19 Wonderful Things To Do In Kansas

1. Visit Garden of Eden

One of the top things to do in Kansas city is visit the Garden of Eden in Lucas. This unique attraction is a folk art environment created by Samuel P. Dinsmoor, a Civil War veteran, in the early 1900s. It features concrete sculptures and structures depicting political and social commentary, all set within his former home's garden.

Dinsmoor's artworks include biblical scenes, political satire, and even his own mausoleum, which he designed himself. The Garden of Eden offers visitors a glimpse into one man's creative vision and a fascinating look at early 20th-century outsider art in rural Kansas.

2. Explore the World's Largest Hand-dug Well in Greensburg

Another notable thing to do in Kansas is visit the Big Well in Greensburg, known as the world's largest hand-dug well. Built in 1888, this impressive structure was manually excavated to a depth of 109 feet and a diameter of 32 feet, making it a marvel of engineering from the pioneer era.

The Big Well served as the town's water source until 1932 and has since become a historic landmark and museum. Visitors can explore its depths, learn about its construction, and discover the history of Greensburg through exhibits and artifacts.

3. Descend into an Underground Salt Museum and Mine in Hutchinson

Strataca, located in Hutchinson, is a must-see attraction among the best things to do in Kansas city. It offers visitors a unique underground experience in an active salt mine. Descending 650 feet underground, visitors can explore tunnels and chambers that showcase the history and science of salt mining.

The museum features exhibits on geology, mining equipment, and the daily life of miners. Strataca also provides interactive activities like a train ride through the mine tunnels, making it both educational and exciting for all ages.

It's a fascinating way to learn about Kansas's industrial heritage and the importance of salt mining to the region.

4. Experience the Magic of "The Wizard of Oz" in Wamego

Experience the magic of The Wizard of Oz in Wamego, one of the fun activities in Kansas. The town is home to the OZ Museum, dedicated to all things related to the iconic story and film.

Visitors can explore exhibits filled with memorabilia, artifacts, and interactive displays showcasing the history and impact of The Wizard of Oz.

Wamego also hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration, making it a must-visit destination for fans of Dorothy, Toto, and the Yellow Brick Road. The museum's collection includes rare items and allows visitors to step into the fantastical world that has enchanted audiences for generations.

5. Explore Mushroom Rock State Park

Another fascinating place to see in Kansas is Mushroom Rock State Park near Brookville. This park is known for its unique mushroom-shaped rock formations, which are natural geological wonders sculpted by erosion over millions of years.

These rocks, some as tall as 27 feet, resemble giant mushrooms, hence the park's name. Mushroom Rock State Park provides visitors with a chance to explore these unusual formations and appreciate the forces of nature that created them.

It's a great destination for hiking, photography, and experiencing Kansas's natural beauty up close.

6. Discover a Massive Ball of Twine in Cawker City

One of the intriguing things to visit in Kansas is the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City. Started in 1953 by local farmer Frank Stoeber.

This giant ball of twine has grown over the decades through community contributions. It now weighs several tons and continues to attract visitors from around the world.

The ball is housed in a gazebo where visitors can add their twine to its circumference, contributing to its ongoing growth. The World's Largest Ball of Twine stands as a quirky testament to community spirit and dedication, making it a must-see attraction for anyone passing through Kansas.

7. Explore Space Artifacts and Exhibits in Cosmosphere

One of the standout Kansas sites to see is the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. It's a world-renowned space museum and STEM education center that showcases a vast collection of space artifacts and exhibits. The Cosmosphere features artifacts from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space missions, including the Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft recovered from the ocean floor.

Visitors can explore interactive displays, see actual spacecraft, and learn about the history of space exploration. The museum also houses one of the largest collections of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. The Cosmosphere offers educational programs and immersive experiences, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in space history and technology.

8. Sample BBQ at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

At Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, experiencing their renowned BBQ is a must-see in Kansas. Located in a gas station, this iconic eatery began as a small barbecue joint in Kansas City, Kansas. It gained fame for its mouthwatering smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, all slow-cooked to perfection.

The restaurant's signature dish is the Z-Man sandwich, featuring sliced brisket, smoked provolone cheese, and onion rings on a Kaiser roll. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que has garnered national acclaim, often appearing on lists of the best BBQ spots in America.

Its humble beginnings and dedication to quality have made it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Kansas barbecue flavors.

9. View Towering Chalk Formations in Gove County

Another intriguing attraction in Kansas is Monument Rocks, located in Gove County. These towering chalk formations, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, are natural wonders that rise dramatically from the flat prairie landscape.

Monument Rocks are formed from layers of chalk and limestone that date back millions of years, shaped over time by erosion and weathering. Standing up to 70 feet tall, these formations are not only geologically significant but also serve as a stunning backdrop for photography and exploration.

10. Eat at the Oldest Continuously Operating Hays House Restaurant

This restaurant has a rich history tied to the pioneer days when Council Grove was a vital stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Travelers and pioneers would stop at Hays House for hearty meals and a place to rest during their journeys westward.

The building itself has a rustic charm with its wooden floors and historical artifacts displayed on its walls, giving visitors a sense of stepping back in time.

Today, this restaurants in Kansas City continues to serve classic American cuisine, including its renowned chicken fried steak and homemade pies. This makes it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists exploring the history and flavors of Kansas.

11. See the Cathedral of the Plains in Victoria

The St. Fidelis Church, also known as the Cathedral of the Plains, is a historic church located in Victoria, Kansas. Built by German immigrants in the early 20th century, this church is renowned for its impressive Romanesque architecture and towering spires that dominate the skyline of the small town.

The church's construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1911, using locally quarried limestone, which gives it a distinctive and enduring appearance. Inside, visitors can admire intricate stained glass windows imported from Germany, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints.

12. Learn About the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas, is an important place in American history.

In Topeka, a young girl named Linda Brown couldn't attend the school near her home because she was Black. Her family, along with others, challenged this unfair system in court. The Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education declared that segregating schools by race was unconstitutional, which helped to end racial segregation across the country.

Today, the site includes exhibits and information about this landmark case, showing visitors how this brave fight for equal rights changed the course of American education and civil rights history.

13. Step into the Wild West at Boothill Museum

The Boothill Museum in Dodge City, Kansas, takes visitors back to the Wild West era of the late 1800s. It's a place where you can see what life was like in a frontier town known for its lawlessness and cowboys.

The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell stories of gunfighters, outlaws, and pioneers who shaped the American West. One of its main attractions is the Boot Hill Cemetery, where some of Dodge City's earliest residents, including notable figures from the Wild West, were laid to rest.

14. Explore a Well-preserved Frontier Fort Near Larned

Fort Larned National Historic Site, located near Larned, preserves a well-preserved frontier fort that played a crucial role in American history during the 19th century.

Built in 1859, Fort Larned served as a vital outpost along the Santa Fe Trail, a major trade route connecting Missouri to New Mexico. Its primary purpose was to protect travelers, wagon trains, and freighters from Native American attacks and provide a haven for them.

Here, visitors can explore various restored buildings that give insight into military life on the frontier. These include barracks, officers' quarters, a hospital, and the commanding officer's quarters.

15. Discover Military Aviation History at Combat Air Museum

The Combat Air Museum in Topeka, Kansas, is a place where visitors can learn about the history of military aviation. It features a wide range of aircraft used by the United States Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Army throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Inside the museum, you can see actual planes up close, from fighter jets to bombers, and learn about their roles in different conflicts and missions. Exhibits also include displays of uniforms, equipment, and artifacts that give insight into the lives of the pilots and crews who flew these aircraft.

The museum offers a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to touch some of the aircraft and even climb into cockpits to get a feel for what it was like to fly these machines.

16. Visit Dodge City's Famous Boot Hill Cemetery

Boot Hill Cemetery in Dodge City, Kansas, is a historic burial ground famous for its association with the Wild West era. Boot Hill earned its name because many of its early occupants died violently, often wearing their boots.

The cemetery quickly became known for its graves of outlaws, lawmen, and cowboys who met their ends in gunfights, brawls, or accidents. The graves are marked with simple wooden crosses or stones bearing epitaphs that reflect the harsh and unpredictable life of the frontier.

Today, it stands as a preserved piece of American history, offering insight into the lives and deaths of those who shaped the legend of Dodge City during its most notorious days.

17. Visit a Castle-like Structure at Coronado Heights

Coronado Heights is a special place in Kansas that looks like a castle on top of a hill. It's near a town called Lindsborg. This place is named after a famous explorer named Francisco Vásquez de Coronado.

When you visit Coronado Heights, you can climb up the hill and see amazing views all around. There's a stone castle-like building at the top that people can explore. It's a great spot for picnics and taking pictures because you can see far into the distance.

Many people come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about the history of exploration in Kansas.

18. Visit the Little House on the Prairie

The Little House on the Prairie site near Independence, Kansas, is where Laura Ingalls Wilder, an American author, lived as a child. She wrote a famous series of books based on her experiences growing up on the frontier in the late 1800s.

The books, starting with Little House in the Big Woods, describe her family's pioneer life, including their struggles and adventures. The site itself preserves a reconstructed log cabin similar to the one Laura lived in, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine what life was like for her and her family.

It's a popular destination for fans of her books and anyone interested in American history.

19. Witness a Dramatic Sculpture and River Walk at the Keeper of the Plains

Witnessing a dramatic sculpture and riverwalk is considered one of the best things to do in Kansas Wichita.

The sculpture depicts a Native American warrior holding a sacred ceremonial staff, with feathers representing the four cardinal directions. At night, the Keeper is illuminated by a ring of fire that burns continuously, symbolizing the enduring spirit and presence of the Native peoples of the Great Plains.

The site also features a pedestrian bridge leading to the sculpture, offering stunning views of downtown Wichita Kansas and the rivers.