Dorothy and ruby purple sneakers apart, the Midwestern US state is legendary for its sprawling fields of corn, close-knit farming communities, inexperienced rolling hills, tallgrass prairies, scary tornadoes, and Dodge Metropolis the well-known frontier city. Sure, Wizard of Oz immortalized Kansas however it’s additionally had another nice mentions over time, it was the childhood house of Clark Kent (aka Superman), it offered the backdrop for the award-winning Little Home on the Prairie collection and even journey author Invoice Bryson known as it “the most quintessential of American states.” From my time spent exploring this glorious state, listed below are the most effective and most stunning locations to go to in Kansas…
Kansas Metropolis – a bustling metropolis filled with city adventures
Kansas Metropolis is the third-largest metropolis within the state of Kansas of the Wyandotte County. The Kansas State Capitol or the Kansas Statehouse situated within the metropolis of Topeka has been serving the Kansas Capitol since 1861. The distinctive copper dome is a outstanding characteristic of this spectacular public monument.
To view among the metropolis’s greatest public artwork, go to the Kansas Avenue of Murals within the historic downtown of Kansas Metropolis and the enduring John Brown Statue. Fulfill your internal historical past buff on the Legends Shops to seek out out extra in regards to the well-known members of Kansas Metropolis and discover the gorgeous reveals.
Grinter’s Sunflower Farm – one of the gorgeous locations to go to in Kansas
An outstanding vacation spot in Leavenworth County, Ted and Kris’s Grinter’s Sunflower Farm is understood for its grandeur of lovely sunflower fields. Far within the japanese a part of the state, the Grinter’s sunflower farm is a significant agritourism attraction. Stroll and see the gorgeous sunflowers within the superb yellow fields to admire the pure magnificence.
An ideal place for photographers, the mix of sunshine and charming sunflowers makes for fascinating portraits & definitely worth the drive.
Monument Rocks – A bit of marvel of western Kansas! 
One of many eight pure wonders of Kansas, the Monument Rocks or Chalk Pyramids is a collection of rock outcroppings situated in Gove County. Wealthy in fossils, the chunky geological formations have been the primary landmark to be chosen as a Nationwide Pure Landmark.
The towering formations standing as much as 70 toes have been as soon as a ground of an inland sea some 80 million years in the past. The distinctive form has been given names equivalent to “the Eye of the Needle” and “Charlie the Dog” for marveling formations. Benefit from the quiet magnificence and the bizarre shapes for a lifetime reminiscence.
Fortress Rock State Park – a rock labyrinth within the prairies and top-of-the-line locations to discover in Kansas
One other superior geological formation situated close to Quinter is the Fortress Rock State Park. The traditional limestone formations along with the Monument Rocks collectively kind the pure wonders of Kansas. As you drive by means of the quaint countryside and pastures, the enormous limestone and shale formation stand tall welcoming you.
Carved by water, wind, and environmental forces, Fortress Rock accommodates excessive ranges of fossils. The formations and the close by badlands present additional alternatives for exploring the state park. For geology nerds, the tall arches, sweeping plateaus are a sight to behold.
Prairie Canine State Park – top-of-the-line state parks to discover in Kansas particularly in case you love wildlife
Nestled across the Keith Sebelius Lake in Norton County, the Prairie Dog State Park is a stunning place to expertise the shortgrass prairies of western Kansas. Not like its title, the prairie canine are native rodents burrowing within the mounds.
Occupying an expansive space of 1,150 acres alongside the shores of Keith Sebelius Reservoir, the park preserves the final remaining adobe home in Kansas. Take a brief nature path or discover the classic buildings, the park presents sensational views of the attractive ecosystem.
Konza Prairie – a magnificence spot to go to in Kansas
A pure protect of native tallgrass prairie situated within the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas, the Konza Prairie Organic Station is house to the biggest remaining unplowed prairie of North America. Stretching over 3,847 hectares, the protect is situated south of Manhattan. Collectively owned by the Nature Conservancy and the Kansas State College, the Konza Prairie serves as a analysis station and prairie conservation.
A grassland with steep-slopes, shrubs, and forests with dominant tall grass, the Konza ecosystem is a stunning place to hike and respect the encircling panorama.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park – a pristine pure magnificence with spectacular scenic views
Kansas’s largest Niobrara Chalk formations, the Little Jerusalem Badlands state park was established in 2018. A mammoth treasure within the valley between Scott Metropolis and Oakley, the Nature Conservancy protects and preserves the delicate formations. Extending over 330 acres, the Little Jerusalem in Logan County lets guests enamor by the distinctive historical past.
Connecting individuals with the wonders of the prairies, the chalk badlands present important habitat to many crops and wildlife. Fossils of native amphibians and reptiles relationship again 85 million years are mentioned to have been present in these dramatic formations. Hike alongside to witness the wonder and colours of this wonderful panorama.
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, Canton – a surprising gem within the prairie hills of Kansas
Residence to one of many few surviving native buffalo herds, the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge close to Canton is an ideal place to view the Kansas prairie. The majestic 2,800 acres wildlife refuge property was donated by Henry Maxwell within the yr 1859 to protect the midgrass prairie and its wildlife.
Watch the spectacular American bison and elk wander from the remark tower or take a tram or horse journey, the refuge is actually a treasure to understand the pure ecosystem. Adjoining the refuge is McPherson State Fishing Lake which can also be nice for tenting.
The Flint Hills – one of the naturally stunning locations to go to in Jap Kansas 
A singular ecosystem of east-central Kansas, the Flint Hills nurtures among the largest tallgrass prairie left on this planet. Additionally identified by the names Bluestem Pastures or Blue Stem Hills, the Flint Hills lengthen from Kansas to Oklahoma protecting an space of 4 million acres. Fashioned by the erosion of limestone and shale, the Flint Hills ecoregion is a chosen distinct panorama.
With rolling panorama and countless open land, the deep-rooted prairie grass present wonderful vistas for these in search of solitude. Extending at a peak as a lot as 10 toes, the most effective place to expertise the Flint Hills is the Konza Prairie and the Kansas Prairie Protect.
Lake Shawnee – a fantastic attraction for household excursions in Topeka
Unarguably the highest touring vacation spot for guests within the capital metropolis, Lake Shawnee was established in 1939. An ideal place to loosen up and rewind, Lake Shawnee is filled with picture-perfect surroundings and leisure actions.
Trip on the waters with canoes and kayaks or discover foot trails with stunning gardens and campgrounds, Lake Shawnee is a enjoyable expertise on each land and water. Most likely the most effective factor to do in Kansas, the picturesque setting and family-friendly occasions makes this ever-evolving lake an ideal place to take a break & benefit from the outside escapes.
Lake Scott State Park – a mesmerizing oasis in western Kansas
A couple of miles to the north of Scott Metropolis is a vacation spot acknowledged among the many high pure websites of America. Tucked within the stunning Ladder Creek Canyon, the Lake Scott State Park with its beguiling oasis, rocky bluffs, fishing lake, and groves.
Residence to the one identified Indian pueblo in Kansas and North America, the El Cuartejelo ruins is a Nationwide Historic Landmark. Discover the dwelling of the originals settlers, the Steele house, or go to the historic Battle Canyon, this historic and scenic state park stuffed with leisure actions is bound to depart you awestruck.
Dodge Metropolis – top-of-the-line locations to discover in Kansas
Dodge Metropolis is essentially the most well-known of all America’s frontier cities and top-of-the-line locations to go to in Kansas. Extra kitsch and fascinating than stunning however it’s nonetheless a must-see place on this fascinating state.
Positioned in Southwest Kansas, go to for a recreated Previous West avenue, gunfight re-enactments, fascinating buildings equivalent to Fort Dodge jail, and The Residence of Stone Museum which nonetheless retains its unique 1881 furnishings.
Wilson State Park – discover Kansas’s magnificence with rugged rolling hills 
A premier hotspot for having fun with the outside, the Wilson state park is situated within the coronary heart of the Smoky Hills. The park includes a rugged shoreline, scenic cliffs, and rocky outcrops together with pristine waters. The 945 acres of the park presents an array of actions like climbing, swimming, tenting, and rather more.
Revered by hikers, the state park offers marvelous trails to get the most effective views of Kansas prairie and Wilson Reservoir. The adjoining Wilson Wildlife Space is house to native wildlife and migratory birds.
Chalk Badlands, Quinter – the hanging rock galore of Kansas’s badlands
Starkly totally different from its surrounding, the Chalk Badlands include the hanging rock formations south of Quinter. The large chalk pillars composed of fossils and sedimentary rocks are the soul of the Chalk Badlands. The simple hike with a beautiful lookout will get you the most effective view of the scenic marvel of Kansas amid the quaint pastures.
Out on the Kansas prairies, this phenomenal space with stunning pillars and canyons is a deal with for vacationers keen to go the additional mile to understand nature’s magnificence.
Kanopolis State Park – Kansas best-kept secret and a fantastic place to discover
The primary state park of Kansas, the Kanopolis state park is situated within the Smoky Hills area of Kansas protecting an space of twenty-two,000 acres. With attractive outcrops, clear streams, pedestals, and wildlife, the park presents breathtaking views to benefit from the rugged magnificence and gorgeous vistas.
From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves of Horsethief Canyon, the park presents a superb alternative for climbing, wildlife viewing, biking, picnicking, and plenty of different leisure actions. The sprawling lake with a wonderful seaside offers wonderful alternatives for swimmers. The attractive surroundings and lush-green panorama is an ideal place for a fun-filled household journey.
