The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Kansas That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

When many of us are planning a road trip in Kansas, we have a tendency to overthink it. It’s easy to get caught up in making a minute-by-minute itinerary and feeling the need to have everything perfectly planned out. If you live in the greater Wichita area, there’s really no need to do that, because there’s so many fun destinations within easy driving distance that you can quite easily do a spontaneous weekend road trip near Wichita, KS! We’ve gathered up a few of our favorite spots in a quick and easy road trip that will only take a few days. Check it out:

Google Maps

In all, the trip will require just over two hours of driving and will show you some of the best attractions near Wichita, KS. You can check out the fully customizable map at Google Maps.

Warkentin House, 211 E 1st St, Newton, KS 67114, USA

Warkentin House

We'll start the trip off with a visit to the Warkentin House Museum, a beautiful museum in Newton, KS that was built around 1886. The home retains 80% of its original furnishings and offers a look into the way people lived in the Victorian era - it's a perfect destination for anyone interested in history!

Advertisement

Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS 67212, USA

Sedgwick County Zoo/Facebook

Your next stop is the Sedgwick County Zoo is an AZA-accredited zoo in Wichita, KS that's home to more than 3,000 animals, including plenty of unique exotic species. With giraffes, gorillas, lions, and more, there's certainly plenty to see here.

Advertisement

The Keeper of the Plains, 339 Veterans Pkwy, Wichita, KS 67203, USA

Visit Wichita

Before nightfall, make a stop by The Keeper of the Plains. This 44-foot tall statue is practically the unofficial symbol of Kansas. There's a few informative signs all around the Keeper, and, at night, there's a beautiful fire show that takes place underneath the statue for 15 minutes.

Related Stories

The Friendly Small Town In Kansas That's Perfect For A Summer Day Trip

There's Little Better Than A Weekend Getaway To Lawrence, Kansas

From Dawn To Dusk, Here's The Perfect Overnight Adventure In Overland Park, Kansas

Tracey/Vrbo

By this point, you might be ready to bed down for the night, but if you've come in from out of town, don't worry: we've found the perfect vacation rental for you. This charming Vrbo is designed to be a home away from home. It's tucked away on a one-acre lot in North Wichita and the host strives to keep it as allergen-free as possible so that everyone can enjoy it.

Tracey/Vrbo

The three bedrooms can sleep up to eight guests, and there's 1540 square feet to spread out. There's a great back deck for socializing and relaxing, and you'll enjoy a secluded and calm stay here. For more information or to book a stay, check out the property's Vrbo listing.

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203, USA

Botanica/Facebook

You'll want to get up bright and early the next day, because your first stop is the wonderful Botanica. This is one of the best botanical gardens in Kansas, and it's home to more than 30 themed gardens and exhibits. There are over 4,000 species of plants here, meaning something's often in bloom in the warm months, and with 18 acres to explore, there's something for everyone here. The gardens are also home to dozens of sculptures and several ponds filled with Koi.

El Dorado State Park, 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA

El Dorado, KS

You'll have to drive a little bit to reach our next destination, but don't worry, El Dorado State Park is under an hour away, in Butler County. This is the largest state park in Kansas, with more than 4,000 acres. If you'd like to extend this getaway into a three-day adventure, you can always camp here or stay in one of the cabins. This handicap-accessible park includes the eastern and western shores of the El Dorado Reservoir, giving you plenty of opportunities for fun on the water.

Advertisement

Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E Central Ave, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA

Michael Mcclenning/Google Reviews

We'll end our trip with a visit to the Kansas Oil Museums. It's one of the biggest museums in Kansas, and has tons of exhibits about the oil industry in Kansas, which was booming from the late 1850s to the late 1940s. There are both indoor and outdoor displays here, and it's a surprisingly interesting place for kids and adults alike.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to hit the road! Gas up the car and get those playlists ready!