If you’re really into birdwatching, or just want a unique birding experience, visit Cheyenne Bottoms in the fall to catch the southward migration. Spend some time scanning one of the largest marshes in the U.S. from the overlook platform, then take a walk on more than 15 miles of gravel paths around the wildlife area.

After walking around the marsh, drive 44 miles northeast to  Faris Caves  near Kanopolis, along the banks of the Smoky Hill River. But don’t worry. You don’t have to be a spelunker to explore these caves. The man-made caves were carved into the sandstone by Charles Griffee, an early settler in 1884. He carved three 12-by-10-foot rooms out of the Dakota Sandstone that you can walk around in.

From there, drive another 10 miles northeast to visit  Mushroom Rock State Park . It won’t take long to realize how the park got it’s name. Look around the sandstone formations for carvings from Native Americans and early pioneers (though don’t add any new ones!). This is the smallest state park in Kansas, but it’s always open, making it the perfect rest stop on your road trip.

End your day about 100 miles southeast with dinner and a hand-crafted pint at one of the state’s finest breweries, Wichita Brewing Company and Pizzeria. Day three is jam-packed, so you’ll want to get a good night’s sleep. Wichita has quite a few options to rest your head, including major hotel chains, campgrounds, and bed and breakfasts. The Inn at Glenstrae is a luxurious option, built in 1900 with a lovely garden and a sense of elegance. College Hill Bed & Breakfast is a cute little spot with everything you might need—WiFi, private bathrooms and a snack bar.

Wichita to Kansas City 197 miles

After waking up in Wichita, head to the  Doo-Dah Diner  (calling ahead is recommended) for a filling breakfast. It is open Wednesday through Sunday. The diner, owned by two Wichitans, is one of the most popular spots in town for its made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch meals. You really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but seriously, just thinking about their Crab Cake Benedict or their Gluten-Free Banana Bread French Toast makes us start drooling.

After a hearty breakfast, head over to the Museum of World Treasures—one of the coolest museums in the country. There are three floors full of random exhibits from around the world— including mummies, historical and presidential exhibits, antiques, dinosaur remains, and other oddities.

When you’re ready to hit the road, "we’re off to see the Wizard!"

It’s about two hours from Wichita to Wamego, so you may want to take I-35 N up to Emporia and stop for lunch at  Radius Brewing Company . It’s just off the highway, making Radius really easy to get to, and they have great food and beer (as long as you aren’t the one doing the driving!). There are tolls between Wichita and Emporia, so if you want to avoid them, grab a cup of in-house roasted joe at Reverie Coffee Roasters on E. Douglas Avenue before you head out from Wichita and drive up 77-N.

The famous Oz Museum is about 150 miles northeast of Wichita in Wamego, dedicated to all things Oz. The museum has memorabilia from the film, a first edition of the original book, hand-painted character masks, and more. This museum is a must-see for anyone—from a casual fan to serious Oz aficionado. Take your OZ-ession a little further and check out OZtober Fest (in October) when the town is filled with family-friendly activities.

The Wamego Riverfront Park is also worth a stop. Hang out and relax a while, or go out and paddle on the scenic Kansas River Water Trail, one of two of the state’s designated water trails. Kansas is the only state to have two river trails with this designation! Just make sure to bring a kayak if you want to go out on the water (there’s no rental service available here).

For another little slice of history, drive 20 minutes from Wamego to the  Oregon Trail Nature Park  (yes,  that  Oregon Trail). You’ll drive on what actually was the pioneer trail to get into the park, and then you’ll find three short loops. As you look over the Kaw Valley, keep an eye out for birds of prey like red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and turkey vultures. And make sure you walk all the way around the silo. You will find a three-part mural drawn around it, depicting a bison hunt, life on the Oregon Trail and the wildlife of Kansas.

If you skipped the water activities in Wamego, don’t worry. For a picturesque and peaceful getaway spot go to  Lake Shawnee  in Topeka, a 39-mile drive east. You could easily spend an entire day here, playing in the water and exploring the gardens, but we still have road to cover to complete this three-day Kansas adventure.

Plan your trip in late summer (when the flowers are at their peak) and make a quick stop to catch the golden hour or a stunning sunset at  Grinter’s Sunflower Farm  in Lawrence. Chances are, if you’ve seen a picture of a sunflower field in Kansas, it’s from Ted Grinter’s. While you’re at it, get a bouquet to remember your trip. It is just one dollar per flower, on the honor system.

The last push is 32 miles east on I-70. You will end up at the  Brew Lab  in Overland Park where you can celebrate the end of a great road trip by creating—and drinking—your very own brew. Then kick back, relax, and dream of your next road trip through the Sunflower State.

Originally written by RootsRated for Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.

Roots Rated

Unique Northern Kansas Road Trip Itinerary: Rocks, Ruins, Raids

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Let’s be honest, most people think of Kansas as a no-man’s land. If you find yourself road tripping across the state, you’re likely on your way to somewhere else. Travelers brace themselves for miles upon miles of nothing and commit to gunning it across vast swaths of flat, windy prairie as quickly as possible, eyes and mind fixed on the opposite border so they can make a grateful “we’re not in Kansas anymore” joke.

I’ve taken reluctant journeys like this across the Plains myself, but on my latest road trip from Colorado towards Cahokia in St. Louis and then down the Natchez Trace Parkway , I was determined to make more of an effort to experience what Kansas has to offer. Of course, it turns out I’d been doing the state a disservice all these years.

You’ve likely heard of Little Italy and Chinatown locations across the States, but did you know Kansas is home to “Little Sweden”? What about towering rock formations not unlike those you’d expect to find in Utah or Arizona? How about roadside oddities, including a strange found-art palace in the vein of Bishop Castle in Colorado or Nitt Witt Ridge in California ?

Buckle up and head for I-70 or US-40, because this time we’re looking past Kansas City and giving the rest of northern Kansas its due on this west-to-east itinerary. It turns out there are plenty of reasons to take a Kansas road trip – on purpose!

There are additional suggestions sprinkled throughout the post that are not given their own headings in the Table of Contents.

Click the icon in the top left corner of the map to choose additional map layers, such as bison viewing locations in Kansas, free campsites in Kansas, and more road trip stop suggestions in far north or southern Kansas.

Mount Sunflower

Peakbaggers who make an effort to summit the highest natural points in every state will be relieved to find that they can simply drive to Mount Sunflower in Kansas. It sits at 4,039ft, which may sound significant, but the surrounding flatlands look to be about 4,038.5ft in every direction. The state of Kansas gradually rises in elevation from east to west, and sitting at the border with Colorado, “Mount” Sunflower is as far west as you can get.

Mount Sunflower is on private land, but the owners allow visitors. From the Welcome to Kansas sign on US-40 E, you’ll drive on dirt roads for about 13 miles to reach it. In winter, these rutted roads may be slushy from snow; four wheel drive could be useful. You’ll know you’ve arrived at the monument by the tall metal sunflower sculpture surrounded by a fence. There’s also a signpost showing the mileage to faraway places like Stockholm, Sweden, and Bigfork, Montana, and closer destinations like Holcomb, Kansas. Open the mailbox onsite to find a guest logbook where you can write your name and the date, and trade books via the honor system at the “little library” on the picnic table. 

Wheat Jesus Billboard and Giant Van Gogh Easel

I’m sure the artist who painted the Wheat Jesus billboard in Colby, Kansas did so with sincerity, but it’s made its way onto Roadside America’s list of oddities because it’s endearingly arbitrary. Jesus is pictured emerging from a field of wheat, his expressionless head popping up from the crops as he clutches a single wheat frond in his hand. There is nothing written or advertised on the billboard, and Jesus looks like a ‘70s hippy, or Jared Leto. The intended takeaway is that Jesus says “eat wheat-based products,” I guess? ‘Merica!

If giant paintings are your thing, there is also a reproduction of one of Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings in a giant easel in Goodland, Kansas, part of Cameron Cross’s Big Easel Project . If you venture this way, you might check out the High Plains Museum in Goodland, too.

Monument Rocks and Other “Chalk Pyramids”

Together, the duo of Monument Rocks and the Castle Rock Badlands make up one entry on the 8 Wonders of Kansas list. I figure Little Jerusalem Badlands , a new Kansas State Park as of 2020, ought to be added to this category for a triple threat.

About 28 miles south of Oakley, Kansas, Monument Rocks flips our commonly held impression of the Great Plains on its head. Erupting out of the ground are towering and unusual arches, buttes, and spires formed of fossil-rich Niobrara Chalk. This location is a photographer’s dream; as you walk around the rock formations, new angles twist into view with every step. 

The chalk beds first became famous in the 19th century for fossils of giant swimming reptiles called mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, gliding pterosaurs, aquatic birds with teeth, 20-foot-long fish, clams up to six feet in diameter, and many types of smaller marine animals. University of Kansas Geological Survey

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is only 20 minutes from Monument Rocks, so it’s worth combining both in one trip. It has two designated hiking trails, or you can join a guided tour to get off-trail. The Keystone Gallery museum showcasing local Kansas fossil finds is near both Monument Rock and Little Jerusalem.

Castle Rock is about an hour east of Monument Rocks, or 30 minutes south of Quinter, Kansas. Like at Monument Rocks, exploration is always self-guided. Do not climb on or touch the fragile rock formations! It’s such a shame when something survives millions of years, only to be damaged by one careless tourist.

Monument Rocks and Castle Rock are both on private land, but visitation is free and allowed from sunrise to sunset. Little Jerusalem is a State Park. If you don’t have an annual Kansas State Parks pass , a day pass is $5.

Interested in seeing bison in Kansas ? Try Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Lake Scott State Park, or the Big Basin Prairie Preserve Wildlife Area (where nearly 300 Cheyenne camped during the Northern Cheyenne Exodus). Don’t forget to check out the legendary, possibly haunted St. Jacob’s Well in the Little Basin while you’re at it.

El Quartelejo Museum, Pueblo Ruins, and Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork

The El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection in Scott City, Kansas tells the story of local history through fossil discoveries and Native American, pioneer, and cavalry artifacts. This is a good informational primer before visiting the El Cuartelejo (or Quartelejo) Pueblo Ruins at Scott Lake State Park and the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork National Historic Site just south of the park.

The reconstructed 1600s seven-room pueblo is the northernmost pueblo in the United States. A historical marker notes that “According to Spanish records, Indians from Taos and Picuris Pueblos, fleeing Spanish rule, joined their Apache allies at a place the Spanish called El Cuartelejo…Later Herbert and Eliza Steele owned this property and in 1898 invited scientists to investigate a low mound where they had found artifacts and burned corn.” While you’re in Scott Lake State Park, you can also visit the Steele Homestead Museum .

The Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork National Historic Site is where the last skirmish between Native Americans (the Northern Cheyenne) and the United States Army in the state of Kansas took place. Hundreds of Cheyenne, mostly women and children, had escaped the Oklahoma reservation and tried to flee back to their homelands. This push is referred to as the Northern Cheyenne Exodus. They were confronted here at Punished Woman’s Fork by soldiers following Colonel William H. Lewis, who was wounded in the battle and died en route to Fort Wallace (the Fort Wallace Museum is another Kansas road trip stop). 

The Cheyenne were able to slip away into Nebraska after the battle. Some were later captured and imprisoned, but most were able to join up with relatives in Montana. 

Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas

When I set out to visit the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things in Lucas, Kansas (which is sadly only open April-October “most days”), I thought I was going out of my way to see one weird, random museum in the middle of nowhere. Then, on social media one person after another kept DMing me to ask if I had seen the other roadside oddities in Lucas. It turns out there are tons of random weird things in the same middle of nowhere! I wonder why Lucas became a folk art hotbed, often referred to as the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas?

I actually drove past the Garden of Eden by chance and thought about pulling over when I saw the outdoor sculptures, but I was too confused and a bit creeped out. It’s a giant art project built in and around the artist Samuel Perry Dinsmoor’s early 20th century home, and without knowing about it in advance, I wasn’t sure if it was open for tours. It turns out the exterior sculptures are always open to viewing, and interior spaces, including the home and the mausoleum containing the artist’s on-display remains, can be viewed via $9 guided tours with different hours seasonally.

Bowl Plaza is a public restroom in Lucas that local artists elaborately decorated with mosaic patterns made of shells, beads, toys, hubcaps, and other found objects. The door to the restroom looks like a giant open toilet lid, and visitors have to walk across the “toilet bowl” to get inside. The paved walkway is the unspooled bit of a giant toilet paper roll. Check out Scott Jones’ pictures ; he’s the one that gave me the heads up about Bowl Plaza when all I knew about Lucas was the World’s Largest Things museum.

Other attractions in Lucas include the Grassroots Art Center , Miller’s Park , Florence Deeble Rock Garden , the World’s Largest Travel Plate , and Switchgrass Art Co-Op . 

Historic Wolf Hotel Underground Tunnels

The 1894 Historic Wolf Hotel in Ellinwood, Kansas is a unique bed & breakfast and events center that hosts murder mystery dinners and comedy shows, but the main draw is the underground prohibition era bar and tunnel tours. 

“Downstairs, which was part of the underground tunnel system that ran through Ellinwood, was the Drummer’s room and Joe’s Snack Counter. The downstairs changed many times over the years, becoming Weber’s Sample Room, the local library, a gym, and an underground bar and card room.” Historic Wolf Hotel and Events Center

Tours are $12 and must be reserved in advance. They do not run on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or most Sundays. Unfortunately, I arrived in the area on a Tuesday and was leaving on a Wednesday, so I didn’t plan well – don’t make the same mistake!

Kansas Motorcycle Museum

The small Kansas Motorcycle Museum near Lindsborg is packed full of bikes from dozens of collectors. I thought it was more informative than other motorcycle museums I’ve visited. Did you know tire rubber is actually white, and they just dye it black so it won’t look so dirty, and because the carbon makes it heavier? How about that the big headlights on the front of vintage motorcycles and cars used to explode because the heat of the lamp combined with the type of metal used basically made it into a torch? That’s why old car garages were built so far from the house.

There is also the St. Francis Motorcycle Museum in the far northwest corner of Kansas, but it would be quite the detour off of the main route we’re taking for this itinerary. On my Google Map above, checkmark the “FAR north Kansas” or “Southern Kansas” layers for more road trip stop suggestions that are off-route.

Lindsborg aka “Little Sweden”

Lindsborg, Kansas was settled by Swedish immigrants in 1869 and their heritage is still celebrated there today. Some of the most prominent markers of Swedish influence in Lindsborg are the many wooden craft Dala horses that decorate the main shopping street and local porches. Tourists can purchase them as souvenirs and watch them being made at Hemslöjd Swedish Gifts. 

Lindsborg’s main street is lined with other Swedish gift shops like Anderson Butik Scandinavian, art galleries like Small World Gallery (where I found jewelry made out of Swedish coins from the 1630s), and restaurants like Happy Swede Restaurant, Öl Stuga, or Crown and Rye (where the menu features Swedish meatballs!). There are two highly-rated coffee shops, which I found impressive for such a small town – get your caffeine fix at White Peacock or Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery. Blacksmith is located inside an actual restored blacksmith shop, where an antique wagon has been converted into an espresso bar and patrons can still see the original forge and anvil. The adorable Rosberg House Bed & Breakfast is just off main street, but there are a lot of hotels to choose from in Lindsborg .

My favorite sights in Lindsborg were the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum and Coronado Heights Castle . 

The Heritage Museum has four separate attractions, including an artifact museum with information about Swedish immigrants in America, the restored old mill that highlights the importance of flour production for this pioneering community in the late 1800s and early 1900s, an 1870 homestead cabin, and “Heritage Park,” a collection of historic buildings including the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion. A $10 general admission ticket gets you into all four.

While driving around Lindsborg I saw a Cantilever Barn similar to the one I’d seen in Cade’s Cove in the Smoky Mountains . This stood out to me because I remember learning that this architectural style came from German, Irish, and Swedish settlers.

In 1936, Coronado Heights “Castle” was built atop a 300 foot peak outside of Lindsborg after evidence of early Spanish exploration was found there, including chain mail from Spanish armor. It’s thought that Francisco Vasquez de Coronado looked out over the prairie from this elevated natural point. There is no fee to visit the peaceful picnic area or to go inside the castle to climb the steps up to the viewing platform.

If you can, try to time your visit to Lindsborg with Våffeldagen , their celebration of waffles! Lindsborg Våffeldagen is held every March. Lindsborg also hosts a Midsummer’s Festival in June, a Smoky Valley Classic Car Show in August, Svensk Hyllningsfest every other October (odd years only), and other events year-around. 

Rock City Park and Mushroom Rock State Park

Rock City Park in Minneapolis, Kansas features over 200 massive spherical boulders that oddly rest atop a grassy plain as if accidentally dropped there. They remind me of the “cracked eggs” at Bisti Badlands in New Mexico .

Visitors are allowed to climb and jump all over the rocks, unlike at Monument Rocks, Castle Rock, or Little Jerusalem. Entrance is $3/adult at the gift shop.

Mushroom Rock State Park is another similar, but smaller 5 acre park in Marquette, Kansas near Kanopolis Lake that also has interesting spherical Dakota formations. Entrance to Mushroom Park is free.

The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas is an easy detour on the way to Topeka, so it’s a bit of a “why not?” stop. That said, unless you’re really a huge Wizard of Oz fan, you may not find it worth the $10 admission. A lot of the exhibits are about the success and marketing of the books and the film, looking at the cultural impact of the Wizard of Oz. There are first editions of books, vintage toys and posters, and costumes worn by some of the side characters on display, but there are not many artifacts or costumes related to Judy Garland or the other lead actors from the 1939 movie. I did enjoy a hand painted storyboard created by the MGM team and a prop weapon from the film that was loaded with flowers instead of bullets. 

While you’re in Wamego, don’t forget to walk down the Yellow Brick Road across the street from the Oz Museum to check out some murals and statues related to the movie.

The Lessman Farm and Truckhenge

“If you see a guy in a knit cap wandering around setting fires, that’s the artist.”

That was how Linda described her husband Ron Lessman when she gave me the rundown on what to expect while exploring the grounds of their home in Topeka, Kansas. I was sold on the site long before that, though. Upon entering their driveway, visitors are instructed by a stop sign to wait and honk in order to beckon the owner to come out and greet you. While I waited, two peacocks ambled across the driveway in front of me.

Linda appeared on a raised platform porch above my head and explained how the Lessmans stuck it to the man by turning their vintage trucks into art instead of getting rid of what the county considered to be junk. Over the years they’ve expanded their art park by adding a “boathenge” and other curiosities. The property also has a shooting range, a 30 acre fishing pond, and, based on the giant plywood signs with arrows pointing to “Hip-Hop” this way and “EDM” that way, has functioned as a festival ground.

You can either drive the path or park and walk; I opted to walk so I could better take in all the little details. Entrance to Truckhenge is free, but an ice cream carton hanging down from the porch on a string serves as a receptacle for donations.

If you haven’t gotten “strange and unusual” out of your system yet at Truckhenge, as you arrive in Lawrence keep an eye out for The Museum of Odd .

Watkins Community Museum

Thirty minutes east of Topeka is Lawrence, Kansas, best known as the massacre site of Quantrill’s Raid. On August 21, 1863 during the Civil War, a Confederate guerrilla group led by William Quantrill rode into Lawrence and killed over 150 unarmed men and boys while burning the town to the ground. This was the culmination of ongoing conflicts related to “Bleeding Kansas” or the “Border War” between free-staters in Kansas and pro-slavery Missourians.

My great-great-great grandfather was murdered in Quantrill’s Raid. His name is listed amongst the victims in this newspaper clipping from 1863. His widow wrote an eyewitness account of the raid for The Westport Historical Quarterly , Volume 1, Number 1 in 1965, which my family has a copy of. Read her story in the photos above. If her young children had not been saved, particularly little Eddie, I wouldn’t be here today.

The Watkins Community Museum in Lawrence, Kansas has a lot of information about Quantrill’s Raiders and the Civil War, as well as the Territorial days and the struggle for equality during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights movement. Admission is free and the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

If you continue just over the state border into Missouri, you can visit the Jesse James Birthplace Museum as well as Jesse James’ gravesite in Kearney, MO. It’s possible the notorious outlaw’s brother and fellow James-Younger gang member Frank James was one of Quantrill’s guerillas on the day of the Lawrence Massacre.

Bonus: Southern Kansas and Northern Oklahoma

The big well museum.

If you find yourself routing southward at any point during your Kansas road trip, you probably have your heart set on visiting Dodge City in honor of Gunsmoke and Wyatt Earp. If that’s the case, be sure to check out The Big Well Museum in Greensburg, Kansas too! It’s such a cool stop that I can’t help but throw in the suggestion, despite it not quite fitting with the rest of the itinerary geographically.

Other road trip stops in Southern Kansas, such as the Dalton Gang bank robbery site, are listed on the Google map above .

If you need more Kansas road trip ideas, research stops along the Western Vistas Historic Byway, Smoky Hill Trail, Butterfield Overland Trail, Post Rock Scenic Byway, Land and Sky Scenic Byway, and Prairie Trail Scenic Byway.

Upended Truck

About an hour south of Wichita, Kansas and just over the state border in Tonkawa, Oklahoma is one of my favorite roadside attractions in the country, the Upended Truck . This 18-wheeler was somehow turned vertically upwards to stand on its nose as an advertisement for Wilkins Oklahoma Truck Supply. There’s not much to do here besides look at it, but for some reason this spot really captures my heart and imagination. Maybe it’s my tenuous grasp on the concept of gravity?

Across the street is a must-stop:  Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies . I remember it fondly because many years ago when I was sporting a full vagabond look, I sat in the car for a second before I went in. When I finally stepped inside the cashiers told me the prior customer had paid for my pie! They said they noticed my license plate and that I looked like a traveler (translation: I looked dirty and homeless). The pie was great and then as I went to leave, the cashier offered me $20. I tried to politely refuse but she insisted. Southern hospitality isn’t dead, but maybe they thought my future was.

If you’re headed into Tulsa from here (and thus through Stillwater – do you think the fake band from Almost Famous is named after this town?), my favorite thing to do in Tulsa is visit The Gathering Place and its Cabinet of Wonder .

Considering my ancestors are from Kansas, I really should have given it a fair shake from the outset. A northern Kansas road trip is full of strange and unusual roadside attractions, gorgeous geological wonders, important Native American history, pristine wildlife preservation areas, and countless cultural heritage sites.

Even the desolate miles of seemingly untouched prairie begin to grow on you the longer you spend in Kansas. I couldn’t help but pull over to photograph lonely ruins, or admire distant windmills illuminated by the sunset. Sometimes the things we think we’ll dislike about a place end up making the biggest impression.

If you’re headed into Missouri from here, I’ve written about Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, MO and the Native American earth mound city of Cahokia near St. Louis. If you’re headed south, check out my road trip itinerary for the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. If you completed my Kansas itinerary backwards and ended up Colorado, you might enjoy my guides to Colorado Springs , Twin Lakes , or Leadville .

Found Object Palaces: A Uniquely American Roadside Oddity

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20 Road Trip Stops In Southeastern Kansas

A Civil War battlefield. Museums featuring inspiring stories of strong women. Ginormous attractions. Route 66 kitsch. Yes, I’ve found a region in Kansas that has a good mix of road trip stops to keep a family entertained for a few days. Check out this quirky and insightful road trip through Southeastern Kansas and discover some of the best stops along the way.

Disclosure: A portion of this trip was hosted by the Southeast Kansas Tourism Region and Chanute Chamber of Commerce . Some experiences I covered myself. This post may contain affiliate links. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own.

Why explore Southeastern Kansas?

My husband can attest to this: I pick seemingly random places for trips. But, they’re not random in my mind. I like venturing off to places no one seems to talk about. I like finding something that gets me inspired and excited to tell you all about it. It’s like a treasure hunt, looking for these hidden travel gems.

Southeastern Kansas was one such area of Kansas that remained a bit of a mystery to me. I’ve been to some of the state’s biggest cities, and I’ve ventured into some of the smaller towns in central Kansas . There were things to love in all those places. But the gems? I found those in the smaller towns.

So, I planned a three-day road trip through Southeastern Kansas and here’s what we encountered.

Quirky and historic attractions 

To explain this section simply: I love goofy photos so anything deemed “quirky” or “weird” is going to be a must-stop for me. And more seriously, I like to learn a little something while traveling. Therefore, I plan stops to get a good mix of fun and education (and sometimes both). 

Big Brutus in West Mineral, Kansas

Big Brutus , the world’s largest electric shovel, is one of those things that sounds underwhelming because your brain can’t compute just how big it is. You just have to see if for yourself, and only then do you appreciate how ridiculously cool it is, and you’re glad you stopped.

I knew very little (OK, actually I knew nothing) about Kansas’s mining history before the visit. Thanks to the small museum and intro video, as well as the YouTube interviews of individuals who worked on Big Brutus that you can access through QR codes throughout Big Brutus, I feel a bit more knowledgeable and appreciate what the people in this region grew up with.

Highlight : Climbing up Big Brutus. You don’t actually go to the very tip top (thank god), but you can climb up to the operator’s nest, and that’s high enough. 

Admission : Yes

Hours : Open year-round, but I can only imagine how crazy hot it gets inside Brutus in the summer.

Erie Dinosaur Park in Erie, Kansas

Kansas has a long history of self-taught artists creating magnificent (and sometimes weird) art. I love it. The Erie Dinosaur Park is a collection of dinosaurs made out of scrap metal and farm implements by one man, a retired aerospace engineer. They lived on his property for years before they were gifted to the town of Erie and the park was born. 

Highlight : Like all art, it’s an individual call. I loved Sherman, the red and green ankylosaurus that has a lot of personality (and lichen). I think others might like the gray dinosaur that you’re permitted to climb (everything else is strictly off-limits). Or maybe the giant brachiosaurus, which interestingly enough, was the very first dinosaur created by the artist as well as the largest.

Admission : FREE (and kids receive a coloring book and little dinosaur keepsake)

Hours : Open two days a month from April to September, the second Saturday and third Sunday. Otherwise, the dinosaurs are kept behind a locked fence. There is a sign outside the park with a phone number, though, and you can call it and a volunteer may be able to come meet you and let you in.

Fort Scott National Historic Site & Fort Scott Downtown Historic District in Fort Scott, Kansas

I have a feeling that most people first seek out Fort Scott National Historic Site and then are completely surprised by the picturesque Downtown Historic District nearby. I’d read that the downtown area was nice, but “nice” does not do it justice. Lovingly restored buildings in late Victorian, Italianate, Queen Anne and Romanesque architecture line brick streets.

It puts Omaha’s beautiful Old Market to shame.

When I visited Fort Scott, it was March and so not the best time to visit the Fort Scott National Historic Site. In the summer, there are re-enactments and all sorts of cool things going on. Visit any other time, and you can still walk the grounds. You just don’t get that extra bit of interaction.

Highlight : My whole family was drawn to the 1863 Block House and the cannon next to it. 

Admission : FREE

Hours : Varies

Humboldt Town Square in Humboldt, Kansas

Humboldt is a town you’ll want to remember and visit once now and once in a year or two because this place is growing and getting cooler by the minute. There’s a reason the New York Times named it a travel destination in 2022.

Our road trip was not well-timed for visiting the town, though. We passed through on a Monday when nearly everything was closed. We peeked into the windows of other shops and businesses like pathetic street urchins. A delightful-looking, but definitely closed for the day, candy shop definitely was taunting us. We did get a drink from the Octagon City Coffee Co. and shopped the gift shop connected to it (definitely go see it — fun and quirky gifts for you and your loved ones). 

Highlight : Neosho Valley Woodworks stands out, even though we only got to peek inside the windows to gawk at the operation. It’s a fully-functional 1880s workshop where old-school cabinets and furniture is being crafted! I wish we could’ve gone inside.

Hours : Check individual store hours

Lowell Milken Center Museum for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas

Lowell Milken Center Museum for Unsung Heroes was born from a high school project by girls from the nearby town of Uniontown. They uncovered the story of Irene Sendler, a Polish woman who saved hundreds (some save 2,500) Jewish children during WWII. It’s an incredible and moving story that became a play, book and movie, and now, the cornerstone exhibit of this museum. Megan, one of the four girls, is now the program director at the museum, and I hope you too are lucky enough to meet her and hear her story first-hand. 

The museum highlights individuals who often are overlooked in history books, the everyday people who’ve done remarkably heroic things. You can’t help but be inspired when you visit. Omaha friends, you’ll want to read the story of Andrew Jackson Higgins, who was born in Omaha in 1886. And it’s not just people highlighted in the museum, a dog named Stubby and a plucky pigeon are also included. 

Highlight : The museum displays some items connected with Sendler, including one of the jars she had used to store and hide all the names and identifying information about all the kids saved. She buried the jars by a tree in Warsaw, and dug them back up after the war to start reuniting children with their families. The tree still stands in Warsaw.

Hours : Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum in Chanute, Kansas

When the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum was first described to me, Osa had been called a badass and that was enough to make me want to visit and learn more. The Kansas natives were celebrities of their time, essentially, for traveling the world as pioneers of travel film and travel photography in the early 1900s. The museum tells their story, from their modest start (Osa is a Chanute native) and onto their adventures around the globe and their encounters with royalty and celebrities and wild animals that had never really been captured on film until then.

It’s hard not to get swept up in the couple’s adventurous spirit when walking through the two-story museum, and it’s especially difficult not to become an Osa fan girl. She was a particular dynamo, an utterly charming fashionista and talented markswoman. 

Highlight : Housed in an old Santa Fe train station, the museum has a surprisingly large natural history collection that highlights the people and cultures the Johnsons encountered on their travels. For the size of Chanute, it’s an incredible museum.

Admission : Adults, $6; Seniors & Students ages 13-College, $4; Kids ages 6-12, $3; and Children under 6, FREE with an adult

Hours : Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site in Pleasanton, Kansas

The largest Civil War battle in Kansas as well as one of the largest calvary battles in the Civil War, Mine Creek is significant in U.S. history. This prairie battlefield is where a vastly outnumbered Union Army defeated the Confederates, helping defeat the 1864 Confederate invasion of Missouri and Kansas. There are trails at the site, as well as a visitor’s center.

Highlight : I think the highlight is the significance of the place. It’s the only major Civil War battlefield in Kansas. Pictures don’t really capture the heaviness of the place, though.

Admission : Adults, $6; Seniors 65+, active military, college students with ID, $5; Children ages 5-17, $3

Hours : Exterior is open year-round from dusk to dawn. Visitor center is open from mid-April through mid-October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday

Memorable food and drinks

Hungry on the road? Of course you are. Here’s where we stopped for meals and snacks and coffee and a beer.

Common Ground Coffee Co. in Fort Scott, Kansas

When we were in Fort Scott, we had a very short time to take in a lot of sights…which meant a very limited amount of time for a meal, too. Common Ground Coffee Co. was recommended to us for their desserts (peanut butter pie, per Megan from the Lowell Center), but as it turned out, the coffee shop had tasty sandwiches for lunch, too. The cafe had exposed brick walls, white chandeliers and a modern cozy feel to it. The chai was great, too.

Drop the H Brewing Co. in Pittsburg, Kansas

Don’t be surprised if the owner of Drop the H Brewing Co. starts chatting with you. He does that with anyone he doesn’t recognize, and it’s a great welcome to the craft brewery. It’s a fairly family-friendly place, serving up delicious wood-fired pizza (try the Crazy Cow with house-made garlic sauce, steak, mushrooms, bacon, red onion, and mozzarella topped with arugula and seasoned garlic drizzle) along with their beers. We were traveling with kids, and did not feel out of place there; they were, in fact, invited to join us on the brewery tour.

Do not leave without trying the lone dessert in the brewery, the cinnamon sticks. Thank me later. Also, if you want a beer recommendation, try the Dunkel.

El Rincon Azteca in Chanute, Kansas

I cannot believe it has taken me this long to try barría, because the birría quesadilla I had at El Rincón Azteca was pound-the-table good. Birría is essentially a stewed meat from the Jalisco region of Mexico, and perhaps you’ll recognize it as the Mexican entree that usually has some sort of broth to dip your food in. And since we were there with kids, the fried ice cream sundae was in order for dessert.

Fillmore Coffee House in Iola, Kansas

Small town coffee shops are starting to be my favorite things about traveling. Fillmore Coffee House is a unique coffee shop in Iola that’s brimming with green plants and a good vibe. The coffee’s good, yes, but then there are salads and bagels with their homemade schmears and pastries. It’s all good. And just try not to buy a plant or gardening themed item while you’re there. I dare you.

The Grain Bin in Chanute, Kansas

We went where the locals go for breakfast during our short stay in Chanute. The Grain Bin is everything you’d want in a small town diner: Friendly service and good food served up fast. It seems a little silly just to point out the sausage links, but they were so good, I was a little sad when I had eaten them all before I’d finished my pancakes.

Octagon City Coffee Shop in Humboldt, Kansas

Thank goodness Octagon City was open while we were in Humboldt. This is a cool spot to relax in, but alas, we were on a road trip itinerary that didn’t allow for much dawdling. Well, I mean, there was enough time to shop around the store connected to the coffee shop, sure, but we didn’t get to kick back and sip our coffee and kombucha (I even annoyed myself with that last sentence). 

While you’re in the coffee shop, be sure to read up the story on the cafe’s wall telling the history of the Octagon City. It just proves truth is stranger than fiction and you just can’t make up this Kansas history lesson.

Kansas Route 66 stops

The historic Route 66 is the stuff of legends, and for the most part, I’ve never once purposely sought out a drive on it. I know! But, I couldn’t resist the call of the Mother Road this time. Kansas is known for having the smallest section of Route 66 — all of 13 miles — so I figured this was an attainable distance to do with kids. Here’s where we stopped:

Fans of Route 66, don’t hate on me. We did not dine at any of the kitschy diners or soda fountains. For one thing, they were either closed or looked closed (curse you off-season travel!). Bricks & Brews is Baxter Springs was open, though. They serve up wood-fire pizza and salads, and for lunch, they had a pizza buffet (perfect for hungry teenagers). It has a modern pub vibe to it, and the women’s restroom is pretty cool and I kick myself for not having my camera on me to take a picture. Anyway, it’s not your traditional old-school Route 66 place, but it’s on the route and I liked it.

Cars on the Route embraces the city of Galena’s connection to the Pixar movie, “Cars.” The inspiration for Mater, the lovable tow truck voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, was discovered on the side of the road on Route 66 when producers were on a scouting mission. You’ll find the likes of Tow Mater, along with other “Cars” characters, both at Cars on the Route and a little farther down Route 66.

Renee Charles, President of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association and co-owner of Cars on the Route, met us in Galena to tell us a bit of history about how Cars on the Route came to be. It’s in the middle of renovations, and the old filling station isn’t quite ready for its close-up…but the cars out front are. It’s already worth a stop now, but just wait for what’s next.

Not far from Cars on the Route is Gearhead Curios in another retro gas station-turned shop and photo opp. Here, you’ll find Doc from “Cars,” as well as a cute, updated Big Boy that now looks like a Texaco spokesman with a stack of tires instead of a burger. You’ll also meet Aaron who owns the place, and he’s a character himself. Stop for a bit to shoot the breeze with him and buy a Route 66 soda while there.

While most of our stops on Route 66 were shiny, updated versions of what the highway is known for, Nelson’s Old Riverton Store in Riverton seems to have frozen in time. The store was the place to stop for deli sandwiches, groceries and odds & ends, and it still is. It’s packed to the gills with items. There is a second room to the store that has Route 66 memorabilia, though, so if you are looking for that souvenir, you’ll find plenty of options there.

Curse my luck. The Route 66 Visitors Center in Baxter Springs was not open when we stopped there, but that didn’t stop me from taking photos in front of it. The visitors center is in an old filling station (because of course it is), and the old-fashioned pumps remain in front. 

Incidentally, I may have overdone it with iconic stops on Route 66. My teen loudly questioned why we were stopping at so many gas stations. He had a point. Maybe one old-fashioned pump would be enough.

The road trip route we drove

Want to recreate this trip? Want to pick a stop or too? Here’s the route we drove through Kansas.

Day 1 : Iola, Humboldt, Chanute

Day 2 : Erie, West Mineral, Baxter Springs, Riverton, Galena, Pittsburg

Day 3 : Fort Scott, Pleasanton 

Day 1: Iola, Humboldt, Chanute

In Iola, we stopped at Fillmore Coffee House for lunch, and then walked around the town square. Fun fact: Iola’s town square is the largest town square in the country. It’s true.

In Humboldt, we stopped at Octagon City Coffee Shop, the Go Get ‘E Tigers shop, and the boutique, Jae & Co. Things I wished we could’ve visited: Bijou Confectionary, the cute kids shop Wild Poppy, and Honeybee Bruncherie.

In Chanute, we toured Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum with the executive director and had meals at El Rincon Azteca and The Grain Bin. We stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, where my kids splashed around in their heated pool.

Fun fac t: Chanute is the center of the world, according to Google Earth. 

Day 2: Erie, West Mineral, Baxter Springs, Riverton, Galena, Pittsburg

In Erie, we visited Erie Dinosaur Park. It was off-season for the park, but we did arrange a tour of the park ahead of time. Otherwise, the dinosaurs are behind a fenced-in area when it’s not open.

In Baxter Springs, we drove along Route 66 in our super cool Honda while blaring Chuck Berry. We ate lunch at Bricks & Brews and stopped for a photo in front of the Route 66 Visitors Center.

In Riverton, we browsed the crowded shelves of Nelson’s Old Riverton Store. There is a small eating space if you decide to get a sandwich with some of their famed cold cuts.

In Galena, we took a ton of photos at Gearhead Curios, Cars on the Route, and the city park that had an old-timey jail. We also bought sodas and a T-shirt at Gearhead Curios. If you’re looking for the cool American flag made out of license plates, it’s on the side of Gearhead Curios. Aaron will likely include himself in a selfie. Go with it.

In Pittsburg, we had dinner and a beer flight at Drop the H Brewing Co., and we also toured the brewery with the owner. We stayed overnight at the Hampton Inn & Suites, which is connected to the Kansas Crossing Casino. No we didn’t throw any money down, but we did swim at the pool.

Day 3: Fort Scott, Pleasanton 

In Fort Scott, we visited Lowell Milken Center Museum for Unsung Heroes, and briefly toured the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site. We also strolled along the Historic Downtown District and got lunch at Common Grounds Coffee. 

In Pleasanton (or rather in a field outside of Pleasanton), we made a quick visit to the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site. It was sprinkling and the visitors center was closed so it was a very brief stop.

Where to stay in southeastern Kansas

We stayed at two family-friendly hotels during our road trip. They both had pools, complimentary breakfast, and coffee in the lobby.  

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Chanute on Day 1. The only drawback I can think of this hotel was that it had an unusual pool hours. My daughter loves getting up early to swim when we’re on road trips and we had to leave the hotel long before the pool would open. Minor quibble, really. The hotel is highly rated on Booking.com.

On our second night, we stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites in Pittsburg . I loved the space of the suites, and the room also had a kitchen. As mentioned before, it’s connected to a casino.

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Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

Kind of surprised there was no mention of all the fried chicken restaurants around Pittsburg. It's one of the things they're known for. Gebhardt's (in Mulberry) is my wife's favorite, although not as famous as Chicken Mary's or Chicken Annie's.

Thursday 23rd of March 2023

I 100% don't blame you for being surprised. I tried my hardest to fit at least one of the famed restaurants into the itinerary, but the best day for a visit to work was Monday and most near our route weren't open.

Arnold Swink

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

I enjoyed your se Kansas story. I grew up in Uniontown and Bronson. You mention Unionville (Uniontown) in the Unsung Heroes portion at the museum at Ft. Scott. I found things I didn't know about so a road trip is looming.

Thanks for the catch -- I've edited the correct town name. :) I'm glad you enjoyed the story and I hope you hit the road soon to find some nearby hidden gems!

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The perfect I-70 road trip through Kansas

The 424-mile stretch from Kansas City to the state’s western border boasts rich history, beautiful natural wonders, and a plethora of “World's Largest” items

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Created by Roadtrippers - November 10th 2020

Written by Jessica Johnson Webb

I f you’re only focused on your destination, you might not initially realize how lucky you are to be zipping along I-70 through Kansas. But the journey along this 424-mile stretch east from Kansas City to the state’s western border boasts rich history, beautiful natural wonders, a plethora of “World's Largest” items, and so many other fascinating stops.

President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act in 1956 and the first section of interstate highway in the country opened that November in Ike’s home state just west of Topeka. Detour through Abilene and visit Eisenhower’s boyhood home, make a pit stop in Oz to visit Dorothy Gale and her friends in Wamego, or gawk at the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things in the Grassroots Art Capital of Lucas.

While I-70 is a great way to get from Kansas City to Denver, it’s also the pathway to some of the coolest things Kansas has to offer. Here are some of our favorites.

Kaw Point Park

The peaceful strength at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers has drawn visitors for centuries. The 150-mile Kansas River (or the Kaw to locals) ends here, pouring runoff into the Missouri River’s strong waters. Both rivers were important transportation avenues for early settlers. In 1804, Lewis and Clark camped at Kaw Point for three days before heading up the Missouri. Today, Kaw Point Park offers spectacular views of the two rivers and the Kansas City skyline. The park includes easy walking paths and monuments to Indigenous Kansas peoples, and hosts occasional events and performances.

Haskell Cultural Center And Museum

Lawrence, KS

One of more than 30 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in the United States, Haskell Indian Nations University has since become the country’s premier TCU. Stop by the Cultural Center to learn more about Haskell’s past, present, and future. Permanent exhibits include “Honoring Our Native Veterans,” featuring paintings by Chester Nez, a Navajo Code Talker and Distinguished Haskell Alumni. In September, the Haskell Indian Arts Market draws Native artists and craftspeople from across the country. Pick up some beautiful artwork and an Indian taco.

2 Evel Knievel Museum

If one of your secret wishes is to jump through a flaming hoop on your motorcycle, you have to make a stop at the Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka. Check out some of Evel’s actual motorcycles on display, walk inside his 1974 Mack truck and trailer "Big Red," and indulge your inner daredevil. One of the coolest features is a virtual reality experience where visitors can “jump” 16 cars. The museum’s website promises, “You can’t look away. And he wouldn’t want you to.”

Equality House

This rainbow-colored house was painted as a response to the Westboro Baptist Church’s anti-LGBTQ agenda. Aaron Jackson and his nonprofit Planting Peace purchased the house across the street from the church and painted it in the colors of the LGBTQ pride flag. Since its inception in 2013, Equality House has served as a center for LGBTQ support and activism. In 2016, the house next door was purchased and painted in the colors of the transgender flag (pink, white, and blue). It has since become known as the Mott House in honor of Stephanie Mott, a prominent transgender Kansan. Neither house is open to visitors, but you’re welcome to take photos in the front yard.

4 Oz Museum

Non-Kansans are likely to immediately associate the state with Dorothy, Toto, and other beloved characters from The Wizard of Oz —and if you take a short detour to Wamego, you can visit them. The OZ Museum offers displays and ephemera from L. Frank Baum’s original books and the iconic 1939 MGM musical, as well as other film versions (including The Wiz with Michael Jackson and The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz ). Take a selfie with the Tin Man or next to the ruby slippers peeking out beneath Dorothy’s house. If you’re hungry afterwards, stop by Toto’s TacOZ next door for lunch.

Konza Prairie Natural Area

Manhattan, KS

Take a short detour through the Flint Hills and you’ll find the Konza Prairie Nature Trails. Weaving through a working field research station, the trails offer visitors a chance to explore the gorgeous tallgrass prairie that used to cover much of the Great Plains. Three trails start in the same location and range from 2.6- to 6.2-mile loops. Or you can do a shorter out-and-back if you just need to stretch your legs. At its highest points, the trails offer remarkable views of both the rolling hills of the Konza Prairie and the Kansas River Valley.

6 Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum

President Eisenhower once said, “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.” Spend some time on the peaceful grounds of his presidential library and boyhood home and you may understand why. Ike and his wife Mamie are buried in the Place of Meditation, a chapel-like structure built of native limestone. Ike hoped visitors would spend time contemplating and re-dedicating themselves to the ideals of this great nation.

"Dancers in Lindsborg"

Founded by Swedish immigrants in the mid-1800s, Lindsborg has built on its Swedish heritage to create a rich culture in a picturesque small town. Shop at Hemslöjd downtown for Swedish gifts and iconic dala horses, eat at the Blacksmith Coffee Shop (snuggled into an old blacksmith workshop), or search for the “Wild Dala” art sculptures as you wander along mainstreet. Lindsborg also has a thriving arts community and you can find compelling works at a variety of venues, including the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery and The Red Barn Studio.

Lindsborg, Kansas, United States

World's largest things.

Want to maximize your kitsch and see a whole collection of World’s Largest Things in one stop? Veer off I-70 into Lucas to stop by the Roadside Sideshow Expo which houses some of World’s Smallest Version of the World’s Largest Things. Founder Erika Nelson started making her own miniature versions when she couldn’t find a souvenir to take home from the World’s Largest Ball of Twine located in Cawker City. Since then, she’s amassed a collection of more than 200 miniatures. Lucas is known as the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, so you’ll find all sorts of other strange and wonderful things in this small community of just 400 people.

10 St. Fidelis Catholic Church

One of the Eight Wonders of Kansas, the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria is a Romanesque-style church that was the largest west of the Mississippi River when it was built in 1911. Still an active basilica, the soaring bell towers stand out starkly against the flat Kansas plains. Inside, the high vaults, rose window, and spectacular altar may inspire awe in even the most jaded visitor.

11 Fick Fossil and History Museum

As you motor through the High Plains of Western Kansas, you might be surprised to learn this area was once part of the Western Interior Seaway which covered the middle of North America millions of years ago. Oakley residents Ernest and Vi Fick collected many fossils of ancient sea creatures and gave them to the City of Oakley in 1972, forming the Fick Museum. On display is the world's oldest known mosasaur fossil—a 15-foot-long Xiphactinus Audax—and some of Vi Fick’s quirky folk art, including an American flag made from shark’s teeth.

Giant van Gogh Painting

Goodland, KS

About 20 miles from the Colorado border, you’ll find one of the World’s Largest Van Gogh paintings. An 80-foot- tall easel displays a replica of Van Gogh’s Three Sunflowers in a Vase by artist Cameron Cross. The sunflower is Kansas’ state flower and a lovely way to welcome visitors traveling east as they enter the state, or wish them farewell as they exit.

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16 Stops Along I-70 In Kansas That Are Worth Pulling Over For

Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.

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The drive from Kansas City to Denver is certainly a long one, but then again, so is any drive on I-70. Other than some absolutely stunning sunsets, sometimes the drive is uneventful and quite boring. Of course, there are many great places hiding out everywhere. Listed below are 16 things to see along I-70 in Kansas .  We started the trip on the eastern side. However, you can also begin your trip on the western side. It’s a great trip either way!

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We have the map posted below if you’d like to bookmark it for later use.

Have you been to any of these 16 things to see along I-70 in Kansas ? Would you agree that they are among the best tourist attractions along I-70? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.

If you’re interested staying overnight somewhere along the way, perhaps in Salina, there is no better place to stay than the Fairfield Inn & Suites Salina.

For more information about the World’s Largest Easel and other iconic landmarks and things to see on I-70 in Kansas, you’ll want to take this epic road trip .

If you’re still in the mood for more Sunflower State adventures, take a look at this video:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

More fun in kansas.

Where can we find other roadside attractions along I-70 in Kansas?

• The World’s Largest Ball of Twine, which is located in Cawker City, weighs around 20,000 pounds and has a circumference of 43 feet.
• The Lessman Farm & Truckhenge in Topeka is described as “an eclectic combination of farm, salvage & recycled art, and nature sanctuary.”
• In Goodland there is a giant reproduction of Vincent van Gogh's “3 Sunflowers in a Vase” and it sits on what is now the World's Largest Easel.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other quirky roadside attractions in Kansas.

What are some fun facts about Kansas?

• Dodge City, which sits out in the Plains, is windier than Chicago.
• Wichita is home to the largest grain elevator in the world.
• The world's largest hand-dug well is in the town of Greensburg.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about Kansas.

Where can we find state parks in the Kansas City area?

• Perry State Park in Ozawkie features  25 miles of horse trails and 20 miles of biking/hiking trails.
• Lewis and Clark State Park in Rushville is a major draw for birdwatchers from all over the state.
• Knob Noster State Park in Knob Noster is popular for its hiking and horseback trails.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful state parks in the Kansas City area.  (Note: Kansas City is on both sides of the State Line in Kansas and Missouri, and constitutes the entire Kansas City Metropolitan area).

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Find Kansas travel tips, stories, maps, videos and news for unusual tourist attractions and sights.

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Roadside Sideshow Expo

Lucas, Kansas

Artist Erika Nelson caught the roadside bug and has built her own museum of mostly miniature tourist landmark tributes.

Pizza Hut Museum

Wichita, Kansas

Pizza Hut was invented by two Wichita State University students. The first Hut was moved onto the campus as a hut-size museum.

Sights for Oddball Excursions

World's Largest Ball of Twine

Cawker City, Kansas

The late Frank Stoeber's giant twine ball continues to grow, added to by visitors with the help of Cawker City residents.

Cosmosphere

Hutchinson, Kansas

Second only to The Smithsonian in space artifacts -- see the USSR's Cosmonaut cast-offs, Nazi ballistics, and the capsule from Apollo 13.

The Garden of Eden

Weird home of folk art and political statements; the late Sam Dinsmoor can be viewed in the back yard.

Grassroots Art Center

The "visionary" artists of the U.S. have their own space in Lucas, with sculptures made from aluminum can pull-tabs and portraits made from wads of chewing gum.

Famous Gunfighters Wax Museum

Dodge City, Kansas

Wax versions of villains and lawmen from the Wild West along with the Wolfman, Dracula, LBJ and JFK. Unchanged since the mid-1960s.

The Strange Grave of John Milburn Davis

Hiawatha, Kansas

Ten life-size, Italian marble statues -- and one of granite -- depict John and Sarah Davis at various stages of their lives.

Strataca: Underground Salt Museum

Museum transports visitors 65 stories below ground to tour vast salt galleries.

Geographical Center of the 48 States

Lebanon, Kansas

The ultimate fallback position in case we're attacked by Canada, Mexico, and the Fish People from the Atlantic and Pacific. Featured as America's divide-healing center in Bruce Springsteen's 2021 Super Bowl commercial.

Dorothy's House and Land of Oz

Liberal, Kansas

Real-life Dorothys give tours. Plot points of the film are colorfully recreated and midget Munchkin mannequins are everywhere.

Johnny Kaw: Bigger Than Bunyan

Manhattan, Kansas

Instead of chopping trees, giant Johnny mows down acres of wheat with his super scythe.

Political Art of M.T. Liggett

Mullinville, Kansas

Sculptures blown by the winds of politics, this Kansas man's viewpoint is writ in metal and bile. But he's not mad.

Topeka, Kansas

A distorted Stonehenge, but also a playful poke at bureaucrats.

Evel Knievel Museum

World's largest collection of Evelabilia. See the iconic Skycycle X-2, and a display of Evel's x-rays.

Climb the Statehouse Dome

Climb nearly 300 stairs to the cupola of the Kansas Capitol dome, the second tallest in the U.S. Dizzying, occasionally scary, and memorable.

Wamego, Kansas

Thousands of Wizard of Oz artifacts help cement the everlasting association of over-the-rainbow and Kansas.

West Mineral, Kansas

Big Brutus, a humongous earth mover, stands where it died and is now a tourist attraction.

Dalton Defenders Museum

Coffeyville, Kansas

Coffeyville remembers the day that the Dalton Gang rode into town to rob two banks, and got shot full of holes by an irate citizenry.

Dalton Death Sidewalk

Unique sidewalk photo-op of four dead Dalton Gang members. Lie next to them and pretend to be a gunned-down Wild West bank robber.

He Killed Lincoln's Killer, Then Lived In A Hole

Concordia, Kansas

Soldier Boston Corbett shot John Wilkes Booth. Later, this hole was his home.

That "Grow a Beard, Abe!" Town

Delphos, Kansas

Abe Lincoln's insistent Grow-a-Beard girl lived here, but Delphos has greater claims to fame...

Boot Hill and Museum

Museum at famous Wild West town boneyard shows off its guns, buffalo, Indians, and outlaws. Summer daily gunfights.

La Salsa Muffler Man

Commissioned by movie star Dennis Hopper, La Salsa Man was a customized, caricatured Mexican based on a California Muffler Man.

World's Largest Easel

Goodland, Kansas

A giant replica painting on a giant steel easel -- Van Gogh sunflowers for the Sunflower State.

The Big Well

Greensburg, Kansas

World's Largest Hand-Dug Well, the World's Largest Pallasite Meteorite, and a museum about Greensburg's destruction in a 2007 mega-tornado.

Valeda The Talking Transparent Woman

Halstead, Kansas

A life-size see-through plastic model explains her anatomy and the mysteries of life.

Trunkations

Roadside America's blog, offering news, rants and ruminations on the state of Kansas

Previous: Iowa | Next: Kentucky

Offbeat Landmarks and Oddities

Choice field reports and tips. Or check out: Complete list of Kansas attractions .

• Abilene : World's Largest Belt Buckle
• Belleville : Boyer Museum of Animated Carvings [ tips ]
• Bonner Springs : Agricultural Hall of Fame: Truman's Plow [ tips ]
• Bonner Springs : Moon Marble Company [ tips ]
• Cawker City : World's Largest Ball of Twine
• Cawker City : Eyegore's Curiosities and Monster Museum
• Codell : Cyclone Day Memorial [ tips ]
• Coffeyville : Dalton Defenders Museum
• Coffeyville : Dalton Death Alley
• Coffeyville : Field of Weird College Wood Art [ tips ]
• Coffeyville : Dalton Death Sidewalk
• Collyer : Castle Rock [ tips ]
• Concordia : WWII German POW Camp
• Concordia : He Killed Lincoln's Killer, Then Lived In A Hole
• Concordia : Orphan Train Museum
• Delphos : That "Grow a Beard, Abe!" Town
• Dodge City : Famous Gunfighters Wax Museum
• Dodge City : Boot Hill and Museum
• Dodge City : La Salsa Muffler Man
• Ellinwood : The Underground [ tips ]
• Erie : Erie Dinosaur Park [ tips ]
• Galena : Bonnie And Clyde's Shotgun [ tips ]
• Garden City : World's Largest Hairball [ tips ]
• Goessel : Liberty Bell Made of Wheat
• Goodland : World's Largest Easel
• Great Bend : Inventor of the Microchip Monument
• Greensburg : The Big Well
• Grinnell : Monument Rocks [ tips ]
• Halstead : Valeda The Talking Transparent Woman
• Haysville : World's First Batwing Gas Station
• Hiawatha : The Strange Grave of John Milburn Davis
• Hoisington : Folk Art Headstones of Hoisington
• Howard : Hubble's Rubble [ tips ]
• Hutchinson : Strataca: Underground Salt Museum
• Hutchinson : Cosmosphere
• Hutchinson : Big Greaser Muffler Man, Half A Big John [ tips ]
• Junction City : Atomic Cannon
• Kinsley : Midway USA [ tips ]
• Lacrosse : Kansas Barbed Wired Museum [ tips ]
• Lawrence : Comanche, Little Bighorn Survivor
• Lawrence : 50-Foot-Tall Concrete Teepee
• Lawrence : Museum of the Odd
• Lebanon : Geographical Center of the 48 States
• Liberal : Dorothy's House and Land of Oz
• Lindsborg : Mini-Castle of Coronado Heights [ tips ]
• Longford : The Smithalo
• Lucas : The Garden of Eden
• Lucas : Roadside Sideshow Expo
• Lucas : Grassroots Art Center
• Lucas : Bowl Plaza: America's Most Artistic Giant Toilet
• Manhattan : Johnny Kaw: Bigger Than Bunyan
• McPherson : Happy Chef - Chimney Sweep [ tips ]
• Meade : Dalton Gang Hideout: Secret Escape Tunnel
• Minneapolis : Rock City
• Mullinville : Political Art of M.T. Liggett
• Norton : Station 15: Wild West Dummies
• Oakley : Buffalo Bill Kill Statue
• Pratt : Home of Beautiful Women, Hot and Cold Water Towers
• Rose Hill : Jurassic Art: Welded Dinosaurs [ tips ]
• Topeka : Locally-Famous Big Wren Statue [ tips ]
• Topeka : Truckhenge
• Topeka : Evel Knievel Museum
• Topeka : Climb the Statehouse Dome
• Wamego : Oz Museum
• Wamego : Old Dutch Windmill [ tips ]
• West Mineral : Big Brutus
• Wichita : Muffler Man [ tips ]
• Wichita : Pizza Hut Museum
• Wichita : Museum of World Treasures
• Wichita : WuShock: Fighting-Mad Wheat
• Wichita : Keeper of the Plains: Ring of Fire [ tips ]
• Wichita : Steampunk Yard Artist [ tips ]
• Wichita : House of Tank Museum [ tips ]
• Wilson : World's Largest Hand-Painted Czech Egg [ tips ]

Map and Plan Your Own Roadside Adventure ... Try My Sights

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• House of Tank Museum , Wichita, Kansas
• Feature: Roadside Sideshow Expo , Lucas, Kansas
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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Road Trip: 10 Scenic Stops In Kansas, Nebraska, And Colorado

Zack Frank / Shutterstock

• Destinations
• Road Trips In The U.S.
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• United States

The road from Pittsburg, Kansas, to Westminster, Colorado, is one we drive regularly. The former is my husband’s hometown, which he visits for reunions with high school and college friends and with his only sibling, his sister. On the other hand, the latter is where his oldest daughter lives, so we pass by on our way home, which, for us, is Phoenix, Arizona.

The route between Pittsburg, Kansas, and Westminster, Colorado, takes us through four states: Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. On our last go-through, we decided to visit the twin national monuments on the North Platte River Valley in Nebraska. On the way to and from these two, we found eight less-known but very interesting roadside attractions. They made our road trip so much slower but also that much more exciting.

Carol Colborn

1. The Blue Sky Sculpture

Newton, kansas.

While on I-135, about 30 minutes north of Wichita, Kansas — which is 2 hours and 45 minutes west of Pittsburg — there is a sculpture at the Centennial Park in Newton, Kansas, that is stunning. In fact, it is one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Art. Designed through the amazing joint efforts of Phil Epp, painter, and Terry Corbett and Conrad Snider, ceramists, it is made of cobalt-glazed tiles. The artwork is fluid and eye-catching, and seems to exhibit unobstructed movement toward the natural sky, achieving the artists’ goal for the piece to unite effortlessly with nature. Bill and I spent hours photographing it from many angles. It is such a beautiful piece of art.

2. Mennonite Heritage And Agricultural Museum

Goessel, kansas.

Less than 30 minutes north of the Blue Sky Sculpture is a museum that tells the story of the Mennonites, Russian emigrants who settled near present-day Goessel, Kansas, in 1874. They were the ones who brought a winter wheat variety called Turkey Red to the United States. This variety is the foundation of the Kansas and Great Plains agricultural economy. Turkey Red wheat produces flour that contains more protein.

The Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum showcases the interesting progression of farming mechanization from the 1800s to the mid-1960s in the Turkey Red Wheat Palace, which is quite interesting to know.

3. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine

Cawker city, kansas.

Two hours northwest of Goessel, after Interstate 135 turns into Highway 81 and then, further west, into Highway 24, is Cawker City, Kansas. It is home to a ball formed of a total twine length of more than 7 million feet. Frank Stoeber started it in 1953, and when its twine length was at 1.6 million feet, which was back in 1961, he donated it to the town.

The town has made sure it continues to grow. Of course, we stopped to admire the ball and while we were doing that, a car pulled up and two ladies gave us 20 yards of twine to add to the ball. One even took our photos to commemorate our “feat.” They said that every August, there is a “Twine-a-thon” during which a lot more length is added. The Ball is one of the finalists for the Eight Wonders of Kansas.

4. Giant Van Gogh Painting

Goodland, kansas.

Three hours later and further west, we saw an unusual attraction right from Highway 24. As we came closer, it turned out to be a 24-foot by 32-foot reproduction of Van Gogh’s Three Sunflowers in A Vase (sometimes referred to as Vase with Three Sunflowers ) resting on an 80-foot steel easel. Artist Cameron Cross has erected three such big easels — one in Manitoba, Canada, in 1996; another in Emerald, Australia, in 1999; and this one in Goodland, Kansas, in 2001. We took pictures and checked in at our motel. After a small dinner, and despite the light showers and high winds, we returned to see it glisten in the night. The Giant Van Gogh Painting is quite a spectacle.

5. Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scottsbluff, nebraska.

This was what took us off our direct route to Bill’s daughter’s home, but we wanted to visit the historic North Platte River valley. From Goodland, Kansas, we went north to Interstate 80 and then northwest on 1-26 to visit the 3,000-acre Scotts Bluff National Monument . It preserves overland trail remnants, mixed-grass prairie, and towering bluffs along the North Platte River that were an important landmark when wagons roamed the land. Over 250,000 westward emigrants passed by Scotts Bluff between 1843 and 1869. The monument’s north bluff is named after Hiram Scott, a clerk for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company who died near the bluff in 1828. It was good to set foot on such historically significant land.

6. Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Bayard, nebraska.

Just 30 minutes northwest of Scotts Bluff and also in the same North Platte River valley, there is another prominent geological rock formation that stands 4,228 feet high. As you might have guessed, it also served as an important landmark along the trails of westward emigrants during the mid-19th century. We were glad we visited the Chimney Rock National Historic Site and the Scotts Bluff National Monument during fall. They were both lovely places with seasonal splashes of yellow.

7. Big Boots

Cheyenne, wyoming.

Back on Interstate 135 and less than two hours southwest is Cheyenne, Wyoming. At the small visitors center in the railway station, we found a giant eight-foot-tall (from heel to top of the pull tabs) and eight-foot-long (from pointy toe to the back of the heel) boot. We were told that there were 20 such boots around town. With a map to guide us, we hunted all of them down. Painted by various artists in 2005 to showcase Wyoming and Cheyenne history, each was purchased by a civic-minded business to display at their location.

We almost didn’t finish our mission because it was already past 5 p.m. when we found the 20th boot, inside an already locked glass-enclosed building. We knocked and knocked and knocked. It was good somebody was working overtime, heard us, and let us in. We felt a feeling of accomplishment after taking our 20th boot photo. It was an afternoon very well spent. The Cheyenne Big Boots are so unique, colorful, and meaningful.

8. Downtown Fort Collins, Colorado

Less than an hour south of Cheyenne on Interstate 25 is Fort Collins, Colorado. When walking the streets of Downtown Fort Collins , the buildings, especially the Old Firehouse Bookstore, may look so familiar, like deja vu. Understandably so, because it was Fort Collins’ Harper Goff who helped Walt Disney sketch up plans for Disney’s Main Street U.S.A. Old Town Square in Fort Collins served as his inspiration. It’s a charming place to stroll around any day.

9. Pianos About Town

Fort collins, colorado.

A lover of jazz, my husband, Bill, noticed an artsy piano in Fort Collins’s Jazz Alley. Later, we saw a few more. We found out that they were all part of Pianos About Town , a collaborative project hosted by the city and a number of organizations that combine music and visual art. The pianos were painted between May and October right in the Old Town Square, then distributed throughout the city, inviting people to enjoy the art and play a tune. The installations are rotated, and during the winter months, they are stored at several indoor locations. We loved this experience.

10. Buffalo Bill’s Grave

Lookout mountain park, colorado.

About one and a half hours south of Fort Collins is Lookout Mountain Park, part of the Denver Mountain Parks system. There, you will find the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave . It is the one and only gravesite of William F. Cody. Born in 1846 and nicknamed Buffalo Bill because of his skill as a buffalo hunter, Cody has a nicely located grave overlooking the natural beauty of the Great Plains and the Rockies. A fitting museum was built on site to celebrate this legend of the West.

This became such a memorable road trip for us. It took us longer to go from Bill’s sister’s home to his daughter’s, however. What usually takes us two days took us four instead. Being retired, we have the time. There is really no need to rush. The two additional days were both well worth it. Because of this wonderful experience, we vowed to vary our route a little each time we go back to his hometown and visit his daughter. That will help us find new roadside attractions and hidden gems each time.

Heading west from further east? Here’s inspiration for your Missouri road trip: Saint Louis to Kansas City .

Carol retired as a CEO for pioneering IT companies in the Philippines. Curious about the world she missed while stressing out working, she migrated to the U.S., ended up an adjunct professor and small business counselor while babysitting her grandson during the day. That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! After the wedding ceremony, they honeymooned for eight years in an RV to 49 states, nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states.

They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. From this base, they embark on great road trips to meet family at reunions in picturesque resorts around the U.S. Visits to their kids’ homes in Anchorage, Boise, and Denver (his) and in San Francisco, Calgary, and Melbourne (hers) allow for exploring the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Carol has been to 48 countries but their 3-month all-inclusive winter escapes to Mexico in Mazatlan, Cancun, or Cozumel are their best times.

Carol maintains a blog, Carolina: Cruising Past 70 , and has published two travel books: Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream about her RVing years and Cruising Past Seventy: It's Not Only About Outer Journeys . It's Also about Inner Ones , is a collection of her most widely-read blog posts and articles. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA.

• Jan 28, 2022
• 13 min read

What not to miss: Kansas I-70 Road Trip

Updated: Sep 4, 2023

Based on everything we’ve ever been told, driving across Kansas sounds like it’s anything but exciting. If you believe the stories, you’d assume Kansas is “flat as a pancake” and filled with empty farmland and very little to do. While many think of Kansas as “fly-over country”, I’m here to show you it’s more than just acres and acres of farmland - it’s actually not as flat or empty as we’ve all been led to believe.

A great way to see Kansas is by taking a trip all the way across the state on Interstate 70. Taking a Kansas I-70 road trip takes you across 423 miles of rolling prairies, the incredible Flint Hills, massive wind farms, and some admittedly flat farmland scattered throughout. You’ll have about 6 hours of opportunity to pull off the interstate and explore. While many just drive across as quickly as they can, I hope to convince you to take your time and explore what Kansas is all about. Much of it can be seen with a quick jaunt off the Interstate and I’ll be sharing some of my favorite stops within about 30 minutes of I-70, across Kansas, from west to east, using exit numbers as our guide.

Giant Van Gogh Painting

Exit Number: 19

Location: Goodland, KS ( map )

The giant Van Gogh painting is in a great spot for a quick picnic lunch or a restroom break as you travel along I-70. Although it’s not immediately off the highway, you’ll find that the distance from the interstate isn’t as far as some of the other recommendations on my list. The painting is placed on a giant easel and depicts the Kansas State Flower, the sunflower. It’s a fun break and photo op as you’re traveling through Western Kansas.

Wheat Jesus Billboard

Exit Number : 19

Image credit: Steven Hausler, AP

The Wheat Jesus billboard is along-side I-70 as you pass through Goodland. It’s not really a place to stop or to have a photo op, but it’s worth watching out for as you drive through. It depicts Jesus standing in a wheat field, and depending on the time of year, you could be driving past fields that look similar.

Monument Rocks

Exit Number: 76

Location: Scott City ( map )

Monument Rocks are worth a side-trip, off I-70. You’ll exit the interstate in Oakley and drive south for a bit before you start to see the chalk formations in the distance. Monument Rocks were formed millions of years ago when Kansas was at the bottom of a large ocean. They are formed of chalk and tower above the neighboring land, looking like a castle on the prairie. If you’re interested in geology or paleontology, or even just experiencing really cool stuff, I recommend making the drive to check them out.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

Location: Scott City, KS ( map )

If you’re planning to visit Monument Rocks, definitely take the time to also visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. For years, this land was owned by private individuals and was inaccessible to the public, but the land was recently acquired by the State and became one of the newest Kansas state parks. Little Jerusalem includes hiking trails, several overlook opportunities, and great views of what look like small canyons in the prairie. It’s an incredibly unique landscape and a great opportunity to see something that’s like nothing else you’ll find in Kansas.

Smoky Hills Wind Farm

Exit Number: 219

Location: Ellsworth, KS ( map )

If you happen to be driving through Kansas at night, the Smoky Hills Wind Farm is going to blow you away. While it’s spectacular in daylight hours, it is particularly eerie and awe-inspiring after dark. As you approach the wind farm, you’ll begin to see flashing red lights along the horizon. When you’re in the midst of the flashing lights, it can feel like you’re witnessing an alien invasion and it’s a really incredible thing to see. If the timing isn’t quite right to be there after dark, the view in daylight is similarly stunning. The scale and proximity to the road of the wind turbines is something to behold. You’ll be amazed by the size of the turbines. They’re almost majestic as they rotate through the morning fog or afternoon sun. If you’re driving through Kansas, you definitely won’t be able to miss them.

Kanopolis Lake State Park

Exit Number: 238

Location: Marquette, KS ( map )

Kanopolis Lake is one of my favorite state parks. You can find water activities, camping, hiking, and all sorts of other fun things to do. The lake is beautiful at sunset and taking a hike through Horsethief Canyon is not to be missed.

Mushroom Rock State Park

Location: Brookville, KS ( map )

One of the more unique spots in Kansas is Mushroom Rock State Park. The rocks truly look like mushrooms and are scattered throughout the area. The park is good for a short hike and some exploration, and a great opportunity to stretch your legs and check out some unique geological formations.

Coronado Heights Castle

Exit Number: 250A

Location: Lindsborg, KS ( map )

Image credit: Atlas Obscura

Coronado Heights, just outside of Lindsborg is a fantastic spot for a picnic and for viewing the sunset. Be sure to stop there on the way into or out of Lindsborg to climb around the castle and see the view of the surrounding countryside. It feels like you can see for miles. Coronado Heights has been a favorite stop for me, anytime we’re in the area.

Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery

Image credit: Kansastravel.org

When visiting Lindsborg, it’s always a great idea to stop by the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery. The gallery is filled with Sandzén art and also hosts traveling exhibits throughout the year. Sandzén is one of the most well-known Central Kansas artists, with a career spanning over 50 years. He is most widely known for his oil paintings and watercolors and his art is displayed in large galleries across the world.

Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery

After you stop by the Sandzén Gallery, be sure to take a drive down Main Street and check out the next several recommendations on my list, starting or ending with Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or need s quick jolt of caffeine to perk you up for some more driving, Blacksmith is a great option and one of my “must stops” when we’re in the area. Blacksmith’s space is really unique and they roast all their own coffee, in house. I’ve never ordered something there that I didn’t enjoy. They also have a drive-thru location , in Salina, if you’re not going to be able to get to Lindsborg.

Trollslända Toy Store

Image credit: Salina Journal

Trollslända is a fun, Scandinavian-inspired toy store in Downtown Lindsborg. It’s definitely worth a stop if you have kids with you or even if you don’t. My husband and I have found many fun gifts for our nieces and nephews there and you’re guaranteed to find something at Trollslända that you haven’t encountered before.

The Good Merchant

Image credit: Trip Advisor

The Good Merchant is truly one of my favorite stops each time we are near Lindsborg. I LOVE kitchen gadgets and can always find something unique that I just have to have when we visit The Good Merchant. It feels like the owners know everyone in Lindsborg and they have really taken the time to consider their audience and offer something very unique for the area. It’s definitely worth a stop if you like looking for interesting kitchen items or home decor inspiration.

Kansas Motorcycle Museum

Image credit: Kansas Travel

Just a few miles beyond Lindsborg, off of K4, is a hidden gem called Marquette. This is where my husband grew up and it’s one of my favorite small towns in Kansas. It’s got everything you need to be a quintessential small town, but one of the biggest draws for the town is the Kansas Motorcycle Museum, where you can find hundreds of motorcycles from across the world. Each year, Marquette hosts Thunder on the Smoky , where motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country converge on the town for lots of engine revving and excitement.

Blue Skye Brewery

Exit Number: 252

Location: Salina, KS ( map )

If you’re hungry, head back to Salina to check out one of these next two recommendations. Blue Skye Brewery is a great place if you’re in the mood for some pizza, something a little more substantial, or some beverages to cool you down. Their pizza is great and we’ve always enjoyed everything we’ve ordered there.

Image credit: Travel Kansas

If you’re into iconic foods and don’t mind smelling a bit of onions for the next 12 hours, definitely add Cozy Inn to your list of places to grab a bite to eat. They’re known for their burgers with onions (don’t ask for substitutions - they’re a place to go for this one iconic item) and if you’re less into smelling like onions for a while, place an order at the pick-up window rather than going inside (and maybe find a curb to sit on and eat so you don’t end up with a vehicle that smells like Cozy Inn for hours beyond Salina). The burgers are great, so don’t let the smells scare you away. It’s totally worth it!

Eisenhower Presidential Museum

Exit Number: 275

Location: Abilene, KS ( map )

If you’re interested in history, especially Presidential history, this is a must-stop while traveling I-70. The museum highlights the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the first and only (as of 2022) Kansan to be elected President of the United States. President Eisenhower grew up in Abilene, Kansas and his museum is an incredible snapshot of a Kansas farm boy who went on to do great things, both in his military career, as well as political.

Flint Hills Discovery Center

Exit Number: 313

Location: Manhattan, KS ( map )

Image credit: Flint Hills Discovery Center

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a great stop for families. It’s a good opportunity for everyone to stretch their legs and learn a bit about what makes the Kansas Flint Hills some of the most interesting and beautiful landscape in the country. There are spaces designed specifically for kids and an immersive theater to entertain all audiences. You can even find outdoor experiences and trails to get a bit of fresh air.

Image credit: K-State Collegian

Aggieville is one of those iconic places that K-State students will never forget. The area is a mix of bars and restaurants, as well as entertainment venues and is a magnet for students who want to have a good time. If eating, drinking, and being entertained by live musicians aren’t your thing, you can also find an eclectic shopping experience in Aggieville. From local gifts to college apparel, you can find lots of interesting stuff in the retail shops housed in the area.

NOTO (North Topeka) Art District

Exit Number: 361B

Location: Topeka, KS ( map )

A little farther east, you’ll find yourself in the Kansas State Capital, Topeka. Topeka houses a number of interesting opportunities for pit stops, but one of my favorites to explore is NOTO, or the North Topeka Art District. NOTO is one of the highest concentrations of thrift and vintage stores in the area and there’s no doubt that everyone can find something in one of the shops to interest them.

The Wheel Barrel

While you’re in NOTO, if you’re hungry, you have to stop by The Wheel Barrel. The restaurant is known for their gourmet grilled cheese and we’ve never tried something there we didn’t enjoy. Get ready for top-tier ingredients and combinations you may never have thought would work well together. Whatever you order, you’re sure to be happy with it!

Gage Park & Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center

Exit Number: 358B

Image credit: Visit Topeka

Gage Park and the World Famous Topeka Zoo are two places I spent a great deal of time enjoying as a child. My grandparents lived in Topeka and we would visit the zoo often, either beginning or ending the day with play time and a train and carousel ride in Gage Park.

The park is more than just a park. It includes a rose garden, pond, carousel, mini train, multiple playgrounds, a public pool, an amphitheater, and ball fields, among other things I’m sure I’m leaving out. A visit to Gage Park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Zoo though. . . Topeka’s zoo is a fantastic collection of animals from across the globe and I remember being over-the-moon excited to visit the new exhibits like the African lions and the Chimpanzee house was always a favorite. Definitely stop by if you enjoy animals!

Tuptim Thai

Exit Number: 363

Image credit: Topeka Capital-Journal

I’ve long felt that one of the best restaurants in Topeka is Tuptim Thai. They’re known for their “Money Bags” which are their version of crab Rangoon and definitely worth trying. If you enjoy Thai food, you won’t be disappointed with a stop here.

Clinton State Park

Exit Number: 197

Location: Lawrence, KS ( map )

As you approach the western edge of Lawrence, you’ll start to see signs for Clinton State Park, where you’ll also find Clinton Lake, a man-made lake developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s. The park boasts 1500 acres and is home to the lake, as well as campgrounds, a golf course, swimming beach, marina, hiking and biking trails, and a dog park. It’s definitely worth a stop if you enjoy the outdoors (or have a pup along for the ride who needs a good run).

Allen Fieldhouse , Booth Family Hall of Athletics & DeBruce Center

Exit Number: 202

If you’re a basketball fan, take note of this recommendation. Allen Fieldhouse, home of the Kansas Jayhawks, has been called the home of college basketball. The inventor of basketball, James Naismith, if buried in Lawrence and coached the Kansas Jayhawks shortly after he invented the game. The Jayhawks have enjoyed a storied history of success, season-after-season and Allen Fieldhouse boasts one of the greatest home court advantages in the game. If you’re in the area and have any interest in basketball, stopping by for a visit (and even a game if you can get tickets) is a “must”. Attached to Allen Fieldhouse, you will find the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, housing the history of Jayhawk Basketball. The exhibits are fascinating for fans, and even just the general public.

Adjacent to Allen Fieldhouse and the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, you will find the DeBruce Center, whose signature exhibit is a display housing the original rules of basketball, written by James Naismith in 1891. The original rules document was purchased in a Sotheby’s auction in 2010, by KU Alum, David Booth, and brought back to KU to be housed in the DeBruce Center, which was build specifically for this purpose. Definitely a recommended visit for any fan of sports.

University of Kansas

While you’re checking out everything Jayhawk Basketball-related, be sure to take a drive around the University of Kansas campus. It’s been called one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country and boasts buildings made of Kansas limestone, state of the art facilities, as well as a tall, free-standing bell tower called the Memorial Campanile, which houses 53 bells and honors the 277 KU students who lost their lives in World War II.

Be sure to walk down Jayhawk Boulevard, spend some time at Potter’s Lake, and visit my next two recommendations while you’re visiting campus!

Spencer Art Museum

The Spencer Art Museum is a fabulous gem on the KU campus and boasts an extensive collection of all kinds of art. The collection is being rotated constantly and the museum brings in new and exciting exhibits all the time, so just because you’ve been once, doesn’t mean you’ve seen it all.

KU Natural History Museum

The KU Natural History Museum has something for everyone. Housed in Dyche Hall, adjacent to the KU Memorial Union, the museum is home to a marvelous panorama filled with hundreds of North American animals in their natural habitats, Comanche, the horse who was the only living survivor left on the field after the Battle of Little Big Horn, an active bee hive, dinosaur fossils, Bug Town, and newly renovated Grotesques who adorn the exterior of the building. It’s truly worth a stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Downtown Lawrence

Exit Number: 204

Whether your stomach is rumbling and you’re ready for some food, you’re parched and need a good drink, or you’re itching to do some world-class local shopping, Downtown Lawrence has something for you. Massachusetts Street, between 6th Street and 12th Street is a gold mine of amazing restaurants, bars, and local retail stores where you can find some of the best food in Kansas as well as some amazing local brews and quirky local stores and art galleries. Definitely plan to stop for a bite to eat or for an entire afternoon of exploring! Lawrence is my hometown, so I’m also sharing all of my local restaurant recommendations, most of which are located in or very near Downtown Lawrence: - Burger Stand at the Casbah ( map )

- Lawrence Beer Company ( map )

- Limestone Pizza•Kitchen•Bar ( map )

- Free State Brewing Company ( map )

- Merchants Pub & Plate ( map )

- 715 ( map )

- Zen Zero ( map )

- Aladdin Cafe ( map )

- Latchkey Deli ( map )

- Culinaria ( map )

- Decade ( map )

- Cellar Door ( map )

- Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream ( map )

- 1900 Barker Bakery & Cafe ( map )

- The Roost ( map )

Warehouse Arts District

Just a few blocks from Downtown Lawrence, you’ll find the Warehouse Arts District, a collection of galleries filled with gems from local artists. If you’re hungry or thirsty, you can stop by Lawrence Beer Company in between galleries. Definitely check out Cider Gallery , SeedCo , and Art Emergency for art, as well as Lawrence Wine Academy , Decade , and Jungle House Goods for libations, coffee, and incredible house plants.

Watkins Museum of History

Image credit: Explore Lawrence

To learn more about the history of Lawrence, check out Watkins Museum of History, located at 11th & Mass, in Downtown Lawrence. Inside, you can find exhibits about the role of Lawrence in the Civil War and the fight against slavery, as well as an original electric car. The museum was originally a bank, and you can see many of the original building features, including the teller windows, when you visit. It’s a great local museum to visit and learn more about the area.

Moon Marble Company

Exit Number: 224

Location: Bonner Springs, KS ( map )

After you’ve left Lawrence, a fun stop is Moon Marble Company. There, you can find marble making demonstrations and every size and color of marble you could ever dream of. The staff are fun and very friendly and it’s a recommended stop for kids of all ages.

Hollywood Casino

Exit Number: 410

Location: Kansas City, KS ( map )

If you’re into gambling, make a stop at the Hollywood casino to take a chance on the card, slot, or dice game of your choice.

Kansas Speedway

Image credit: Kansas Speedway

If gambling isn’t your thing, maybe you prefer racing. The Kansas Speedway is next door to the Hollywood Casino and hosts NASCAR and other racing events throughout the year. If it’s not your thing though, check the race calendar before planning to spend time in the area. It can get a little crazy on race weekends!

Sporting Kansas City - Children’s Mercy Park

One of Kansas City’s more recent professional sports team additions is Sporting Kansas City, the local Major League Soccer team. Sporting Kansas City has called the Legends area of Kansas City, Kansas home since 2011 and the stadium is truly beautiful. If you’re a soccer fan, definitely check it out!

Kansas City Monarchs - Legends Field

Image credit: Visit Kansas City

The Kansas City Monarchs also call the Legends area of Kansas City, Kansas home. The team is part of the American Association of Professional Baseball and takes their name from the original Negro League Baseball team whose home was Kansas City. Games are always exciting and fun for everyone!

What's Missing?

Above, I’ve shared some of my favorite stops in Kansas, along I-70, but I know I haven’t captured everything that’s out there. Hopefully this list provides some insight about what you can do as you drive across Kansas and helps you plan your travels. You can find a full map of all of the places I’ve included in my list here: Kansas I-70 Recommendations Are you from Kansas? Do you have a favorite that I’ve missed?

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President Biden to visit Tampa on Tuesday

TAMPA, Fla. — President Joe Biden will make a stop in Tampa Tuesday, the White House has announced.

The president will be in the area on Tuesday. Additional details are expected be made available late Monday. 

The Biden campaign is investing more time in Florida, though a Democrat has not won Florida since 2012.

Donald Trump won the state in 2016 and 2020.

Biden's visit will come just weeks after the state Supreme Court energized abortion rights proponents with two rulings : one that paves the way for a six-week abortion ban and another that will give voters the opportunity to repeal the ban as they also cast their vote for president.

Democrats have new hope that a ballot question seeking to preserve abortion rights will put the state back in play as the nation’s largest presidential election swing state.