With its prairie setting, winding Flint Hills, and gorgeous surrounding cities, there is no better place to drive than the scenic Sunflower State! However, when it comes to taking a memorable Kansas drive during these chilly winter months, the best road to take is that of the 77-mile-long Kansas Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway.
...the diverse Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway has proven time and again to be a fun and memorable drive no matter the time of year!
With a whopping 60,000 acres surrounding the Scenic Byway, there is plenty to see during your drive, including the colorful sunrises over the marsh and prairie...
In addition to the incredible nature areas, Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway also runs past seven beautiful small towns including Great Bend, Stafford, and Ellinwood.
When talking to someone not from the area, we often expect a bit of backlash at the idea of larger cities in Kansas. Of course, those of us who have spent much time in the Sunflower State know that we really do have some larger metropolitan regions, just take a look at Overland Park or Wichita! While our cities make for great day trips or weekend destinations, no trip through Kansas is complete without a stop in a great small town... or two, or three. Small towns are the backbone of life in Kansas, and it's our incredible variety of tiny farm towns and small cities that make life here so amazing. If you're looking to explore some of the best small towns in Kansas, we think you'll love the road trip we're featuring today. It will take you through five of our favorite areas of the state that are often overlooked by those visiting the state for the first time.
In all, our full curated road trip requires just under six hours of driving. Of course, if you don't have that much free time, you can always opt to edit the customizable itinerary to fit your schedule better. Make sure you've gathered up all the road trip essentials you might need for your trip before hitting the highway!
Our first stop on this small-town road trip in Kansas is the little town of Atchison. This is one of our favorite day trips in the Sunflower State, and as the birthplace of famed aviator Amelia Earhart, it has immense historical significance. There's a lot to explore here, including the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.
For our next stop, we'll hit up Wamego, population 4,800. Wamego City Park is a wonderful spot that's perfect for a stroll on a warm day. It's home to a historic windmill and has beautiful tulips in the springtime. Other popular attractions include Lincoln Street Lanes and the OZ Museum, both of which are great if you're traveling with kids. The OZ Museum highlights everything from L. Frank Baum's original novels to the Judy Garland film, and even The Wiz.
Our third stop is in Abilene, population 6,500. This charming small town is most famous for being the adopted hometown of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Though he was born in Texas, "Ike" was raised in this former cow town, which is now home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library.
Interested in traveling to Europe but not interested in the expensive travel costs? Luckily, Kansas is home to its own Little Sweden in the darling town of Lindsborg. This town of 3,800 was founded by Swedish immigrants and still has strong ties to the homeland. You'll find colorful Dala horses all over the town, and Hemslojd, Inc. is the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs. It's a great spot to end this small-town road trip - or start it off if you choose to follow the route in reverse!
How many of these small towns in Kansas have you visited? Any others you'd love to see featured in a future article? Share your thoughts in the comments!
There is nothing more special and scenic than a drive through the Sunflower State. This is one of the best ways to explore and admire the beauty and attractions found within Kansas. But, it is easy to feel overwhelmed as you choose the perfect Kansas road trip itinerary. So, that’s where we come in. Below are 11 of our best Kansas road trip ideas. From one-day road trips to routes that take you to some of the best small towns in the Sunflower State, there is something for everyone. So, grab some snacks, fuel up the car, and let’s hit the road and experience some of the best road trips in Kansas!
Route: Cheyenne Bottoms > Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
Distance: 77 miles
Trip Time: 1.5 hours driving time
For a single-day adventure, explore the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway. This 77-mile scenic byway connects two incredible wetlands: Cheyenne Bottoms and the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Not only will you see remarkable views, but you will want to keep your eyes open for all types of wildlife. Plus, you’ll also drive through towns like Hoisington, Great Bend, and St. John.
Route: Mushroom Rock State Park > Lucas > Cheyenne Bottoms > Cedar Bluff State Park
Distance: 260 miles
Trip Time: 4.5 hours driving time
advertisement
This may be one of our favorite road trips through Kansas. Your journey will take you to several of the most scenic destinations in the western part of the state. You’ll visit remarkable attractions like Mushroom Rock State Park, Cheyenne Bottoms, and Monument Rocks Natural Landmark. If you complete this trip in its entirety, be prepared to fall in love with Kansas all over again.
Route: Alcove Springs > Geary State Lake Waterfall > Chase Lake Falls > Cowley Lake Waterfall > Eureka City Lake Falls > Edgerton City Lake Falls > Cedar Creek Falls
Distance: 630 miles
Trip Time: 11 hours driving time
advertisement
The Sunflower State may not be known for its waterfalls but that doesn’t mean you won’t find incredible falls around the state. This road trip will take you to some of the best waterfalls in Kansas including Alcove Springs, Chase Lake Falls, and Cedar Creek Falls. Now, this route will require approximately 11 hours of drive time so we strongly suggest you break this trip up into several days – you won’t want to rush your visit at each waterfall.
Route: Rock City Park, Minneapolis > Mushroom Rock State Park, Brookville > Monument Rocks, Lewis
Distance: 230 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 45 minutes driving time
On this road trip in Kansas, you can visit three of the most spectacular rock formations that the Sunflower State has to offer. This trip is short, requiring less than four hours of drive time, but it is certainly scenic. We suggest breaking this road trip up over a weekend so you can take your time at each stop like Rock City Park in Minneapolis and Mushroom Rock State Park in Brookville. This is one Kansas road trip that is easy, short, and wonderful.
Route: Santa Fe Lake Falls > Beautiful Day Café, Wichita > Dyck Arboretum, Hesston > Coronado Heights Castle, Lindsborg > Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast, Abilene > Geary State Fishing Lake > Deep Creek Waterfall > The Wheel Barrel, Topeka > The Japanese Friendship Garden, Lawrence > Castle Tea Room, Lawrence
Distance: 300 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours driving time
advertisement
Spring is a magical time of year so why not celebrate it on a fairytale road trip? This Kansas road trip itinerary is perfect for a two-day or three-day adventure and will take you to waterfalls, arboretums, and tasty places to eat. This journey is beautiful, scenic, and delicious — it’s magical in every way.
Route: Monument Rocks > Castle Rock > Gypsum Hills > Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area > Konza Prairie > Mushroom Rock State Park
Distance: 770 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours driving time
advertisement
During the hot summer months of the year, get out and explore some of the best natural wonders in Kansas. This 14-hour road trip is long, but you will visit some pretty extraordinary sights like the Gypsum Hills and Konza Prairie. Give yourself plenty of time to discover – you won’t want to rush through this trip at all.
Route: Hiawatha > White Cloud > Atchison > Leavenworth
Distance: 80 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
There is nothing like welcoming in Fall than on a road trip through Kansas to see fall foliage at its peak. This road trip itinerary in the Sunflower State is only two hours and takes you to several destinations where the fall foliage will amaze you including the towns of Hiawatha and Atchison.
Route: Christmas City of the High Plains, WaKeeney > Manhattan Festival of Lights at Blue Earth Plaza, Manhattan > Season of Lights, Wamego > TARC’s Winter Wonderland, Topeka > Paulie’s Penguin Playground, Olathe > David Traylor Zoo, Emporia > Christmas Lights on Gold Street, Wichita > Christmas in Kansas, Wichita
Distance: 740 miles
Trip Time: 12 hours driving time
advertisement
Christmas lights are one of the best ways to enjoy the colder months of the year and on this Christmas lights road trip through Kansas, you will get to see some of the best. This road trip requires approximately 12 hours of drive time, so we recommend spreading this trip into multiple days so you can enjoy each Christmas light display to its fullest. From WaKeeney to Wichita, this is one of the best road trips through Kansas and will put even Scrooge into the holiday spirit.
Route: Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, Topeka > Bonkers, Topeka > OZ Museum, Wamego > Cosmosphere, Hutchinson > Dodge City
Distance: 320 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours driving time
For an adventure with the entire family in tow, check out this Kansas road trip itinerary. This family-friendly adventure will take you to some of the most exciting and entertaining destinations that the Sunflower State has to offer. From outdoor attractions like the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center to the popular Oz Museum, there is something on this trip that every member of the family will love.
Route: World’s Largest Easel, Goodland > Monument Rocks, Scott City > Castle Rock, Gove County > World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City > Coronado Heights Castle, Saline County > Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Distance: 460 miles
Trip Time: 8 hours driving time
advertisement
Kansas may not be the first to come to mind when you think of bucket-list-worthy attractions and landmarks but that doesn’t mean there aren’t incredible places to visit. In fact, this is one of the best Kansas road trips and will take you to six iconic landmarks and natural wonders in the Sunflower State. You’ll see unusual sights like the world’s largest ball of twine and beautiful natural wonders like Castle Rock in Larrabee. It’s one adventure where you’ll always want your camera handy!
Route: Wakeeney > Phillipsburg > Wamego > Council Grove > Cottonwood Falls > Lindsborg > Lucas
Distance: 595 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours driving time
advertisement
If you truly want to experience the charm of the Sunflower State, you must visit some of its most picturesque small towns. This Kansas road trip will take you to several small towns throughout the Sunflower State including Wakeeney, Council Grove, and Lindsborg. With seven charming towns to visit, all with populations less than 5,000, you will get to see what the heart and soul of Kansas is truly all about.
What other Kansas road trip ideas do you have? Do you already have an itinerary? Do you prefer weekend road trips in Kansas or quick road trips in Kansas? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments and don’t forget to include your Kansas road trip map! Looking for even more to explore? Check out our list of some of the best hikes in Kansas:
