Kansas Bucket List: Best Things To Do In The Sunflower State!
Despite not having an exciting reputation, you can rest assured there are plentiful bucket list worthy things to do in Kansas!
If you’re on a mission to tick all fifty states off your USA bucket list, this travel guide to Kansas will show you all of the must-have experiences and awesome attractions to make your trip memorable.
Nestled smack-bang in the center of the United States, Kansas sets itself apart by offering miles of tranquil countryside, agricultural fields, and sprawling prairies for you to get lost in.
Often referred to as America’s breadbasket due to its endless wheat fields which produce a significant portion of the nation’s grain, you can expect to see golden waves of wheat swaying in the wind — a quintessential Kansas image.
Dubbed the Sunflower State, there is also an abundance of cheerful sunflower fields that stretch across the state. Not only are they a visual delight, but they also offer fantastic photo opportunities for roadtrippers driving through the state during the tail-end of summer.
But it’s not all wheat fields and sunflowers here, there are also notable cities like Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka for you to discover.
Kansas City is a top foodie destination and crowns itself as the “barbeque capital of the world” with more than 100 restaurants for visitors to savour tender, smokey meat.
Over in Wichita, you can learn about Kansas’s place on the Chisholm Trail as the final destination for cattle drives coming up from Texas during the 1800s.
So you see, while Kansas may not boast towering mountains or vast oceans, this state has its own unique qualities that make it a state worth exploring.
The warm hospitality you will experience from friendly locals will be a refreshing change and show you what it means to have Midwest charm. So get ready, here are the top things to do in Kansas!
Kansas Bucket List
1. Eat Burnt Ends At Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
No trip to Kansas is complete without sampling true Kansas BBQ in the very state it was invented.
And no BBQ restaurant in Kansas is as iconic as Joe’s Kansas City BBQ.
This legendary restaurant first opened inside a gas station at the corner of 47th Avenue and Mission Road in Kansas City, Kansas.
Although there are now two other restaurants in addition to the original, it is the original Joe’s inside the gas station that needs to be at the top of your Kansas bucket list.
Inside you’ll find the most mouthwatering tender, smoked meat that will absolutely blow your tastebuds away.
Kansas BBQ is certainly something else and if you haven’t had it before, this is the place to break your Kansas BBQ virginity.
While they serve pulled pork, brisket and ribs, it’s the burnt ends that are the biggest crowd pleaser here. The burnt ends are so delicious that you will wish you lived in Kansas City just to be near this restaurant!
2. Enjoy An Incredible Mexican Breakfast Feast At GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe
Another restaurant you really shouldn’t miss in Kansas City, Kansas (not to be confused with Kansas City in Missouri) is GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe.
This hole in the wall Mexican restaurant is a hidden Kansas gem! Of course they serve all the favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos and quesadillas but it is their birria that put them on the Kansas map!
The birria here is succulent and always cooked to perfection. Try it on nachos, tacos, or quesadillas.
From their mouthwatering birria tacos that melt in your mouth to their indulgent birria quesadillas oozing with melted cheese, you surely won’t be disappointed by the juicy meat here.
Sure, there’s Mexican restaurants in just about every city across the United States now, but none are as exquisite as GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe! You will be hard-pressed to find Mexican BBQ as tasty and high quality as what this restaurant is offering. Don’t miss this culinary adventure in Kansas.
Read: GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe Is A Hidden Gem In Kansas City
3. Take A Tour Of The Kansas State Capitol Building In Topeka
The Kansas State Capitol building is an impressive monument in downtown Topeka. With its distinctive copper dome topped by a statue of a Kaw warrior named Ad Astra, it is a prominent feature of Topeka’s skyline.
This stunning building which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places is in fact 17 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Construction of the building began in 1866 and it wasn’t completed until 1903, taking a total of 37 years to complete. Limestone from nearby quarries were used for the entire build!
Today, the Kansas State Capitol is the state’s most important architectural treasure, and the center of Kansas government where the state legislature convenes.
Visitors are welcome to take guided or self-guided tours of the building Monday through Saturday. The Visitor Center is open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. Tours begin approximately every hour. Tour reservations are not required. Learn more here.
Read: Get High At Kansas State Capitol On A Tour Of Its Dome!
4. Visit The Oz Museum in Wamego
Oz Museum in Wamego I Photo: TripAdvisor
You don’t need a tornado to whisk you away to the magical land of Oz. You just need a car to get you to Wamego! Wamego is home to the official Oz Musem, which is perfectly fitting that it’s located in a small Kansas town.
The Oz Museum’s collection includes thousands of Wizard Of Oz memoribilia such as early books from the world-famous Baum series, playbills, and other artifacts. You’ll also find detailed historical facts about the film and actors to add to your film history bank.
Since the Oz Museum’s establishment, several other Wizard Of Oz related businesses have popped up in Wamego so your entire visit to this destination will be completely Oz themed! You’ll be able to chow down at Toto’s Tacos and relax over a glass of wine at the Oz Winery.
5. Stay At Chateau Avalon Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, look no further than a stay at the enchanting Chateau Avalon. A stay at this magnificent yet quirky hotel is a completely out of the ordinary adventure.
Designed to resemble a European castle, you will be absolutely awestruck by the beauty of this building. But wait until you step inside! A grand staircase awaits leading to extraordinary rooms that each differ from the next — transporting you to another country or era.
You can stay in a luxurious Venetian-style room, travel back to the grandeur of Rome, or keep it simple on the Colorado frontier. No matter what room you end up being designated, your room will feature a large jacuzzi to relax in.
Some of the services offered by this charming hotel include in-room massages, facials, and other beauty treatments, as well as breakfast in bed. Enjoy a night cap at the onsite d'Nile Wine Bar and Restaurant.
Located in Bonner Springs, it’s a great place to stay if you plan to explore Kansas City. There’s no doubt a stay at the Chateau Avalon will leave you with lasting memories.
6. Explore The Flint Hills
Explore the breathtaking Flint Hills, a divine stretch of land in America’s heartland. The Flint Hills are home to a unique tallgrass prairie ecosystem that is on the verge of becoming extinct.
Found only in Kansas and parts of northern Oklahoma, this particular tallgrass prairie ecosystem contains temperate grasslands, with grass that can grow an astonishing ten feet tall!
This stunning landscape offers plenty of outdoor adventures for those who prefer to spend time being active outdoors. Hike one of the several trails here to get aquainted with the environment.
If you’d like to delve deeper into the Flint Hills natural history, visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan which is an hours drive north.
This interactive museum provides a wealth of knowledge about the region's geology, wildlife, and Native American history. Engage with hands-on exhibits, take part in educational programs, and leave with a deeper appreciation for this unique corner of the United States.
7. See The Keeper Of The Plains Monument
Situated along the banks of the Arkansas River in Wichita, stands a majestic symbol of Native American heritage and resilience known as the Keeper of the Plains Monument.
The Keeper of the Plains Monument is a breathtaking 44-foot-tall steel sculpture that towers above the plains, serving as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between the land and its native peoples.
Standing atop a 30-foot rock pedestal, the statue depicts a proud Native American warrior holding a sacred fire bowl high above his head, symbolizing the eternal flame of the tribes that once thrived in this area.
This iconic statue which was created by renowned Native American artist Blackbear Bosin, more than deserves a place on your Kansas bucket list. It is an important symbol for Kansas and a must see on a trip through The Great Plains.
At dusk, this remarkable statue comes alive with awe-inspiring illumination. Around the Keeper of the Plains, there are 44 steel rings, each representing a tribe from Kansas. These rings are set ablaze, casting a mesmerizing glow over the surroundings, creating a truly magical and ethereal experience.
The sight of the flickering flames dancing against the Kansas sky evokes a sense of reverence, bringing to life the stories and traditions of the Native American people.
8. Take A Road Trip Along Route 66 in Southeast Kansas
The shortest stretch of Route 66’s eight-state run is the section through the southeast corner of Kansas. Although it’s only 13.2 miles long, there are several destinations worth stopping to visit along the drive.
Coming from Missouri, the first town in Kansas is Galena, home to the Galena Mining and Historical Museum. Following that, you’ll come across Cars On The Route where you can grab a burger or sandwich inside a Kan-O-Tex gas station.
Heading towards Oklahoma, the highway passes through Baxter Springs. In Baxter Springs be sure to check out the circa-1870 Crowell Bank which was once robbed by outlaw Jesse James.
And there you have it! That is all there is to see on Route 66 through Kansas!!
9. Attend The Annual Kansas City Renaissance Festival
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is a huge celebration where you can walk amongst kings, queens, knights, fairies, elves, and everything in between! This long-standing Kansas tradition is fun for all ages.
At the KC Renaissance Festival you will travel back in time to an era where kings and queens ruled the lands, knights on steeds fought to the death, and pirates plundered.
What you’ll find here is a 16-acre village where you can get a taste of what life looked like between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Travel through Old World Europe and see entertaining performances, aerial acrobatics, musicians, and best of all, jousting matches. Be sure not to leave the festival without trying a giant turkey leg!
Although there are several renaissance festivals held throughout the U.S., the KC Ren Fest is among the top-rated and listed as one of the biggest and best renaissance celebrations in the USA.
If you’re planning to spend fall in northeast Kansas, this is one festival you won’t want to miss! It is held in Bonner Springs every weekend in September and the first two weekends of October. Attending this festival is one of the best things to do in Kansas City during fall.
Read: Huzzah! Kansas City Renaissance Festival: What To Expect & Why You Should Attend
10. Discover Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
Discover Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, the newest state park in Kansas! Recently opened in 2019, this state park is home to 220-acres of Smoky Hill Chalk badlands that were once underwater.
These badlands are similar to the badlands of South Dakota, with towering sandstone formations that have weathered away over time. They are known to have exceptionally well-preserved marine reptiles so be sure to keep an eye out for fossils during your visit.
There are several hiking trails that will allow you to get up close and personal with the unique geology found here.
Life on the Rocks Trail is an easy 1.5 miles and will take you along the rim of the rock formations. The 0.25 mile Overlook Trail is another must-hike trail in the park.
Located just 18 miles north of Scott City, this Kansas destination is great place to visit for anyone traveling through the western half of the state.
10. Indulge In Mouthwatering Shakes At The Pennant!
The Pennant is a restaurant in Topeka that takes milkshakes to a whole new level. They make mouthwatering, over the top shakes that are a must-have experience in Kansas!
If you love to seek out-of-the-ordinary food experiences, this is one place you won’t want to miss.
Their Instragram-worthy shakes have names like “Over The Rainbow” and “You’re Killing Me Smalls”.
The “Over The Rainbow” is a milkshake with your choice of ice cream hand-blended and piled into a waffle cone with coconut cotton candy and sprinkles, topped with whipped cream!
As for “You’re Killing Me Smalls”, it involves a vanilla ice cream milkshake hand-blended with burnt marshmallow dip and fudge, then topped with graham crackers, Hershey’s chocolate and marshmallows.
Enjoy your indulgent milkshake at The Pennant downstairs in the bowling alley or upstairs in the beer garden overlooking downtown Topeka.
11. See The Murals In North Topeka
Topeka is the capital city of Kansas therefore should be a city at the top of your Kansas bucket list! If you find yourself in Topeka, be sure not to miss the opportunity to visit North Topeka.
This lesser-known neighborhood of Topeka which is often referred to as NOTO, is a haven for artists and there are several art galleries along Kansas Avenue worth making the effort to visit. However, it’s the neigborhood’s vibrant murals that are making a splash with tourists.
Adorning many of NOTO’s building walls are colorful murals that are a must see in Topeka. The most popular mural with visitors is the “Greetings From Topeka” painting. It’s a great place to take photos to remember your trip through Kansas.
Most of the murals can be found along Kansas Avenue but there are a few hidden in alleyways in the downtown area of North Topeka. The best way to find them is to take a stroll through town, and of course don’t forget to take your camera with you.
12. Spend One Day In Lawrence
Lawrence is a cute, small town in Kansas that is big on charm. It is notable for being a hip college town with a downtown area lined by boutique shops, excellent restaurants, and distinguished breweries.
Spend your morning strolling Massachusetts Street (referred to as Mass Street by locals) stopping in at any stores that tickle your fancy.
When it’s lunch time, make a beeline for Merchants Pub & Plate, the top restaurant in town. This awesome eatery re-imagines classic dishes turning them into gourmet affairs. For example, you can order tacos with Korean fried chicken, blackened salmon, short ribs or pork belly.
They also have a range of shareable plates, the most popular being their famous brussels sprouts which come with cashews and dried apricots. But the pork belly burnt ends are also quite tasty.
Once you’re done with lunch, head over to Free State Brewing, a haven for beer lovers. This brewery is remarkable because it was the first legal brewery in Kansas in over 100 years. Kansans love their Free State Beer so naturally sampling the state beer needs to be on your Kansas bucket list.
Of course there is much more to Lawrence than what is mentioned here, but this itinerary will cover all of the highlights on a day trip. You can always choose to stay for the weekend to see more of Lawrence.
13. Witness An Ocean of Sunflowers
Kansas isn’t dubbed the Sunflower State for no reason! There is an abundance of golden sunflower fields that stretch across the state. Not only are they a visual delight, but they also offer fantastic photo opportunities for roadtrippers driving through the state during the tail-end of summer.
The mesmerizing sea of yellow that can be seen during the summer time in Kansas is one of the most incredible sights! These cheerful blooms cast a spell on all who witness their enchanting display.
The best time to witness this extraordinary spectacle is during the summer months. As the days grow longer and warmer, the sunflowers begin to emerge from their slumber to bask in sun’s rays.
By late August and early September, the sunflowers are in full bloom, standing tall and proud, creating a breathtaking tapestry across the Kansas countryside.
One of the most picturesque locations to witness the grandeur of Kansas' sunflowers is Grinter Farms. This family-owned farm in Lawrence has over 40-acres of fields for you to wander through.
The Grinter family has no problem with the public taking photos in their sunflower fields, even professional photographers schedule sessions here!
For the best photography, come on a sunny day in the first couple of hours after sunrise or before sunset.
Of course there are plenty of other sunflower farms across Kansas. Locate a sunflower farm in Kansas here.
Plan A Trip To Kansas
Car Rentals
If you need a rental car for your trip we recommend Enterprise who are our preferred car rental company. But if you would prefer to shop around use rentalcars.com to look for the best rates on car rentals in Kansas.
Hotels
To find the best rates on hotel rooms search hotels.com who have the largest inventory of rooms at the lowest rates! Alternatively you can use VRBO to find a vacation homes in Kansas to make your trip extra special.
RVs and Campervans
Would you prefer to rent an RV or campervan for your Kansas road trip? Check out Outdoorsy where you’ll find a huge selection of vehicles across the U.S. that you can sleep inside. Save money by not having to stay overnight in hotel rooms!
Road Trips
If you’re not experienced with taking road trips, have a look at a few of these articles that will help you become more familiar with what to expect on your great American road trip adventure:
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