10 Things to do in Kansas That You Shouldn't Miss

June 18, 2021 Timmy Ribble

See a buffalo up close, live like a cowboy for a day on a working cattle ranch or visit a stagecoach stop on the Sante Fe Trail are just a few of the many vacation experiences possible in this state in America’s heartland. You’ll love the wide-open spaces and the opportunities to engage in a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences in this marvelous state, which has the largest segment of true tallgrass prairie remaining in the U.S. Regardless of where you visit: a major metropolitan area like Kansas City, a college town like Manhattan or Lawrence or engaging places like Wichita, Dodge City and Salina, there are a wide array of attractions and sights nearby. If you want to familiarize yourself with cowboy culture, visit the Boot Hills Museum in Dodge City, dine on all-you-can-eat barbeque and hear songs of the American Cowboy at Diamond W Chuckwagon Supper in Wichita or explore the Dickinson County Heritage Center in Abilene, which has dance halls, gaming rooms and 32 saloons. For outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching and other activities, three of the state’s most popular parks are: Cheney State Park near Wichita; Scott State Park near Scott City and Tuttle Creek State Park near Manhattan.
Restaurants in Kansas

1. Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221-7803 +1 913-897-2360 [email protected] http://www.opkansas.org/Things-to-See-And-Do/Deanna-Rose-Childrens-Farmstead
Excellent
86%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 851 reviews

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

Reviewed By homesbyteresa - Overland Park, United States

This is such a family fun place to spend the day. There are sp many things to do and animals to see. My grandkids love feeding and petting the goats, hayride, driving pedal tractors, milking the cows, fishing, exploring and playing at the awesome playgrounds. There are too many fun things to do to mention them all. You will want to spend time checking it out. Bring your lunch and have a picnic.

2. Children's Mercy Park

1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111-1702 +1 913-912-7600 http://www.sportingkc.com/stadium
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 345 reviews

Children's Mercy Park

Reviewed By mattmX4628UL

The two previous games we attended were live action in person, and Sporting won both times. This time was a little different, but still enjoyable. As an affiliate of the MLS team, we were in town for an All-Star weekend and allowed to watch the team's season opener (which was actually in NY) in the stadium on the big screen. The drum team was not present (which would normally create a lot of enthusiasm in the fans) but it was still a fun time. It was actually kind of nice not having the big crowd this time. Kansas City is now 3-0 in the three games we have attended.

3. Evel Knievel Museum

2047 SW Topeka Blvd At Historic Harley-Davidson, Topeka, KS 66612-1462 +1 785-215-6205 [email protected] http://evelknievelmuseum.org
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 401 reviews

Evel Knievel Museum

The Evel Knievel Museum showcases an incredible collection of authentic artifacts that belonged to the most legendary, death-defying daredevil of all time! Experience Knievel’s life and journey to record-setting, super-stardom! The 2-story 13,000 sq ft Evel Knievel Museum features: • Evel’s motorcycles – the bikes that launched a legend • Knievel’s genuine leathers and helmets • “Big Red,” Knievel’s fully-restored Mack Truck • Evel’s personal and never-before-seen memorabilia INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS: • Virtual Reality 4-D Jump Experience • Broken Bones Interactive, including Evel’s actual X-rays • “Plan Your Jump” Interactive Challenge • Engine & Suspension Interactive • Snake River Experience Room featuring Knievel’s actual X-2 Sky Cycle

Reviewed By 786clifft

I have to tell you this is an absolute MUST DO. I never knew how much me and Evel had in common. The museum is unbelievable. The layout is perfect. I stumbled across it by way of the BBQ spot that is attached to the Harley dealership the museum is attached to. Well the BBQ was off the hook, the bikes were BA and then we found the museum. WOW. You have got to do the jump. Check it out. Pro tip: Don't lean to far in the turns.... In a word it was awesome. worth every penny!

4. Boot Hill Museum

500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801-4350 +1 620-227-8188 [email protected] http://www.boothill.org
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,027 reviews

Boot Hill Museum

The exciting and unique story of early Dodge City is told daily along Front Street at Boot Hill Museum. The museum chronicles the establishment of a rough and rowdy cattle town known as Dodge City. The museum is located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery and highlights the glory days as Queen of the Cowtowns with creative, lively, interactive displays and activities the entire family will enjoy. Boot Hill Museum is open all year long where you can belly up to the bar for a cold sarsaparilla, enjoy some of grandma’s homemade fudge in the General Store or take home a lasting memento of your old west experience from the Boot Hill gift shop. During the summer months, children’s activities, gunfight reenactments, country-style dinners and the Long Branch Variety Show provides entertainment like none other! Cool off in the Beatty and Kelley Ice Cream Parlor before you become a character of the past in an Old West Photo.

Reviewed By L3037GPheatherm - Hawaii, United States

Well done museum ....we really enjoyed walking around...very informative Great place to learn history of Dodge ..great for all ages We enjoyed the live gunfight show Great gift shop ..something for everyone Don’t miss if you go to Dodge city

5. Botanica: The Wichita Gardens

Wichita, KS 67203 +1 316-264-0448 [email protected] http://www.botanica.org/
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 722 reviews

Botanica: The Wichita Gardens

Located in Sim Park, this gorgeous patch of cultivated flora offers themed gardens such as the Butterfly Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Rose and Wildflower Garden and the award-winning Sally Stone Sensory Garden, plus special programs for children.

Reviewed By AIbin0 - Tarrant, United States

I was traveling from out of state on a whim and out of all the places I was hoping to see while in Wichita, The Botanical Gardens was at the top of my list. To be frank, I've never actually been to a Botanical Gardens before, but the one here is absolutely gorgeous. I'm no botanist, but there's a wide variety of flora all throughout the gardens in different sections. Beautiful fountains, a butterfly garden, gorgeous floral arrangements, memorial statues, quiet alcoves, lilly ponds, a koi pond, and much more await you here. After a long year of stress and anxiety, being away from everything for a few hours was therapeutic. I'd definitely recommend seeing it for yourself if you're in the area.

6. Old Cowtown Museum

1865 W Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203-3295 +1 316-350-3323 [email protected] http://www.oldcowtown.org
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 434 reviews

Old Cowtown Museum

Be transported back in time at this unique, 23 acre open-air history museum that recreates Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas from 1865 to 1880. Museum staff dress in period costume and demonstrate everyday activities including, gardening, tending livestock and cooking. Historic Wichita Cowtown Inc. works with the City of Wichita to further the Museum and its mission. Established in 1950, Cowtown's unique programming chronicles Wichita's transformation from a frontier settlement to a cattle town to an agricultural and manufacturing area. The Museum has the distinction of being accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition achievable by a museum. Accreditation recognizes high standards in individual museums and ensures they continue to uphold public trust. Only 3 percent of the nation's estimated 34,144 museums are accredited.

Reviewed By luket257

If you're interested in history and how things were in the old west this is a very worthwhile stop. Old town is set up with stores and businesses the way they were back in the day and very informative. If you're lucky you might even get in on some movie shooting.

7. Sedgwick County Zoo

5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS 67212-1643 +1 316-660-9453 [email protected] http://www.scz.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,326 reviews

Sedgwick County Zoo

To inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature.

Reviewed By travelhigher24 - Wichita, United States

This place is very organized and can easily spend about 3-4 hours there. I went with my family, had a small boat ride, loved spending time with the elephants and that's my fav! The restaurant located there had both healthy and regular options so enjoyed our lunch there.

8. Kansas Speedway

400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111-1200 +1 913-328-3300 [email protected] http://www.kansasspeedway.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 289 reviews

Kansas Speedway

Reviewed By jeanisek

I have always wanted to go to an actual Nascar Race and this is the place to go! As big as this place is, it is very organized and so many volunteers to keep everyone informed. Lots of places to choose from to eat, a little pricey but aren't all events like this? You are allowed a small cooler, size allowed is on the website. We chose to go to the concert before the race and saw Sister Hazel, that was awesome, walked around the cars, signed the start/finish line, took a tour around the garages where the racers were getting ready and met so many nice people!!!! This was an event I am happy to check off my bucket list and will possibly be back again!!!! Lots of fun!!!

9. Massachusetts Street

Lawrence, KS +1 785-865-5000 http://www.chaneyrealty.com/0/Home
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 471 reviews

Massachusetts Street

Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States

Massachusetts Street is basically the Downtown in Lawrence. It is a lively and beautiful street teeming with a variety of retail businesses. In fact, there are two brewery restaurants well worth the visit. Just one block west is the wonderful library, a modern architectural design not to be missed. Then there is the South Park, a beautiful community park with a lovely garden. The Kansas River Levee trail is not too far from Massachusetts; it is a nice place to walk and enjoy the expansive views of the river if it is not a hot day. All in all, Massachusetts Street is an enjoyable downtown area for leisurely walk, shopping and food.

10. The Keeper of the Plains

650 N Seneca St, Wichita, KS 67203-3204 +1 316-350-3340 http://www.wichita.gov/Government/Departments/Arts/Pages/Keeper-of-the-Plains.aspx
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 829 reviews

The Keeper of the Plains

The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita on May 18, 1974.Since the sculpture's installation to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the local American Indian tribes. in 1974. A complete renovation of the sculpture and installation of the Keeper of the Plains Plaza now brings people out each evening to see the Keeper and the "Ring of Fire." The 44-foot Cor-Ten steel Keeper of the Plains statue is now 30 feet higher than before with its new pedestal,surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life. The Keeper also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007. Pedestrians can access the area via two bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges which span the Little and Big Arkansas rivers. Fire drums on boulders at the foot of the Keeper dramatically light the night. Plantings of sage, bottlebrush, medicinal herbs, prairie grasses, yuccas and cactus add to the sense of place and time. The area is free and open to the public year-round.

Reviewed By JonM2858 - Plano, United States

An amazing tribute to history of Native Americans. The Keeper of the Plains embodies the aspects of life for the Plains Indians on this sacred ground and The Ring of Fire is truly fascinating.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.