Kansas
Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Walk Through This 37.5-Acre Garden And 1,500 Varieties Of Flowers For The Most Beautiful Day Trip In Kansas

Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee offers a stunning day trip with over 1,200 varieties of flowers and scenic views.

Published Jul 28, 2021

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

As Kansans, we know that the Sunflower State is one of the most beautiful in the entire country. There are countless attractions located all across the state that are simply awe-inspiring. The Ted Ensley Gardens, located on the west side of Lake Shawnee, is one of these enchanting areas and it makes for the most beautiful day trip in Kansas.

The Ted Ensley Gardens is one area of Lake Shawnee that you will not want to leave. As you walk around this 37.5-acre garden, you’ll capture some amazing views of the lake and surrounding areas.

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Christian Marie Gordon/Google

Bring your camera on this day trip in Kansas. On this beautiful adventure, you’ll walk through a sea of color. There are more than 1,200 varieties of perennial flowers grown in this garden.

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Marcus Lee/Google

Make sure you take the time to stop and smell the roses! As you explore this garden, you'll see more than 300 varieties of annuals, roses, shrubs, and trees as well.

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Paved walking paths will take you to every corner of the Ted Ensley Gardens in Kansas. The paved paths make it easy for strollers, wheelchairs, and young children to explore and enjoy the area.

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Norma Loura/Google

There are more than just fragrant flowers around this beautiful garden in Kansas. There are also many places to relax and connect with nature.

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Christian Marie Gordon/Google

You will find several bridges — both large and small — in the garden, helping you cross over the various ponds and water features. There is something unique and lovely everywhere you turn.

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Pack a lunch and sit at one of the picnic areas or on a large patch of grass. It will be a difficult challenge to find a more stunning place to enjoy a meal.

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Bring a book or just enjoy a little quiet as you spend a little time sitting on one of the many benches that are located around the gardens.

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No matter where you go in the Ted Ensley Gardens in Kansas, you'll find beauty.

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To learn more about the Ted Ensley Gardens, click here. Have you ever visited this garden area near Lake Shawnee? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!

Are you planning a trip to Lake Shawnee soon? Read our article to learn more about what this incredible man-made lake has to offer.

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

This Budget-Friendly Day Trip Destination In Kansas The Entire Family Will Enjoy

Published Jul 1, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

I think we'd all love to splurge on a four-figure vacation every now and again, but times are tough and that's not always possible. If you're looking to save a buck, a day trip might be a great option for you. Not having to deal with the cost of overnight lodging is a huge money saver, and if you live in the Sunflower State, there are so many great places within easy driving distance! One of our favorite budget day trips in Kansas is the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, KS. This is not only one of the best museums in Kansas - it's one of the top space museums in the whole country. Best of all, admission is under $30 per person - the exact price depends on what add-ons you choose. During the summer, there are often deals where kids can get in for free or at a deeply discounted rate, saving families even more money. Check this place out:

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Cosmosphere was opened in 1962 and is one of the world's largest space museums. It's home to an amazing 13,000 spaceflight artifacts.

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Cosmosphere/Google Reviews

You'll find all kinds of treasures here, with both Russian and American artifacts on display dating all the way back to the 1940s.

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Cosmosphere/Google Reviews

There are five venues here, including interactive areas for kids of all ages and a 4K theater.

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This is truly one of the best museums in Kansas, and the exhibits do a great job of making science accessible to even young children.

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Adnan Khalil/Google Reviews

Space travel is such a fascinating topic that it can interest just about anyone, and if you've ever found yourself curious about what lies beyond our night skies, a visit to Cosmosphere is a must.

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At only an hour away from Wichita, it's a centrally-located spot that is easily accessible for many Kansas residents.

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For more information about this great space museum in Hutchinson, KS, check out the Cosmosphere website. You can also find deals and upcoming events on the Cosmosphere Facebook page.

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Looking for the perfect place to stay in Hutchinson, KS? Extend your day trip into a whole weekend and consider a stay at the Santa Fe Boxcar. It's one of the most unique Vrbo properties in Kansas!

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Just 30 Minutes From Kansas City, Prairiefire Is The Perfect Kansas Day Trip Destination

Prairiefire in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a unique day trip experience with a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping.

Updated Apr 25, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Looking for a day trip in Kansas? We have plenty of attractions here. Beautiful state parks, wonderful historic sites, charming small towns in Kansas…the Sunflower State really has it all! One spot that we’re especially fond of is Prairiefire. This shopping center is about half an hour away from Kansas City, and we know it sounds weird to call a shopping center a “day trip.” But trust us, this isn’t like your typical shopping center! In fact, it’s one of our favorite things to do in Overland Park.

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Prairiefire is a 60-acre mixed-use development in Overland Park that's like a miniature town all on its own.

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The area's most popular attraction is the Museum at Prairiefire, one of the best natural history museums in Kansas.

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Museum at Prairiefire/Google Maps

This is a great family-friendly destination with 42,000 square feet of educational opportunities. There are permanent and rotating exhibits, virtual reality experiences, and more.

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Pinstripes is a neat entertainment venue at Prairiefire. Here, you'll find a bocce court, an indoor bowling area, an outdoor patio, and delicious food.

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There are plenty of other great spots to get food at Prairiefire, though. We love Rock and Brews, a chain co-owned by Gene Simmons, the lead singer of KISS. It's a great place to grab some delicious food and a beer.

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Chicken 'N Pickle is great fun. Here, you can stuff yourself with wood-fired chicken while playing pickleball and other lawn games like Connect Four and cornhole.

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Prairiefire truly has everything! You can even catch a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theatre on site.

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That's not even touching on all the great shops that are here. Prairiefire is a fantastic day trip in Kansas that provides ample opportunities for entertainment, dining, and more!

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Prairiefire

Want some more fun things to do near Prairiefire in Overland Park? Be sure to check out this YouTube video by  City Travel Review:

https://youtu.be/u5eR2dIfcCE

For more information, including a full list of tenants, check out the Prairiefire website.

If you're looking for a great place to stay near Prairiefire in Overland Park, check out this amazing Vrbo vacation rental.

Have you ever visited Prairiefire? Share your experiences in the comments! And if you’re searching for family-friendly activities in Kansas, check out this previous article listing state parks in Kansas great for glamping.

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