30 Best Places To Visit In Kansas, USA

Summer
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 14 min read
best places to visit in kansas

Located in the Midwestern United States, Kansas is a large and stunning state that is famous for being rich in history and art. The American Indian History is one of the highlights of the state with several museums showing exhibits that showcase the many tribes that first stayed in Kansas. It is a unique state that preserves the classic American culture. You can attend rodeos at Kansas Biggest Rodeos and feel like a true cowboy. You must try their famous smoked barbecue, steaks and fried chicken. There are several places that will definitely make your vacation worth it. You will find wildlife parks, museums, gardens, restaurants and many more! Make sure to read this article to find out the best places to visit in Kansas, USA.

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1. Manhattan

Downtown Manhattan Kansas
Source: Photo by user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Manhattan is located in the northeastern part of Kansas. It was called “The Little Apple” for its role on the play New York City’s “Big Apple”. Manhattan, Kansas, is a family-friendly city where you will enjoy visiting museums, zoos, hiking trails and parks. Children will definitely enjoy themselves at the Sunset Zoo where they will have fun activities with the zoo’s interactive programming. Make sure to visit famous museums like Flint Hills Discovery Center, Marinna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Riley County Historical Museum, and many more!

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2. Kansas City

Kansas City is the biggest metro area in the state. It is the best place to go if you are looking for beautiful fountains, tasty barbecue, huge shopping centers and fun activities. There are up to 200 fountains in the city, which were built way back in 1800. If you are craving for barbecue, you must visit Jack Stack and Joe’s Kansas City. Kansas even has a Barbecue Society which already has 20,000 members. Drop by the Country Club Plaza and enjoy shopping and different outdoor activities. It is called “The Plaza” and has over 18 buildings with several shops and boutiques to shop from.

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3. Dodge City

Dodge City Longhorn
Source: Photo by user Gerald B. Keane used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Located in southwest Kansas is another fascinating city that you must visit; Dodge City. The locals are very hospitable, as their motto says “get the heck into Dodge”. It is known for its rich American culture, most especially during the Wild West era. You can visit lots of historic sites and museums to learn about the legends and history of the city since they offer historic trolley and museum tours. You can also enjoy gaming and dining at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort. Must-try places to eat include the famous Central Station where you can enjoy a wide variety of good food.

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4. Hutchinson

Fox Theater, Hutchinson, KS
Source: Photo by user Hellbus used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Hutchinson is set in South-central Kansas, and it lies on the Arkansas River. Salt beds were discovered in its location, therefore Hutchinson was given the name “Salt City” but residents prefer to call it “Hutch” for short. The famous Strataca at Kansas Underground Salt Museum is one of the most-visited attractions. It is a salt mine that is open for tours by express train ride. There are several parks and museums at Hutchinson that you can visit, which include the Reno Museum, George W. Pyle Park and Sand Hills State Park. Bring your children to the Hutchinson Zoo. A must-try is the Salt City Brewing Co Taproom that serves the best beer, perfect for friends to enjoy.

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5. Wichita

The Exploration Place-Wichita, Kansas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 04stx used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Wichita, or the Air Capital of the World, is located in south-central of Kansas and it lies on the Arkansas River. There are lots of exciting attractions that include the famous Sedgwick County Zoo, which is the seventh largest in the United States. Wichita is a place full of exciting attractions that you must visit. There are a total of 19 museums and 39 art galleries all in one town! If you are looking for the best food experience in town, join the Brew Wagon Tours and Culinary Tour to try new cuisines during the annual event.

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6. Salina

Downtown Strip
Source: Photo by user samswitzer used under CC BY 2.0

Another charming city in the county of Kansas is Salina. It is known as the home of many colleges and universities. Just like most places in Kansas, it is also very rich in art and history. The Smoky Hill Museum, Sculpture Tour Salina and Salina Art center are famous destinations for lovers of anything artsy. You may also buy unique gifts to bring home at the Auld Lang Syne Antiques and Collectibles. You will definitely enjoy yourself at the Rolling Hills Zoo, where you will see different wildlife. Another famous destination in Salina is Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park where people of all ages will definitely enjoy the water slides, lazy river and wave pools.

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7. Topeka

Topeka, Kansas
Source: Photo by user Doug Kerr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

When it comes to rich culture and history, Topeka is one of the places to visit. It is complete with museums, parks and restaurants. Topeka is the capital of Kansas, and it tells interesting stories about the fight for desegregation, LGBT and women’s rights, military history from the civil to great wars and many other stories on the founding of Topeka. You will find several museums that will tell these stories, like Evel Knievel Museum, Kansas Museum of History, Combat Air Museum and many more! Topeka has a unique flavor and diverse restaurants. You must try the famous restaurants that offer sweet, spicy and many other yummy dishes, which include Abigail’s Grill & Bar, AJ’s NY Pizzeria, Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant and Baskin - Robbins Ice Cream.

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8. Shawnee

Johnson County Museum of History Entry sign, Shawnee, Kansas, USA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Brylie used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Found in Johnson County, Kansas, is Shawnee City. It was recognized by Money Magazine as top 17 of the best places to live in the United States. There are a number of spacious parks and each park in Shawnee has different activities that guests can enjoy. You can swim or bring your pets to Shawnee Mission Park Beach; watch beautiful plays and performances in The Theatre in the Park; play in the wide field of Stump Park and enjoy the nature trails at Black Hoof Park. There are many other parks that you can visit! You should not forget to experience the exciting and challenging ziplines at Zip KC. Bring your children to Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City, where they can enjoy educational activities and interact with other kids.

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9. Lawrence

Lawrence, Kansas skyline 2018
Source: Photo by user Ian Ballinger used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The sixth-largest city in Kansas is located in the eastern side is the city of Lawrence. It is known for being the home of the University of Kansas. It is also a central hub in the state, since it provides academics, entertainment and history. Explore Lawrence and see where you can shop, relax, dine, exercise and many more! Visit Clinton State Park where you can have picnics at the reservoir recreation space, Clinton Lake if you plan on going fishing, Baker University Wetlands for bird and wildlife viewing, and many other parks. There are a number of galleries and museums you should visit, which include the Phoenix Gallery, Haskell Cultural Center and Museum and Spencer Museum of Art. A must-visit attraction is the Bluejacket Crossing Vineyard where you will taste the best wine made by the family-owned award-winning vineyard.

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10. Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth, Kansas
Source: Photo by user Melissa Bower used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are looking for a destination with museums, parks, shopping centers and tasty food, you have to visit Leavenworth, the first city of Kansas. The most famous museum in Leavenworth is the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. The entire family can choose to ride vintage carousels that were hand-carved way back in 1913. Other parks include Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park, Wollman Park, Hawthorn Park and many more parks where families can enjoy strolling or having picnics. Leavenworth is also known for famous landmarks like the Riverfront Community Center, USP Leavenworth and Port Leavenworth which are all famous sights with beautiful views. Do not forget to try the best wine at Z&M Twisted Vines Wines.

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11. Olathe

Olathe kansas city hall 2009
Source: Photo by user Ichabod used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Olathe is one of the most populous cities in Kansas City. If you are looking for the best picnic spot, there are lots of refreshing and vast parks that you can choose from. Each park has unique features that your family will definitely enjoy, whether you want to play sports, relax and stroll. Hertiage Park has a wide field and lake. Black Bob Park features a mini-golf course if your family prefers to play some golf. Thomas S. Stoll Park is where you can try fishing and other sports. There are many more parks like Haven Park, Raven Ridge Park, Lone Elm Park, and many more.

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12. Cottonwood Falls

Cottonwood falls overlook 2009
Source: Photo by user Ichabod used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Another gem with several beautiful parks and attractions is Cottonwood Falls, which is the largest city of Chase County, Kansas. The best museums to visit are the Chase County Historical Society Museum, Roniger Memorial and Flint Hills Gallery. You will definitely be amazed by the history and rich culture exhibited in the museums. If you are looking for fun outdoor activities, visit Chase State Fishing Lake, where you can enjoy fishing, camping and simply enjoying the picturesque landscape. After all the strolling, try the famous steak at the Grand Central Hotel and Grill. Here, you can have the best steak accompanied by a fine-dining experience.

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13. Lenexa

Lenexa City Center
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kelseyneth used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located in northeastern Kansas is the fun city of Lenexa. The most famous sights and parks include Black Hoof Park, Lake Lenexa, Thompson Barn and Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Each park has lots of trails, picnic areas and picturesque views to see. At Lenexa Lake, you can also avail of boat ramp rentals for activities like fishing and kayaking. Lenexa is one of the places with the best food and drinks. Try the pastries and sandwiches at the Black Dog Coffeehouse or enjoy the nightlife at Wallabys Grill & Pub, Saints Pub Patio and Limitless Brewing. You will definitely have many moments to cherise in Lenexa, Kansas.

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14. Abilene

Perring Building - Abilene, KS (14362932664)
Source: Photo by user The All-Nite Images used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Abilene is the county seat of Dickinson, Kansas, and it lies on the north of Smoky Hill River. One of the best attractions in Abilene is the Excursion Train, where you will be on a 100-year-old wooden dining car ride through the Smoky Hill River. It is also known for having five-star museums which are all within walking distance from each other. Aside from museums, there are many historic mansions and buildings in its Register of Historic Places, and they include the Seeyle Mansion, Eisenhower Presidential Library, Greyhound Hall of Fame and many more!

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15. Emporia

Downtown Emporia, KS
Source: Photo by user Ethan James Scherrer used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in east-central Kansas is the city of Emporia. It is usually cold in the city and the only hot days are from June to September. You can visit several interesting places in Emporia. Famous attractions include the Emporia Zoo and Emporia Golf Course. Both are the top visited attractions in the city where the whole family can enjoy quality time together. The city is known for its rich culture, and fun activities, and there are several museums, parks and theaters in Emporia. Some parks include Lakeview, Jones, Hammond and many more.

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16. Atchison

Atchison, Kansas post office from SW 1
Source: Photo by user Ammodramus used under CC0

Atchinson is a city located along the Missouri River. Make sure to explore and experience one of the most culture-rich cities in Kansas. You can visit museums and historic sites that include the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, Athcison Rail, Muchnic Art Gallery and Evah Cray Historical Home, where you will see several educational exhibits. Other famous points of interest, like the Atchison Trolley, will give you the best way to tour around the city, where you will have a guide on narrated tours. Enjoy free tasting of the best fruit, red and white wine, at the beautiful Riverwood Winery.

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17. Leawood

AMC Headquarters in Leawood, Kansas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user KansasCity123 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Leawood is located in Johnson County, Kansas. The city offers a variety of places where you can dine, shop, play and relax. It is also known for being one of the safest cities in the metro of Kansas, and also has highly rated schools. There are almost 50 great restaurants to choose from, which include the Taste Buds Kitchen, Tavern at Mission Farms, North Italia, Rye and many more that you should check out! There are lots of museums and parks that are very well maintained. It is easy to go around the town for there is an accessible highway system that links people to every corner of the city.

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18. Hays

Hays KS, 10 x Main NW corner 1
Source: Photo by user Ammodramus used under CC0

The largest city in northwestern Kansas and the county seat of Ellis County, Kansas is the city of Hays. Visit the city where you will enjoy visiting museums, parks, boutiques and restaurants. The most famous museum is Ellis County Historic Museum, where you may explore the past of Hays through educational exhibits. You can buy some crafts or local art pieces that you’ll bring home, at The Bricks. You can also experience classic theaters, schools, military attractions and many more, including outdoor activities.

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19. Pittsburg

Downtown pittsburg ks
Source: Photo by user Skrunyon used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located in southeast Kansas is the city of Pittsburg, which is in Crawford County. It is considered as the home of many, where they get to live in a place where they can enjoy work and play. The whole family can visit the various baseball and softball fields, the Farmer’s Market, where you can buy fresh and home-grown food, beautiful parks where you can relax and discover outdoor spaces for the whole group, and visit fun attractions including Bounce House, Kiddieland Amusement Park and JJ Richard’s Band Dome.

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20. Fort Scott

Downtown Fort Scott Kansas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ian Ballinger used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located on the south side of Marmaton River, Southeast Kansas, is Fort Scott City. This is the place for you if you are looking for a hospitable town for your getaway. You can go shopping and dining at the Downtown Historic District, where it is complete with classy restaurants and unique boutiques. You will definitely enjoy the beautiful outdoors at the trails of Gunn Park and witness the amazing landscape scenery on a tour to the local winery. Avail of the trolley tour to make sure you do not miss any spot at Fort Scott.

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21. Lindsborg

Swedish Pavilion - Lindsborg KS
Source: Photo by user mom and dad used under CC BY 2.0

Lindsborg is a small town located in McPherson County, Kansas. It is known for being “little Sweden” since it was founded by immigrants from Sweden. Lindsborg is highly influenced by Swedish heritage and festivals. The town is home to many festivals which always bring in big crowds, ready to experience the Messiah Festival, Svensk Hyllningsfest and Midsummers Day. Lindsborg is also home to The Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery where you will see beautiful paintings of the Midwest and the Rocky Mountains.

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22. Garden City

Windsor Hotel (Garden City KS) from NE 1
Source: Photo by user Ammodramus used under CC0

Home to the largest zoo park in western Kansas, Lee Richardson Zoo, is Garden City. It is one of the favorite destinations among travelers, where you can enjoy packed lunch and long walks through the zoo. Aside from the zoo, there are more places in the city where you can see a wide variety of wildlife. You can visit Sansage Bison Range and Parrot Cove Indoor Waterpark to view the unique wildlife. Another famous attraction is The Big Pool, which is the world’s largest hand-dug swimming pool. You will also find a number of museums and unique places for fun and games.

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23. El Dorado

El Dorado Kansas Pine Main Intersection
Source: Photo by user Spacefem used under CC0

Located along the Walnut River and south-central Kansas is the city of El Dorado. Visit this city where you will experience shopping, nightlife, refreshing walks, educational tours and good food all in one! El Dorado is rich in history and art and you can witness these at Butler County History Center, Kansas Oil Museum and Coutts Museum of Art. You can also spend your afternoon at El Dorado State Park, where you will have a wonderful view of the Flint Hills and camp in the vast fields of the park. You must also try the nightlife and shopping, that the city offers!

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24. Junction City

Junction City High School Main Campus
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Feedmetaters used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Junction City, Kansas, is an all-time American town named for being the junction of Smoky Hill and Republican River. Here, you will see old buildings, opera houses and local restaurants that both residents and visitors enjoy. The city is also home to many parks and wildlife areas that you should visit, which include Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery, Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife and Konza Prairie Research Natural Area. All of these parks have wide fields and a variety of plants and wildlife with picture-perfect views to cherish forever.

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25. Newton

Newton, Kansas
Source: Photo by user DBinfo used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Newton is the county seat of Harvey County, Kansas, and it is surely worth the visit. It is a place that is very rich in art and history. Located here is the Blue Sky Sculpture which is one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Art. The sculpture invites everyone to watch the sky move against the glazed tiles. Viewers are also welcome to interact with the sculpture itself. Newton also has several art galleries and museums that showcase art made by talented locals, which include the Carriage Factory Art Gallery, Warkentin House Museum and Kauffman Museum.

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26. Liberal

Liberal, KS train station
Source: Photo by user Ron Reiring used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Located in southwestern Kansas and lying on Cimarron River is the city of Liberal. It is a city where you will easily enjoy every place you visit. Bring your family to the Adventure Bay Family Water Park where you will be amused by many pools, water slides and pavilions. You must not miss the famous destination, Mid-America Air Museum, which is the largest premier aviation museum in the United States. Roam around the various vast parks and fields in Liberal and be refreshed by the perfect ambiance it offers.

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27. Bonner Springs

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Bonner Springs lies on the north side of Kansas River and on the western edge of Kansas City. The city offers a “playground of attractions” that will surely excite visitors of all ages who are planning to visit. Beautiful Bonner Springs provides you with seven different parks where the whole family can enjoy the amazing outdoor landscapes. You can learn about the history of the Native Americans at the Wyandotte County Museum. There is also a wide and well-maintained golf course where you can play a round of golf with the whole family.

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28. Ottawa

Downtown Ottawa, Kansas historic district
Source: Photo by user Ian Ballinger used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located in eastern Kansas on the Marais des Cygnes River is the city of Ottawa. Walking around the city will give you a vibe of the olden times. Almost every spot of the city has either old buildings, vintage signs or sculptures that date way back to the 1890s. One of the most famous attractions for sightseeing is Plaza 1907, which is a memorabilia museum and America’s oldest cinema. Another historic landmark is Dietrich Cabin, which was originally the home of a German immigrant who built it in 1857. You can take pictures almost anywhere around the city.

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29. Winfield

Cowley County National Bank Building
Source: Photo by user Jeffrey Beall used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated along the Walnut River in south-central Kansas is Winfield City. The city was founded in 1870 and it was named after Winfield Scott who built a church for the town, for its naming rights. Now it is home to many restaurants, unique outdoor activities, and rich history. It is the home of the internationally-known Walnut Valley Festival, where Guitar Flat-Picking Championships are held. Winfield also offers amazing views of the natural landscape of Flint Hills.

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30. Derby

Amphitheatre at Field Station- Dinosaurs in Derby Kansas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user RSM400 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Derby is a city in Sedgwick County and it is also the largest suburb of Wichita. During your stay, you will be delighted by the extravagant High Park, Derby’s largest park that features fields, playgrounds, trails and amphitheaters. During your stay, you can also check out events that include Spring Into Art, the Kite Festival, Tree Lighting and many more. You should not miss the yummy food and unique shopping boutiques that Derby offers.

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Enjoy a delightful vacation in Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ian Ballinger used under CC BY-SA 4.0

There are lots of amazing places to visit in Kansas that will definitely suit your taste. With loads of historical sites as well as nature and serenity, you’ll have no shortage of things to do. Make sure you use this article as your guide to choosing your next destination in Kansas, USA.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Summer, a student-writer from the Philippines, uses her writing to delve into the unexplored and learn about new places. Her aspiration is to explore the world extensively, making the most of each...Read more

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