20 Best Things to Do in Kansas

The Sunflower state plays an important role in our nation, yet because it is an agricultural cornerstone, some are inclined to discard Kansas as all work and no play. And while there might be some truth to that, we’re going to discuss all the wonderful things to do in Eastern Kansas anyway! Our hope is that a little bit of curiosity is all that prevents you from loving Kansas as much as we do.

Now honestly speaking, Kansas is the epitome of “middle-America” because it resides in the centermost part of the contiguous United States. And as our nation’s beloved wheatfield, the land in Kansas is mostly dedicated to food production. On top of that, the topography is relatively flat and void of prominent geological features. None of this rings of tourism and adventure.

However, Kansas is replete with engaging excursions, including a beautiful state capitol, a salt mine, a world-class space museum, numerous historic sites, discovery centers, college campuses, botanic gardens, and more. It is also the home of world class BBQ, which could raise the appeal of most anywhere. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

A Few Facts About Kansas

Kansas is known as the Sunflower State, because they grow here, as well as the Cyclone State, because of Dorothy’s tornadoes.

The Kansas motto is Ad Astra per Aspera, meaning, “To the stars through adversity.” The motto represents a lovely story about the process by which Kansas became a state. At the same time it succinctly summarizes a life well lived with poignant beauty.

It is the 15th largest state in the U.S., and the 36th most populated at just under 3 million souls. The largest city in Kansas is Wichita (pop. 400,000), and the capitol city is Topeka. Other cities worth mentioning are: Kansas City; Hutchinson; Lawrence; and Manhattan.

Kansas is a leading agricultural state, producing wheat, corn, potatoes, etc., as well as a leading producer of helium, salt, and lead.  Wichita is a major center for aircraft production, and is known as the Air Capital of the World.

And lastly, the Kansas state song is Home on the Range, which you kind of have to love.

Is Kansas Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely. We enjoyed our time in Kansas beyond what was expected. The land in eastern Kansas is beautiful with green, undulating hills. On the other hand, western Kansas is precisely the yellow doldrums everyone imagines.

How Long Do You Need to Visit Kansas?

We recommend 10 days in Eastern Kansas to see what the state can offer: Three days in Kansas City; three days in Wichita/Hutchinson; two days in Topeka; one day in Lawrence; and one in Manhattan.

Of course you could spend twice that much time — and you should — to see all the best things at a reasonable pace.

The 20 Best Things to do in Kansas

After you’re done learning about all the worthwhile action in the state of Kansas, be sure to learn about their next-door-neighbor Missouri by reading the 30 best things to do in Missouri! This is most definitely an underdiscussed part of the country.

And with that, here are the 20 Best Things to do in Kansas State. We hope you enjoy.

Must Do: Things to Do in Kansas State

Must-Do attractions are typically the reason we’ve decided to visit.

Capitol Dome Tour, Topeka

The most memorable thing to do in Eastern Kansas is to take the Dome Tour at the Kansas State Capitol. Thirty-nine of the 50 US Capitols have domed structures, but only Kansas allows visitors to tour the dome. You’re gonna climb a lot of stairs and it’s gonna be a little scary (especially the final ascent into the cupola), but the experience is unforgettably wild and full of interesting information.

Cosmosphere, Hutchinson

The Cosmosphere is a world class facility you’d never expect to find in the seldom spoke town of Hutchinson, Kansas. Some call it the greatest space museum on planet Earth because it houses one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world, including a SR-71 Blackbird. Of all the things to do in Kansas, this is the hidden gem.

Kansas City BBQ (in Kansas)

We believe any Kansas City visitor should seize the opportunity to indulge our nation’s finest Bar-B-Que. In all honesty, most of the better Q-joints are found on the Missouri side of the city, yet a couple of winners can be found in Kansas. We recommend Joe’s KC BBQ or Slap’s BBQ as the official best Kansas BBQ joints. If you’re willing to cheat a bit, cross the state line to visit Q-39, Chef J, or Jack Stack.

Related Article: 12 Best KC BBQ Restaurants

Strataca Salt Mine, Hutchinson

A working salt-mine in an obscure town makes the shortlist of best things to do in Kansas. This is an impressive facility, which offers an elevator ride down the original shaft and a guided, motorized tour into the dark parts of the mine. Learn all you could ever want to know about the salt mining industry, as well as see an impressive collection of Hollywood movie memorabilia (oddly enough), and take home a a massive, salt-lick souvenir.

Related Article: Best things to do in Kansas City

Should Do: Things to Do in Kansas State

Should-Do attractions receive a strong recommend.

Evel Knievel Museum, Topeka

Growing up in the 70’s/80’s Evel Knievel was America’s daredevil, and any attempt at bravery could draw reference to his death-defying feats. He was Elvis Presley on a motorcycle; as patriotic as apple pie; the windy edge of the American dream. Learn how it all went down at the Evel Knievel Museum. Admiring his stunts (and crashes) is one of the best things to do in Topeka KS this weekend or otherwise.

Flint Hills Discovery Center, Manhattan

The Flint Hills region is one of America’s last remaining Tallgrass Prairies, as cropland conversion has reduced a natural habitat that once stretch from Minnesota to Texas to less than 4% of its original size. The Flint Hills Discovery Center takes visitors on a journey through the annals of the region, from ancient geology to the history of man. The facility is a high-quality, all-ages crowd-pleaser.

Brown vs. Board of Education Museum, Topeka

One of the Topeka, Kansas “claims to fame” is the historical event, Brown v. Board of Education. The National Historic Site is located at the former Sumner Elementary School turned museum where schoolgirl Linda Brown was refused admission. The whole saga is represented here; it is interesting, painful, and horrifying. This dark chapter in our history will shock anyone born in the 1970’s or later.

Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House, Wichita

Frank Lloyd Wright was a true architectural master and this is one of the finest single family dwellings he ever conceived. The Allen House exemplifies Wright’s philosophy of living in harmony with nature and his interest in Japanese design. If you’ve never toured a Frank Lloyd Wright house, this is a great one to debut. Tours last 2-3 hours. Here’s a LINK to the website.

Botanica Wichita Gardens

This is a smaller botanical garden in the grand scheme of what we’ve witnessed in other cities around the nation. What they do have is very nice and makes for a pleasant stroll for 2-4 hours. Highlights are: The Margie Button Fountain Garden; the Downing Children’s Garden; and the Carousel. We had the good fortune to visit at a time when the butterflies were migrating south to Mexico.

Related Article: Complete Guide to Topeka, Kansas

Kansas Speedway / Legends Outlet, Kansas City

The Kansas Speedway has been hosting NASCAR races since 2001, and currently hosts two NASCAR weekends races per year (May and September). If you’re looking for a professional sporting event, they come no bigger than this in the state of Kansas. Nearby, the Village West and Legends Outlet is a large outdoor shopping and entertainment destination and the only designer outlet center in the area.

If you love to travel, we have something we would like to give you. It is our professionally designed e-book and it is FREE of charge. We think it’s pretty great, and we’re hopeful you’ll like it, too. It’s called, “Cultivating a Lifetime of Travel”. Click HERE. and we’ll send it on over!

Combat Air Museum, Topeka

Combat Air Museum at Forbes Field is just plain cool. They have about 50 aircrafts in their two hangars and airfield — some of them massive — as well as a museum with artifacts and placards. They also offer educational classes and have a monthly calendar packed with interesting events. If you have any affinity for military or aviation history you won’t want to miss this one.

Kansas University Campus and Museums, Lawrence

Approximately 28,000 undergraduates attend KU, one of the nation’s most beautiful college campuses. Many fun things to do in Eastern Kansas are found on the KU campus, including: the KU biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, home to a satisfying assortment of dinosaur skeletons, and the Spencer Art Museum, the only comprehensive art museum in the state of Kansas.

Naval Aviation Museum, Wichita

This is a fine little aviation museum at the old Wichita Airport that is certainly worth the $10 admission. Throughout the facility are an abundance of old planes taking up most every square inch of their respective rooms. Outside on the airfield are an assortment of planes, some commercial and some military, that you can peer into or even walkabout inside. Don’t forget to find your way to the tower to get the best view in the house!

Insect Museum, Manhattan

Great things come in small packages. This obscure and humble “zoo” on the outskirts of Kansas State University has a collection of live insects that will blow your mind. Expect to see dozens of unique spiders up-close, which just might ease your arachnophobia, in addition to a galaxy creepie-crawlies to provide fresh material for your nightmares. This is a hidden gem.

Massachusetts Street, Lawrence

Massachusetts Street, known as Mass St. to locals, is the beating, freaky heart of Lawrence. They say “what happens in Kansas stays in Kansas,” but that’s only because no one ever leave the state. Residents consider Mass Street to be one of the most beautiful main streets in America. Any visit to Lawrence has to include a Mass Street stroll.

Related Article: Best things to do in Wichita, Kansas

Museum of World Treasures, Wichita

Dr. Jon Kardatzke started his private collection of historical artifacts when he was 16 years old. Every major war war since the Revolutionary War is represented with a wide array of items, as well as an assortment of relics from ancient Egypt and Asia. Highlights are: Dinosaur skeletons; collection of coins from ancient Rome; and an impressive collection of US Presidential letters and sentiments.

Could Do: Things to Do in Kansas State

Could-Do attractions are worthwhile, but come without a strong recommend.

Exploration Place, Wichita

Exploration Place is Wichita’s rendition of a children’s museum science center. The structure itself is something to behold, the layout creating an interesting scramble through the exhibits. The aviation section of the museum is absolutely fantastic, especially the flight simulator, and the collection of nebula photographs was mesmerizing.

NOTO District, Topeka

NOTO stands for “North Topeka”, an isolated neighborhood/art community found across the river from the main part of town. This is the most photogenic place in Topeka with colorful murals, sculptures, and drug abusing men riding bicycles in abundance. An assortment of businesses offer fun experiences for hippie-types: Art studios, thrift stores, foodie restaurants, paraphernalia shops, galleries, and earthy boutiques.

Kansas State University Campus, Manhattan

The city of Manhattan is one of the best kept secrets in Eastern Kansas. At the center of the intrigue is the agreeable campus of Kansas State University. If you’re looking for a well-spent afternoon, take a stroll through campus, winding your way between the lawns and historic buildings. Eventually find your way to Aggieville, the beating heart of Kansas State, and quench your thirst for a donut at Varsity.

Booth Family Hall of Athletics, Lawrence

If you’re into college sports, one of the best things to do in Kansas is to visit the 20K sq. ft. Booth Family Hall of Athletics. The Hall honors KU’s historic athletics programs, its coaches and student-athletes, past and present. Some of the things you’ll find here are fun and interactive exhibits, a basketball championship trophy case, and historical placards and display cases.

Related Article: A day in Manhattan, Kansas

Other Things to Do in Eastern Kansas

Dodge City: A classic, American frontier town in West Kansas.

Amelia Earhart Birthplace: Tour the childhood home of the famous pilot in Atchison, KS.

Wichita River Walk: A scenic path that runs along the river outside downtown Wichita.

College Sports: Catch a football or baseball game at Kansas University or Kansas State.

An Honest Conclusion: Things to Do in Kansas

Most of our friends were sad to hear we’d been cloistered in Topeka for back-to-back summers. Upon the mere mention of Kansas they offered shrugs and condolences for what sounded like banishment to a wasteland.

And after living in Kansas for an unfathomable 9 total months, and touring the many towns in the eastern half of the state, Monica bought me a t-shirt that reads, “Kansas: It’s Not That Bad!” which sums up the experience quite well. As you can see, there are a surprising number of worthwhile things to do in Eastern Kansas!

We’re not saying you should plan your next vacation here, but you could definitely do worse. Between Kansas and Missouri, you could keep yourself busy with rewarding experiences for a month or longer.

Related Article: The 30 Best Things to do in Missouri

If you’ve made it to the end of this article, congratulations! You have a surprising amount of free time. Hopefully your idea of Kansas has shifted to the positive in some small part. It really is pleasant here, even if unspectacular. People are chill and traffic is light, and that’s worth quite a bit these days.

Thank you for stopping by our website! We are the Hoffmann family, a full-time RV family that has split residence in Seattle, Washington and San Antonio, Texas. We have special needs children that we homeschool, and work travel assignments for the Veteran Affairs Hospital. If you would like to learn more about us, check out our Start Here and Biography pages. In the meantime, God bless and travel happy!

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