Kansas has received a reputation as being a "boring flyover state" and do you know what? I can see why; but hear me out! If you have only seen the great Sunflower State via I-70, there is a good chance that you were in too big of a hurry to take in the beautiful scenery and to see what our state is REALLY about. Whether you live here or are an out-of-towner, the following hidden gems in Kansas are ones that you need to see to understand how special our state truly is:
Located near McPherson State Fishing Lake, this 2,560-acre sanctuary is home to some of the few remaining wild buffalo herds, as well as elk and other prairie animals. Hop on the tram to see the refuge's beauty for yourself!
He may be green and terrifying (and he may or may not try to eat you), but the Wichita Troll - who is located underground at 777 W Central Ave - is one of those "WTF" things that everyone should see.
Believe it or not, this intricate sculpture was carved entirely of Italian marble by John Milburn Davis after his wife's passing in 1930. (Dear Husband, I hope you are reading this as I fully expect you to commemorate me in the same way!)
Sure, Clinton Lake is great for camping and water sports, but the reason we are talking about it today is because it is truly one of the best spots in the state to catch one of our stunning sunsets...
Why spend all that money traveling to the Grand Canyon when Kansas has an iconic canyon of its own? Welcome to the Arikaree Breaks; the virtually unknown badlands that feature a dramatic 2 1/2 mile break that was created by water some 10,000 years ago.
Carousels are full of childhood nostalgia and whimsy, which makes the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (which shows visitors how these rides are made and operated) a fun outing for everyone in the family.
Everyone knows about Abilene's famed Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, but did you know that the town is also home to the equally impressive Greyhound Hall of Fame, which features fascinating displays to peruse and real-life greyhounds to pet and love?
Also known as the Red Hills, the Gypsum Hills are a unique area that feature rolling hills, ancient floodplains, canyons, and a distinct rust color that has to be seen firsthand to be appreciated.
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9. J.R. Dickerman's Open Range Zoo (Lincoln County)
Don't you just love how talented our natives are? Grassroots artist Jim Dickerman is no exception and shares his larger-than-life visions (including dragons, bugs, and more) with those traveling along the highways of Lincoln County.
Check out this delightful video to find out what to expect from this unique work of public art:
You have heard of (and have maybe even visited) the impressive Oz Museum in Wamego; now check out the equally fun and vibrant Dorothy's House & Land of Oz, which features fun sets, memorabilia, and even tours offered by Dorothy herself!
No matter the time of year, the Drinkwater & Schriver Flour Mill historic and picturesque mill, that once served as a production plant for both corn and wheat flowers, is guaranteed to offer you a tranquil afternoon escape.
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Discover even more Kansas goodness by visiting These jaw-dropping places in Kansas that will blow you away! Need somewhere to stay while you're here? Check out the offerings from our friends at Booking.com!
What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Kansas? Let us know!
All 50 states have their own Capitol buildings, but the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka is a little more unique than most. Did you know this is the only U.S. state Capitol building where tourists are able to walk around the dome to view the city? As you can imagine, this offers up some pretty incredible views, and it's no wonder that this historic building is one of the most popular things to do in Topeka, KS. It's a beautiful piece of architecture and the views offered up by a walk along the dome are unbelievably stunning.
The Kansas State Capitol building houses the state's executive and legislative branches. Previous capitol buildings were constructed in the 1800s when the state was still a territory in both Lecompton and Topeka.
This is an impressive building. At 304 feet high, it's actually a little taller than the United States Capitol (though the dome is a good bit smaller in diameter).
Ever wondered about the statue up top? It was added in 2002 and depicts a member of the Kansa tribe pointing an arrow up at the North Star. Its name is Ad Astra, a reflection of the sttate motto Ad Astra Per Aspera ("to the stars through difficulty").
A visit here is fascinating and quite informative, and one of the highlights is undoubtedly a trip up to the top of the dome. You'll have to climb 296 steps from the fifth floor to the top to get there, but the views are definitely worth it.
It's so hard to believe it, but fall in Kansas is here once again. There's nothing quite like autumn in the Sunflower State, and those on the hunt for fun Kansas fall activities won't have any trouble finding a multitude of adventures. There's so much to do here that the entire family can enjoy, whether you love leaf-peeping road trips or checking out the best pumpkin patches in Kansas. If you're the type to start Googling "fall activities near me" the second we start getting those first few crisp mornings, you're certainly in luck here in Kansas. We've gathered up some of our favorite things to do in Kansas in the fall, and if you're ready to discover some fun autumn activities, scroll on down!
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Kansas Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Kansas For Fall Foliage
For many, checking out Kansas fall foliage is one of the best things to do in the fall in Kansas. The yellows, oranges, and reds that dot the landscape are such a beautiful hue and make the season incredibly magical. When do leaves change color in Kansas? The weather here can be unpredictable at times, but in general, you can expect to see Kansas at peak color from mid-October through early November. Keep in mind that the northern portions of the state tend to see their brightest colors a week or two before the southern climes.
Wow Factor: This state park has over 400 acres of woodland, so there's plenty of trees to admire.
Need to Know: You'll need to purchase a $5 vehicle permit for a daily visit.
Eisenhower State Park near Topeka is a beautiful place with tons of family-friendly activities, and it's even more stunning in the fall. There's quite a lot of forested areas here, which, of course, means lots of changing leaves in the autumn. This park is also home to numerous wildlife species, and the crisp fall days are a perfect time to see critters like deer and birds out and about.
Wow Factor: This historic botanical garden is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Kansas. It's perfect for sitting and reflecting, or taking a stroll through nature.
Need to Know: Note that the park closes for the season on November 10, 2024. Admission is $10 per person and the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bartlett Arboretum might seem like an odd choice for a fall activity in Kansas. Many of us only think to head out to botanical gardens during the warm months, when the flowers are in bloom and there's color everywhere. However, Bartlett Arboretum has all kinds of gems, no matter the season, and many of the trees here transform in the fall, showing off jeweled hues that are just as gorgeous as spring's blossoms.
Wow Factor: There's so much to see in this area, and plenty of spots to stop in for a meal or a bit of entertainment.
Need to Know: Keep an eye out for the Riverwalk Troll during your stroll!
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The Wichita Riverwalk is one of the most beautiful areas in the city, and clear proof that you don't have to head way out into the boonies to see great fall foliage in Kansas. There's so much to enjoy here, from the magnificent Keeper of the Plains statue to the Exploration Place science museum, and kids and adults alike will enjoy all the sights here. The paved surface is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, and you'll find plenty of benches for resting the little ones' legs.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Kansas
Many families love the annual tradition of exploring a pumpkin patch in Kansas. These charming little farms offer up a peek into just how vital agriculture is here in the Sunflower State. There are often tons of other fun activities going on at Kansas pumpkin farms, giving you added bonuses like corn mazes and seasonal food. If you're looking for the best pumpkin patches in Kansas, check out a few of our favorites:
Wow Factor: This great farm offers up year-round fun, and fall is one of the best seasons to visit.
Need to Know: The farm's fall festivities start on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
This is one of the best pumpkin patches near Kansas City, and there's plenty for every member of the family to enjoy. With 40 acres set up and more than 60 attractions, there's a ton to see! A paid admission ticket is required for entry, but kids under two years are free. Adults can enjoy delicious food and wine slushies, and the little ones will love the fun games and fair rides.
Wow Factor: New activities pop up each year, and this year features additional carnival games and a singing tractor.
Need to Know: This year's season runs from September 21-November 1, 2024.
The Walters Farm offers up some of the best fall activities near Wichita, chief of which is the 30-acre u-pick pumpkin patch. There are tons of games for kids here, and the whole family will love riding the haywagon out to the pumpkin patch. General admission tickets include access to dozens of fun attractions, and tokens are available for purchase if you'd like to enjoy additional activities like gem mining or animal feed for the petting zoo.
Wow Factor: This family-owned farm offers up a variety of unique-looking pumpkins that you won’t find elsewhere.
Need to Know: This year’s dates are September 30-October 30, 2024.
You don’t have to head to our rural areas for fall fun in the Sunflower State. You’ll find Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch right in Lawrence, KS. This 28-acre patch has free admission and offers u-pick pumpkins, with many sizes and varieties available.
Wow Factor: In addition to the u-pick pumpkins, there’s also a corn maze here, too.
Need to Know: The season may vary some based on weather, but typically, you can pick pumpkins here from early September through the end of October.
Cottage Lane Pumpkin Patch offers up plenty of fall fun in a rural setting near Hays, KS. Activities may vary depending on the day, but you can often find a hayride, farm animals, and more. The farm store has homemade candles and other goods for sale, so don’t miss out.
Best Fall Festivals In Kansas
Festivals can be enjoyed at any time of year in the Sunflower State, but fall is peak time for many cities to host fun events. These fall festivals in Kansas definitely belong on your to-do list:
Wow Factor: This is one of the biggest annual events in Overland Park, and it’s great fun for the whole family.
Need to Know: This year’s festival runs from September 27-28, 2024.
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The Overland Park Fall Festival is a wonderful way to welcome in the season. This event takes place in downtown Overland Park and features over 75 craft vendors, live entertainment, music, great food, and plenty of activities for the kids. This may be one of the state’s largest cities, but it’s festivals like this that make the area feel like a tightly-knit small community.
Wow Factor: The event that would eventually become the Kansas State Fair was first held in 1873!
Need to Know: This year’s state fair runs from September 6-15, 2024.
I just love a good fair - there’s nothing like it to usher out summer and welcome in the fall. When it comes to fairs in Kansas, it doesn’t get any bigger or better than the magical Kansas State Fair. This massive event features livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food, contests, live entertainment, and so much more. There's something for the entire family to enjoy here, and it's a wonderful outing.
Wow Factor: The festival takes place during homecoming weekend at Fort Hays State University, meaning that this is quite the fun party atmosphere. It’s one of the largest Oktoberfests in Kansas.
Need to Know: This year’s Oktoberfest in Hays, KS runs from October 4-5, 2024.
The annual Hays Oktoberfest takes place in Municipal Park, in the south end of downtown. With live music, eating contests, plenty of beer, and, of course, lots of tasty German eats, there’s something for everyone at this fun event.
Wow Factor: This is one of our favorite small-town festivals in Kansas.
Need to Know: This year’s event will be held October 26, 2024.
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Looking for a fall activity that’s full of that charming sense of community that's tough to find outside of a small town? Check out the little city of Fall River, population 500. The Little River Fall Festival is held each year on the last Saturday in October. The entire city gets together for family-friendly fun, with a car show, craft fair, beer garden, kids’ games, live music, and so much more. It may lack the size of some of the state’s more metropolitan affairs, but it’s so much fun and a great way to experience small-town Kansas.
Wow Factor: This is one of the best renaissance fairs in America, and there’s something for everyone here.
Need to Know: This year’s event is scheduled weekends from August 31-October 14, 2024.
If you want to take a trip back in time to medieval Europe (but without the plague and lack of indoor plumbing), a visit to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival might be right up your alley. This event’s been going strong for almost 50 years and attracts nearly 200,000 guests each year. Performers, food, and artisans selling their wares are all on hand to make this one of the most special events of late summer and fall in the Sunflower State.
Free & Cheap Kansas Fall Activities
Times are tough right now, but it's important to remember that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to make family memories. There are plenty of fun things to do in Kansas in the fall that won't cost a fortune. If you're looking for affordable Kansas fall activities that won't break the bank, here are a few ideas to get you started:
Wow Factor: This is a stunning state and there are great trails no matter where you’re located. You’ll find everything from long hikes that take all day to quick afternoon jaunts that are perfect for heading out with the kids.
Need to Know: AllTrails is a wonderful resource for those looking to explore the state on foot. You can even sign up for a free trial of AllTrails+, which will give you downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions.
Whether you’re visiting our sprawling state parks or going for a stroll at a city green space, there’s no shortage of places to explore here. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while admiring the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Kansas.
Wow Factor: Many only think to spend time on or by the water in the summertime, so the crowds are much lighter during the off months. It makes for such a pleasant experience if you're interested in getting in touch with nature.
Need to Know: Note that lifeguards typically aren't on duty after Labor Day, so if you decide to take a cold-weather dip, be careful!
We may not be by the ocean's coast, but there are so many great lakes in Kansas to enjoy. Whether you love to simply stroll along the shoreline or want to be out in a boat, there's no reason to not put on a sweater and head out to the water this fall. If anything, the lakes here are even more beautiful when surrounded by foliage.
Wow Factor: Did you know Kansas annually harvests around 35,000 acres of sunflowers each year?
Need to Know: Not all sunflower fields are open to the public, so make sure to verify before heading out to take photos at a farm.
Sunflowers typically start blooming in August and some varieties hit their peak closer to October. That makes them the perfect early fall activity in Kansas. Our Sunflower State nickname is quite apt, as we are the sixth-largest sunflower producer in the nation. There are plenty of great sunflower fields all over Kansas, with many offering up fun activities like u-pick flowers or even mini fall festivals.
Have you gotten started on your Kansas fall bucket list? Share your family traditions in the comments!
