Road trips in Kansas often focus on the eastern side of the state, where our larger cities are. They’re certainly great and worthy of exploration, but we also have plenty of incredible rural gems that deserve a visit. We’ve put together a rural road trip in Kansas that will take you to some of our favorite countryside spots in the less-populated half of our state. So, if you’re ready, let’s gas up the car and venture out on one of the best road trips in Kansas. Check it out:

Google Maps
The entire drive is just under 3.5 hours. You'll be traveling through western Kansas. Check out the itinerary on Google Maps - it's customizable, so add or remove stops if you like.

1. Glen Elder State Park, Glen Elder, KS

road trip in Kansas
Glen Elder State Park, 2131 180 Rd, Glen Elder, KS 67446, USA
Jim Hoffheins/Google Maps
Your first stop is the massively underrated Glen Elder State Park. This place spans 13,000 acres and is nestled along the north shore of Waconda Lake. There are great opportunities here for camping, fishing, swimming, or just frolicking on the sandy beach.

2. World's Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, KS

road trip in Kansas
World's Largest Ball of Twine, 719 Wisconsin St, Cawker City, KS 67430, USA
Jay T. Robinson/Google Maps
It may seem like a strange thing for there to be debate over, but it's a contentious title as to which ball of twine is the world's largest. You'll find the largest ball of sisal twine built by a community in Cawker City, Kansas. The ball was originally created by one man with a vision, who built a ball of twine with an 11-foot diameter and passed away in 1974. The city built an open-air gazebo to display the mighty ball, and each August, the annual Twine-a-thon is held. More twine is added to the ball by citizens of this devoted small town. The ball now measures more than 18,000 pounds, with a circumference of more than 41 feet!

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3. S. P. Dinsmoor's Garden of Eden, St, Lucas, KS

S. P. Dinsmoor's Garden of Eden, 305 E 2nd St, Lucas, KS 67648, USA
semper crescis/Google Maps
Your next stop is the Garden of Eden. This is one of the strangest places you can go in Kansas. The place was once the home of a Civil War veteran who devoted his life to creating biblical and political art. You can take a guided tour of the sculpture park and even see the body of the artist himself - his will stated that he should be laid to rest in a glass coffin and put on display in his home.

4. Grassroots Art Center, St, Lucas, KS

Grassroots Art Center, 213 S Main St, Lucas, KS 67648, USA
Seth Tones/Google Maps
The town of Lucas is a true delight and we recommend staying a while if you've got the time. Another great spot to stop here is the Grassroots Art Center. This museum focuses on folk art by self-taught artists.

5. Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, Dodge City, KS

Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, 603 5th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, USA
Portia Davenport/Google Maps
Your final stop on this rural road trip in Kansas is the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame in Dodge City. This is the first institution of its kind in the country. It focuses on honoring past and present teachers who have made a difference in the lives of Kansas children. The building is also home to the Famous Gunfighters' Wax Museum, which houses plenty of creepy wax figures of various Wild West celebrities.

Check out this fun YouTube video by explorers Hudson and Emily highlighting some cool sights on their road trip in Kansas.

Do you have any other spots in the Sunflower State that you think belong on a rural road trip in Kansas? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Also, before you cruise the highways, check out our article with some great ideas for the best snacks to pack for a road trip. 

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More to Explore

Road Trip In Kansas

Melanie J. | December 01, 2023

What are some more road trips in Kansas that you recommend?

From chasing waterfalls to exploring abandoned places, these are the best road trips in Kansas that belong on your bucket list:

 

Be sure to read our previous article with more information about these road trips in Kansas. 

What are some cool day trip ideas in Kansas?

If you’re searching for some cool day trip ideas in Kansas, then we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best day trip ideas that you will love. 

  • Get Your Kicks On Route 66
  • Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, Cheyenne
  • Abilene & Smoky Valley Excursion Train, Abilene
  • Historic Council Grove
  • Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, Overland Park
  • Butcher Falls, Summit
  • Sweet Streams Lavender, Bucyrus
  • Webster State Park, Stockton
  • Timber Ridge Adventure Center, Olathe

 

Here’s an article featuring more information about these day trip ideas in Kansas.

What are some of the best roadside attractions in Kansas?

Here are some of the best roadside attractions in Kansas that belong on your list:

  • Thomas P. "Boston" Corbett Dugout, Concordia
  • Museum of Odd, Lawrence
  • Freedom Park: Atomic Cannon, Junction City
  • The Lessman Farm & Truckhenge, Topeka
  • M.T. Liggett's Political Sculptures, Mullinville
  • Rock City, Minneapolis
  • Wheat Liberty Bell, Goessel
  • Dorothy's House & Land of Oz, Liberal
  • Big Well Museum, Greensburg

 

Discover more by reading our previous article about these quirky roadside attractions in Kansas.

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