When it comes to great Kansas attractions, there might not be many that come to mind. However, these 11 places will leave you waiting for your next vacation! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Good news, it's all of the above! Here in Kansas, we dream to explore everything around us. Let's take a look.
If you find yourself in the northeast, you might want to stop by Westmoreland, Kansas to see this important place of United States history. Hundreds of thousands of people used this trail to travel west in search of new land and new homes. If you're curious, there are also other markers as well as small grave markers in the area as well. To think we used to walk from one side of the continent to the other!
In a 140-year-old house standing in Atchinson, Kansas, one of history's greats was born. Amelia Earhart, America's first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, was born and raised in this very home. The museum makes you go back in time as they walk through the life of our beloved pilot.
In Salina, Kansas, the Rolling Hills Wilkdlife Center is a fantastic addition to any nature lover's bucket list. It features both live animals and stuffed displays that show the diversity and relationships between the world's fauna. Plus, zoos will always be one of the kids' favorite places!
Who doesn't love both learning and fun? The Exploration Place in Wichita, Kansas leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to educational playtime. The waterfront center houses both static and traveling exhibits, including dinosaurs! You and your kids are sure to have a great time getting hands-on at this fun-filled facility!
You may have thought about flying like a bird, but have you considered flying like a rocket? The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas takes flight and science to the next level in this space-themed museum. Just take a look at what's hanging from the ceiling!
Maybe you’re tired of hearing the same old lines repeated from your out-of-state friends, but this museum is sure to renew your delight with the magical world of Oz! Pulling stories from the original written novel, the 1939 film we all know so well, and even Wicked, there's plenty for every age to enjoy.
If you follow the path outside the Exploration Place, down the river is the ever powerful figure called the Keeper of the Plains. Fire drums are lit nightly, to the excitement of those who have gathered here, where they can also learn about the Native way of life.
At 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide, this hand-dug well certainly is very large. Before the devastating tornado in 2007, the well was one of the only things the little town of Greensburg, Kansas had to offer, but now the rebuilt town has vowed to be as green as possible. It is Greensburg, after all!
In Gove county, Kansas, there is a breathtaking chalk structure standing alone in the middle of nowhere. Rich in fossils (and photo opportunities), this series of natural stone structures is only a stone’s throw away compared to the Grand Canyon. Gorgeous scenery right here at home, sounds good to me!
If you're into classic American attractions, there's definitely a big one here in Cawker City, Kansas. Sitting at over 20 thousand pounds, and over 8 million feet of sisal twine was used to create this gentle giant. No cats allowed!
When the county asked Ron Lessman to "pick up" his trucks off his lawn, he decided to take them literally! With pieces made from old trucks, boats, and even a bus, this man has made his yard a political statement. He also uses the space to display other large sculptures he's created. Make sure to give him a call before visiting though. You want to make sure he's home first!
If you still think Kansas has little to offer, look no further! These 11 attractions are some of the best things to do in the state. Did your favorite make the list? To find more great places to visit, check out 11 of the most bizarre roadside attractions in Kansas.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Summer in Kansas... there's nothing like it, is there? With such a huge variety of things to do, it's easy to become overwhelmed, but we're here to remind you that it's okay to just stick to the basics. Everyone needs a summer bucket list in Kansas, and we're here to help you plan yours! We've gathered up a few of our must-visit spots for warm weather months in the Sunflower State. Check them out:
Modern life can be quite hectic, but a visit to an old-school county fair feels like a step back in time. No matter where you are in the Sunflower State, there are fun old-school fairs being held throughout the summer and early fall months, and all are worthy of a visit.
There are 28 state parks in Kansas, and each is worthy of exploration. I love getting out and hiking! It's a wonderful way to get exercise while seeing the beauty that surrounds us in the Sunflower State. Check out our friends at AllTrails to learn more about some of the state's best hikes.
Yes, they do still exist! Many people aren't aware that you can still enjoy this old-fashioned activity, but we actually have quite a few drive-in theaters in Kansas. Whether you're catching a new release or want to view a special showing of an older classic, it's a fun treat that the whole family can enjoy.
Summer is great, but those high temperatures can get pretty old after a while! If you're looking for a fun way to cool off, you're in the right spot, because we have so many amazing water parks in Kansas.
Here in Kansas, we're always looking for an excuse to celebrate just about anything, and you'll find plenty of summer festivals where you can do just that. One of our favorites is the 10-day Dodge City Days, centered around western heritage and cowboy culture. There are tons of great festivals held all over the state from Memorial Day to Labor Day that are worthy of a visit.
In the summer months, many of us are anxious to spend time outdoors, but it can get pretty hot. One of my favorite indoor attractions is to check out a museum in Kansas. Admission prices are often very reasonable (sometimes even free!), and it's a great educational outing that the whole family can enjoy, all in the pleasure of air conditioning.
We are the Sunflower State, after all! No summer in Kansas is complete without a visit to a beautiful sunflower farm. There's something about these charming flowers that just brightens up your day. They're one of the best parts of late summer and early fall. A visit to Grinter's Sunflower Farm is an annual tradition for many Kansans seeking great photo ops, but there are quite a few wonderful sunflower fields all over Kansas.
I've always thought of a road trip as the quintessential American vacation, and there are certainly plenty of great road trips in Kansas waiting to be enjoyed. Whether you're looking for a quick-and-easy afternoon journey or want to spend a few days exploring large swaths of the state, there's so much to love about the joy of just hitting the highway and adventuring.
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What's on your summer bucket list in Kansas? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Remember, fun in the sun is great, but it can also be harmful on your skin. Always apply a high quality sunscreen when heading outside, especially in the summer months.
