Looking for a last-minute road trip to make the most of your Labor Day weekend? Wichita has got you covered with a variety of options, from quick day trips to longer adventures that could even turn into overnight stays. Here are five unique road trips to consider, each offering a different perspective on the beauty and diversity of Kansas.
The Scenic Flint Hills
The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway is a 47-mile route that stretches from Council Grove to Cassoday, recently named one of the top road trips in the US by HGTV. This byway is a gateway to the tallgrass prairie, offering travelers an unchanged view of the grasslands of the Great Plains. The drive itself is beautiful year-round, with much of the land looking as it did thousands of years ago when native tribes like the Kaw and Osage lived here. Along the way, you can visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, historical sites like Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park, Chase State Fishing Lake, and a scenic overlook about five miles south of Cottonwood Falls.
Kansas History and Culture
For a deeper dive into Kansas' rich history and culture, head to the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. The museum reopened last year after a major renovation, inviting visitors to consider what Kansas is, was, and why it matters. From tornadoes and sunflowers to the Wizard of Oz, the museum explores the stories of everyday people who have accomplished incredible things, the heartland, a crossroads, a place of innovation, and a celebration of numerous cultures and traditions. While in Topeka, don't miss the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, the Kansas State Capitol, and the Kansas Children's Discovery Center.
Industrial Heritage Meets Nature
Lehigh Portland State Park, the newest state park in Kansas, offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty. The park's past as an active limestone quarry has transformed into a destination with towering limestone cliffs, clear waters, wooded trails, and scenic overlooks unlike anywhere else in the state. Located in Iola, about 115 miles east of Wichita, the park is accessible via a visitor center at 1528 Montana Rd, an Eastern Trailhead at 1600th Street & Nebraska Road, and a Western Trailhead at Washington Avenue and Elm Creek. Remember to bring a Kansas State Park vehicle permit and camping permits if you plan to spend the night.
Swedish Influences in Lindsborg
Just over an hour from Wichita, the town of Lindsborg, often called 'Little Sweden U.S.A.,' offers a unique cultural experience. The town is home to Swedish museums, art galleries, quaint boutique hotels, and restaurants and coffee shops serving Swedish specialties. You'll also find painted Dala horses around town, and the opportunity to bring one home. The Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a three-day itinerary that includes visiting the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, home to free-roaming bison and elk.
Monument Rocks: A Natural Wonder
About 250 miles from Wichita, Monument Rocks is the first National Natural Landmark in Kansas. This site features pinnacles, small buttes, and spires of chalk from the Niobrara formation, and is a rich source of fossils of Cretaceous marine animals. While on private property, the landowners allow visitors, and the Kansas Sampler Foundation has named it one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints, as fossil hunting, camping, bonfires, littering, and climbing are prohibited.
These road trips offer a glimpse into the diverse landscapes, history, and culture of Kansas, all within a short distance from Wichita. Whether you're seeking a quick day trip or a longer adventure, these destinations are sure to leave a lasting impression.
