Kansas

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Visit Wichita / Mickey Shannon
Photo provided by Visit Wichita / Debbie Greene

Soak up a classically American atmosphere in the great plains of this state, where acres of farmland are populated by a friendly and welcoming communities.

In the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy declares that “there’s no place like home” as she returns to her home state of Kansas. And indeed, there are few places like the “Sunflower State,” a part of America famed for vast stretches of farmland, rolling hills and great plains. Discover fascinating historical sights, charming cities and family attractions scattered throughout this enticing rural scenery.

Explore a land that has been inhabited since as early as 10,000 B.C. by Native Americans. Europeans arrived here in the 16th century and it became a part of the U.S. during the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Get a glimpse of life in Kansas across the centuries at different historical landmarks. Travel back to the Old West in Dodge City’s Wild West Heritage Buffalo & Longhorn Exhibit and at the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita. The Fort Larned National Historic Site shows visitors the role of the military in Kansas. Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka to learn about the state’s role in the civil rights movement.

Bring your family to Kansas and explore the historic farms and fun attractions in the state. Museums such as the Flint Hills Discovery Center, in the city of Manhattan, and Exploration Place in Wichita, offer interactive exhibits on science and geography in Kansas. Take the children to a buffalo ranch and meet the gentle giants of the Great Plains.

Plan to spend some of your time in Kansas in the great outdoors. Escape to one of the 26 state parks that offer adventure sports in tranquil scenery. Places such as Kanopolis Lake and Geary County State Park have cycling trails, angling and water sports. Come in summer for the most activities and sunny days by the lakes.

Fly into Kansas City International Airport and drive west to see the wide open spaces of the prairies. Kansas has different appeals throughout the year, but avoid the months of May, June and November, as they come with a higher chance of tornadoes. Visit in fall for fields overflowing with ripe fruit and vegetables.

Where to stay in Kansas

Wichita featuring a sunset and a bridge

Downtown Wichita

4.5/5(275 area reviews)

Explore the vibrant Old Town entertainment district, boasting numerous restaurants and nightclubs, or visit iconic landmarks like the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center and Intrust Bank Arena. Enjoy convenient access to various hotels and transportation options, including the free Q-Line trolley.

Downtown Wichita
The Legends in KCK. This picture was taken with my cell phone just after a storm moved through.

I-435 West

4.5/5(225 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in I-435 West, Legends Outlets Kansas City and Legends Field are top sights worth seeing.

I-435 West
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Merriam

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Merriam. You might consider a stop by Cinemark Merriam while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Merriam
Best ribs I ever tasted! Go to Oklahoma joes.

Rosedale

4.5/5(88 area reviews)

While visiting Rosedale, you might make a stop by sights like 39th Street West and Rosedale Memorial Arch.

Rosedale
Exploration Place, Wichita, Kansas.

Old Town Wichita

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Bars, historic sites, and live music are just a few things travelers enjoy about Old Town Wichita. Check out Museum of World Treasures or Mosley Street Melodrama while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Wichita
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Edwardsville

Visitors to Edwardsville like its shopping and entertainment venues, and Village West is a sight worth a stop.

Edwardsville
American Motel Kansas City, Kansas

American Motel Kansas City, Kansas

2 out of 5
7949 Splitlog Ave, Kansas City, KS
$58 nightly
The price is $68 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$68 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,004 reviews)
"Loved the birds in the middle of the night singing...Miss country ,and nature...Unique design interior with elevator...Really enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

American Motel Kansas City, Kansas
Comfort Suites Speedway - Kansas City

Comfort Suites Speedway - Kansas City

2.5 out of 5
3000 N. 103rd Terrace, Kansas City, KS
$82 nightly
The price is $96 total per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
$96 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great location so we could visit family around the area. Restaurant locations not far. Quiet rooms"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Comfort Suites Speedway - Kansas City
Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City

Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City

3.5 out of 5
10401 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, KS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$229 nightly
The price is $268 total per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
$268 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly resort in Kansas City. Enjoy 4 indoor pools, 4 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Too many additional charges"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham Kansas City - Overland Pk

WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham Kansas City - Overland Pk

3.5 out of 5
11200 Glenwood St, Overland Park, KS
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Overland Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

WaterWalk Extended Stay by Wyndham Kansas City - Overland Pk
Silver Spur Vintage Inn & Suites

Silver Spur Vintage Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
1510 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Dodge City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (207 reviews)
"The property manager was a joy to work with; very responsive. Room was very clean."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Silver Spur Vintage Inn & Suites
Leavenworth Local Hotel

Leavenworth Local Hotel

2.5 out of 5
600 Shawnee St, Leavenworth, KS
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions First City ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (319 reviews)
"This is the best hotel choice in Leavenworth! Clean, cool, pet friendly, good price, comfortable room and space, nice employees. The bathroom was beauitful, the bed and kitchen comfy and usable, the available coffee very handy. If you must stay at a hotel with the "free" breakfast (for almost twice ..."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Leavenworth Local Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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