Whether you're strolling around its vibrant cities, exploring historical landmarks, or just marveling at the vast prairies, Kansas has much to offer.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Choose Your Season Wisely
Just like most destinations, you might want to consider the time of year to visit.
When deciding when is right, you may want to compare flights to Kansas City to see the peaks in prices. In the summer, the long, sunny days are glorious, but it does mean peak-tourist season and lots of crowds and hiked up prices.
June is the wettest month and July is the hottest, so you may wish to consider what your plans are before deciding when you are going to book.
September and October are often a good option as the temperatures are slightly cooler and the summer crowds have thinned a little. Fall also offers beautiful colors, especially in areas like the Flint Hills and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which are delightful to walk around on a crisp fall day.
2. Embrace the Road Trip Spirit
Kansas is a sprawling state with attractions spread out over long distances, so renting a car and embracing the fun of a road trip is the best way to enjoy what Kansas has to offer.
This can feel a little weird if you’re used to hopping on a subway/tram/bus, or even walking between destinations but there is something fun about making the journey part of the adventure.
The state’s well-maintained highways and scenic byways, like the Flint Hills Scenic Byway and the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, provide picturesque views and easy access to many of Kansas’s hidden gems. Make sure to plan your route in advance and allow time for spontaneous stops along the way.
3. Don’t Get your Kansas Cities Confused
When you’re building your itinerary, be sure that you’ve got the right Kansas City. Although there is of course Kansas City in the state of Kansas, there is also Kansas City in the state of Missouri and it can often get a little confusing!
4. Pack Your Walking Shoes
It may be notoriously flat, but that doesn’t mean that Kansas doesn’t have its fair share of magnificent hiking trails. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a must-visit, offering over 40 miles through some of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in North America. Here, you can experience the beauty of the prairie and spot wildlife such as bison and prairie chickens.
5. Check the Events Calendar
Kansas has some amazing events on throughout the year, and you may be able to time your trip to coincide with them (or if you want cheaper accommodation and smaller crowds, you may wish to avoid them!). Planet ComicCon is usually around March/April every year and attracts a huge number of fans of pop culture from around the area.
If you’re visiting in September, then The Plaza Art Fair covers 9 blocks of Kansas City with art installations, live music performances, and even pop-up restaurant booths. A fun, inspiring celebration of art in the region.
The Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson is a huge event with carnival rides, entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and, perhaps most importantly, heaps of delicious food.
Or, why not check out the Lawrence Busker Festival? A smorgasbord of different street performers who descend on Lawrence from around the world, you can expect to see a blend of acrobatics, music, comedy, and more.
Finally, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival is held each fall in Bonner Springs. Embrace the 16th-century European vibes (costume optional!) through crafts, food, and live jousting demonstrations!
6. Really Explore Union Station
It’s easy to think that Union Station is nothing more than an Amtrak Station but it was recently renovated to restore the original 1900s grandeur and is a historical landmark in its own right. You can also grab a bite to eat, attend events, and catch a movie there too.
7. Don’t be Put Off by Long Barbecue Lines
It can be tempting to avoid places with long lines outside, but the barbeques with the longest lines are usually the best (Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, for example!).
If you don’t want to wait 30-60 minutes for your barbeque, time your meal for a late lunch or early dinner to miss some of the crowds, but know that it will be worth the wait when you get your plate.
You’ll also want to try a slice of sour cream and raisin pie, which is a regional specialty. It might sound like an odd combination but the sweet and tangy flavors blend perfectly and it is likely to become a firm favorite.
8. Make the Most of Free Attractions
Kansas has a varied offering of free attractions for travelers on a budget. In Topeka, you can visit the Kansas State Capitol and take a free guided tour. The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene offers free admission to its grounds and a glimpse into the life of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan offers free admission on certain days and provides interactive exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Flint Hills region. Many of Kansas’s state parks also offer free or low-cost entry, making it easy to enjoy the state’s natural beauty without breaking the bank.
9. Engage With the Local Community
One of the best ways to experience Kansas is by engaging with the local community. Kansans are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and many small towns and cities offer opportunities to connect with locals through community events, farmers’ markets, and local festivals.
Consider staying in locally owned accommodations, such as bed and breakfasts or boutique hotels, to get a more personal experience. Dining at family-owned restaurants and shopping at local stores also supports the community and gives you a taste of authentic Kansas hospitality.
Plan Your Break to Kansas
Kansas is a state full of surprises offering an adventure for everyone, whatever they are hoping to get out of the trip. By following these top tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit and discover all that this enchanting state has to offer.
