After several visits to Kansas, I've learned that it's full of surprises. From bison, to unique stays, to underground adventures, there are so many unique and beautiful things to do across The Sunflower State.
Personally, I’ve driven through Kansas several times and started my adventures by seeking out the best hiking spots and neat rock formations. However, most recently I had the pleasure of spending 9 days exploring South-Central Kansas in October 2025 (hosted by Kansas Tourism). This trip gave me the chance to meet locals and gain a much deeper appreciation for all of the unique things to do across the state.
Whether you live in Kansas, are taking a Kansas road trip, or are just looking for a quick stop while driving through Kansas, I hope this list of unique things to do in Kansas helps you find somewhere new and special to visit! Keep reading to discover some of the best places to go in Kansas!
23 of the Best Things To Do in Kansas
Here is my list of unique and quirky things to do in Kansas! Whether you like hiking or are looking for a roadside stop, you’re sure to be intrigued by at least one of these unique places.
Map of Unique Places to go in Kansas
1. Hike at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
Enjoy otherworldly views while hiking at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. This unique state park on the Western side of the state is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy easy trails with incredibly unique views.
The park features an area of badlands made of chalk formations. Along with the rock formations, you can see a large population of wild buckwheat, reptiles, birds and amphibians. The park is owned by The Nature Conservancy and includes 220 acres of badlands.
Fun Fact: This area was underwater millions of years ago. These chalk formations were formed from Niobrara Chalk, which came from ocean sediment millions of years ago.
There are two short trails in Little Jerusalem Badlands - the Life on the Rocks Trail and the Badlands Overlook trail. Both offer some beautiful viewpoints overlooking the rock formations. I especially loved that they featured information signage about the plants and animals who call the park home.
These trails offer fantastic views of the rocks, but you can’t get too close. However, they do offer guided tours that go off-trail and allow you get more up close and personal with these fascinating formations. You can check the calendar for upcoming tours. I’d love to do this someday!
Overall, this park is one of the best places to hike in Kansas and a must-visit if you enjoy hiking and interesting rock formations. Admission is $5 and there are machines that take credit cards or cash. Despite feeling like it’s in the middle of nowhere, I had cell reception on Verizon. There are also restrooms available. It’s a beautiful and well-maintained park.
2. Admire the Monument Rocks
The Monument Rocks are not far from Little Jerusalem Badlands. It’s definitely worth visiting them both on the same trip! To visit, you’ll take a well maintained dirt road off of U.S. Highway 83. You can enter from either the north or the south.
You can drive right up to the rock formations, park and walk around. They are fascinating to see and it’s fun to photograph the formations from various angles. I loved the giant arch!
Keep in mind that climbing and drones are prohibited. I had cell reception on Verizon during my visit.
3. See Bison and Elk on a Kansas Safari
Get up close to massive bison on a tram ride through tall grasses at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Herds of about 200 bison and 45 elk roam freely throughout the preserve. While you can also take your own scenic drive, a guided tram ride is the best way to see the animals up close. We rode with a knowledgeable volunteer who had endless stories to share about the history of the area and the animals.
Fun Fact: Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest bison herd in Kansas.
It was incredible how close we were to the bison on this tour. They are used to being fed by other vehicles, and walk right alongside our tram. We also saw elk in the distance, and even spotted a coyote.
The Friends of Maxwell is a non-profit organization with a commitment to preserving the region and the bison herd. It’s a great organization with a variety of events throughout the year.
4. Visit a Swedish Town
Lindsborg is a small town that has done an incredible job celebrating their Swedish heritage. Known as “Little Sweden USA,” the town has shops with Swedish gifts and foods, painted dala horses all over town and an annual Swedish festival (Svensk Hyllningsfest) that draws in 30,000 people (the population of the town is 3.8k).
One of the interesting things about this town is that so much of the community is encouraged to get involved at a young age. The majority of high school students join the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers, where they learn Swedish dancing and perform throughout the year. I had the opportunity to see both the kids and an adult group perform, and join them for myself, and it was such a special and fun experience!
To learn about Swedish heritage while you’re in town, the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is a great place to go. I also recommend renting a quadricycle, eating at Blacksmith Coffee, seeing the painted signs at Hemslojd and enjoying a drink at Ol Stuga. You can also enjoy a cozy stay and a Swedish breakfast at Drom Sott Inn. Lindsborg makes for a perfect weekend getaway in Kansas!
5. Look at Fossils at Keystone Art Gallery
Also not far from Little Jerusalem Badlands, you can find an impressive collection of fossils, art and more at the Keystone Art Gallery. The gallery has been open since 1991 and has some rare and large fossils, including a 20-foot Mosasaur and a 14-foot Xiphactinus.
Along with the fossils, they had a beautiful collection of local art and plenty of souvenirs such as t-shirts, mugs and more. Whether you want to learn more about the fossils or buy a gift, this is worthy of a stop on your Kansas road trip.
6. Tour or Stay in the Atlas ad Astra Missile Silo
For a unique stay in Kansas, look no further than the Astra Missile Silo! During the Cold War, the US worked to develop a strong nuclear missile defense program, in part by hiding giant missiles across the Great Plains. This site was formerly the site of an Atlas F Missile, which was built to withstand a 200 pound-per-square-inch blast. It was built in 1959 and decommissioned in 1965.
The owner, Matthew (plus his dogs Bing and Buddy), bought the property in 2020 with a vision to transform the silo into the ultimate adventure resort. Future plans include an epic RV park, a wine bar, a planetarium and much more.
Right now, you can reserve a stay inside the missile silo on Airbnb. If that’s not your speed or you don’t have a night to spare, you can also take a tour of the property. The tour is super informative and you’ll get to see inside where the missile used to be and learn all about Matthew’s plans for the future.
If you’re at all interested in unique accommodations or the transformation of abandoned places, this is a must-stop in Kansas! Reserve a tour on their website and see for yourself what makes this place so unique and special.
7. Tour the Only Museum in an Underground Salt Mine in the US
Visit an underground salt mine and museum at Strateca! This is the only underground salt museum in North America and is still used as an active salt mine today. You’ll start the tour by descending 650 feet underground in a small elevator. The elevator is typically kept dark to get a feel for what it was like when it was first built, but you can request the lights on if you need.
Underground, there is a mix of museum displays and activities. You’ll learn about the geology of the area and see historic movie costumes that are stored here because of the constant temperature and humidity. Along with the exhibits, there is both a train ride and a tram ride that you partake in. The train ride leads you past a collapsed roof and other sights, while the tram ride includes a stop where you can collect your own bit of salt.
One thing that really surprised me was the amount of events that take place underground. They host runs, murder mystery dinners, weddings and more. This is such an interesting place that should definitely be on your midwest bucket list!
8. Explore the Last Remaining Significant Prairie in North America
A visit to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a must for anyone who loves exploring different natural landscapes. The park is made up of almost 11,000 acres and protects grasses that can grow to 8 feet tall. The park is home to a herd of bison, along with other wildlife, and has over 40 miles of trails to explore.
Along with the hiking opportunities, there are some historic ranch buildings near the visitor center that were built in the late 1800s. There is also a one room schoolhouse that operated until 1930.
This is a great park for hiking and just enjoying nature. You’ll find green grasses spotted with flowers in the spring and summer, and more of an orange yellow color in the fall and winter.
9. Go Hiking at Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Kansas. Known for its clear water and great fishing, the lake is also surrounded by multiple parks that offer hiking and camping.
For an easy hike with a rewarding view, I highly recommend the Rock Town Trail, which is located in Lucas Park. This 2.5-mile trail leads from grassy hills down the water, where you’ll get to see some giant rock formations. The eroded rock formations tower up a bit like a town, hence the name.
This hike offers a beautiful mix of scenery and such a unique view. It’s one of my favorite hikes in Kansas!
Many of the Badland rock formations in Kansas remind of Badlands National Park in South Dakota or Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
10. Visit Castle Rock
Castle Rock is a remote, chalk rock formation that is very similar to Monument Rocks. Unlike Monument Rock, the final road to reach this site may not be suitable for all vehicles. If you have a low clearance vehicle, I recommend hiking in the last stretch (and expect a long time on dirt roads as you’re getting there).
This remarkable chalk pillar stands 70 feet tall and resembles a castle. In addition to Castle Rock itself, there are some cool rock formations right next to it too. It’s a beautiful and unique area to see in Kansas.
11. Explore Haunted Underground Tunnels
Beneath the small town of Ellinwood there is a hidden world. When German settlers came to the area in the 1800s, they built a series of tunnels. It was a way to organize the city that they learned from living in Bavaria. Retail existed under the surface, including hat shops, barber shops, saloons, and more, and men were the only ones allowed underground.
Most of the tunnels were eventually filled in, but a few remain (they were fought for by Adrianna Dierolf in the 70’s). Today, you can take a tour of the tunnels that still exist under the Wolf Manor and the Ellinwood Emporium. During the tour, you’ll get to see the artifacts left from some of the former businesses below the surface, including a barber shop that doubled as a bathhouse.
The underground tunnels are also said to be haunted, and many paranormal groups have visited and had occurrences. If you’re interested in the deeper mysteries, you can book a paranormal tour and even stay overnight in the tunnels.
While you’re in Ellinswood, it’s worth staying at the Wolf Manor and visiting The Underground Saloon. Also be sure to stop by Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co, where you can pour your own candle.
12. Visit the World's Largest Collection of Smallest Replicas of Worlds Largest Things
Not far from Wilson Lake, stop in the town of Lucas for a truly unique roadside attraction. Lucas is home to the World's Largest Collection of Smallest Replicas of Worlds Largest Things (say that 5 times fast). At this self-guided museum, you’ll see photos, replicas, information and more about giant roadside attractions around the world.
The museum is open between April and October and free to visit. Unfortunately I was there in November, but I’m looking forward to visiting on a future road trip!
13. Admire the Mushroom Rocks
This small but neat state park is home to rock formations that look just like giant mushrooms! The formations are made of sandstone and sedimentary rocks, and are millions of years old.
The park is 5 acres and has some short walking trails that allow you to see the fascinating formations up close. There are 2 of the iconic mushrooms, plus some other smaller rocks.
Unfortunately, there is an obscene amount of rock carving on these fragile formations. Please be sure to never carve on a rock or tree while you’re out exploring - take a photo instead!
14. Explore Rock City Park
Similar to Mushroom Rocks, Rock City Park is another remote-feeling park full of rock formations. The park is surrounded by farms and I had it all to myself. The park has several giant, round boulders made of sandstone cemented by calcite. There are about 200 of these rocks so it really feels like you’re inside of a rock city as you walk around.
Fun Fact: This is the largest concentration of rocks of this size and type in the world!
The park asks for a $3 donation when you visit. It’s well worth a visit and such a fun place to spend an afternoon exploring.
15. Visit the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge
If you’re into birdwatching, be sure to make a stop at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge during your Kansas road trip. This wetlands area is an important stopover for millions of migratory birds each year. In fact, 45% of all shorebirds in North America use this area at some point throughout the year. The park provides a habitat for endangered species such as the whooping crane, along with over 300 other types of birds.
When you visit, there is a driving route around the area and an observation tower. It’s also worth stopping at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, where you can learn all about the landscape, wildlife and more.
I recommend staying for sunset, as the vibrant sky reflected on the water (not to mention 100’s of birds flying by) made for one of the most epic sunsets I’ve seen! Plus, it’s worth stopping by the small town of Great Bend Kansas when you visit, which has some great restaurants such as Mizumi Sushi & Steak and Dry Lake Brewing.
16. Visit the Little Restaurant on the Prairie (on Sundays)
Enjoy delicious small plates in an assuming restaurant with countryside views. Chef Stan’s Place is an unassuming restaurant that barely has a sign. It’s a place that you have to know is there. Stan is a chef who loves to have his hands in a variety of projects. He originally bought this former church to live in, but felt inspired to make it into a restaurant as he worked on the renovations.
On Sundays at lunch, Stan serves items like tucson soup, ravioli, sandwiches and desserts (such as the famous Magic Cookie Bar). There is a beautiful view from the dining room that looks out at the rolling fields. If you have a chance, ask Stan about the building renovations, the massive sculpture in the dining room, and more. He has some very interesting stories!
Chef Stan’s Place is typically only open on Sundays from 11am - 2pm, and reservations are recommended.
17. See one of the Largest Collections of Space Artifacts in the US
If you’re at all interested in space and aviation, the Cosmosphere is an amazing place to visit! They have one of the largest collections in the world of both US and Russian space artifacts. The exhibits tell the story of the space race, comparing the innovations of both Russia and the US side by side.
One highlight was seeing the actual Apollo 13, which was on loan from the Smithsonian. This is a fantastic museum for kids and adults alike to learn all about the space race and enjoy lots of interesting and hands-on exhibits.
18. Sleep in a Treehouse or a Themed Barn
If you love unique lodging like I do, the Barns at Timber Creek is a fantastic place to stay. They have a real treehouse, plus a large barn where each bedroom has its own theme. The owners, Martin and Cheryl Rude, worked for years to restore two large barns. One is used as lodging, and the other is used as an events venue.
Inside the lodging barn, there is a railroad room, a granary room, and more. The treehouse is perched up in a hedge tree and features a loft and kitchenette. It’s such a fun place to stay for groups, families or couples!
19. Visit a Winery with a Beautiful Mission
The Rosewood Winery near Great Bend has a mission to provide employment for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization not only makes wine, but runs horse therapy programs, hosts a rodeo and more. I visited their beautiful winery grounds, but they also have a taproom in Great Bend, and a variety of other businesses.
Not only do they have a powerful mission, but the wine is great too. I enjoyed their zinfandel the most.
20. Eat Joe's KC BBQ at a Gas Station
If you’re passing through Kansas City and want to try some BBQ, be sure to visit Joe’s. Said to be one of the best places to eat BBQ in Kansas City, the original Joe’s location is inside of a former gas station. After winning several competitions and opening a restaurant in Oklahoma, Jeff and Joy Stehney took the opportunity to open a barbecue joint inside of a gas station and convenience store close to their home. Today, the restaurant is still housed inside of the same building.
Today, the shop still has a working gas pump, and sells all kinds of BBQ sauces in addition to the BBQ menu items from Joe’s. In addition to classic items like ribs and burnt ends, Joe’s is known for the Z-Man Sandwich. I was thrilled that they offer a vegetarian Z-Man Sandwich (it was delicious!). The sandwich includes brisket (or smoked portobello mushrooms for me!), provolone and onion rings on a Kaiser Roll.
21. Admire the Keeper of the Plains
If you visit Wichita, you can’t miss the iconic Keeper of the Plains. This 44-foot tall sculpture stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. It was built by Native American and local artist Blackbear Bosin in 1974, and has since been renovated and improved.
You can enjoy views of the sculpture on foot, but one extra special way to see it is from the water. Rent a kayak from Boats & Bikes and enjoy a leisurely paddle to see the sculpture from a different perspective.
Another way you should see the sculpture is when they light the Ring of Fire. Several fire pots are lit each light, creating a unique and powerful view of this iconic landmark.
22. Learn about an (in)famous Kansas Feminist
Carry A. Nation was a radical member of the temperance movement (a movement that opposed alcohol before prohibition). Her passion for this cause led her to literally take a hatchet and go attack saloons around Kansas and beyond. Carry was also passionate about women gaining the right to vote, which didn’t come to fruition until after her death.
In the town of Medicine Lodge, you can see Carry A. Nation’s home. Along with the house, you can also visit the Stockade Museum. The museum has historic Native American artifacts and tells some of the history of early European settlers in Kansas.
This is a great museum to learn what it was like in Kansas in the late 1800’s, and I loved learning about a woman who wasn’t afraid to speak out about her beliefs and make noise.
23. Hike in the First Kansas State Park
Kanopolis State Park is a beautiful place to hike, camp and spend time in nature. The park has over 30 miles of trails and offers opportunities for horseback riding and mountain biking along with hiking.
I recommend hiking the Horse Thief Trail, which will lead you past a cave that is shaped like a face. Be on the lookout for beaver dams along the way.
The state park was established when Kanopolis Lake was built in 1948, but some of the trails here have been in use for over 100 years.
This park is not far from Mushroom Rocks, so it’s a great idea to visit both in one day.
Looking for more ideas? Here are a few more unique places in Kansas that are on my list for the future:
- Visit the Big Well Museum
- Visit the Geographic Center of the Lower 48 states
- Ride an ATV at the Syracuse Sand Dunes
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! I hope at least one of these places helped you realize that Kansas has more to offer than you originally thought. From ancient fossils to wild rock formations, the state is beautiful, underrated and waiting to be discovered. I hope you use this guide to plot an epic Kansas road trip!
For More Midwest Travel Ideas, check out these blogs:
- The Best Outdoorsy Road Trips in the Midwest
- The Best Things To Do in Northwest Nebraska
- The Best Things To Do in Kearney, NE
- A Badlands and Black Hills Road Trip Itinerary
- The Best Things To Do in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- A Guide to Visiting Badlands National Park in October
- How to Spend 3 Days on the MN North Shore
- How to Spend 3 Days in Madison, Wisconsin
- The Best Hikes in Indiana
- The Best Things To Do in Hocking Hills, OH
- How to Spend One Day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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