8 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Kansas
Waiting on that extra-long weekend to take that trip? Kansas has many great spots to offer, each better than the last. But why Kansas? Making its home in the Midwestern region of the United States, the area now known as Kansas was originally home to the Caddoan Wichita people and later the Siouan Kaw people before European colonization. It is famous for more than just a children’s book. Kansas hides a number of perfect destinations with activities for everyone. From visiting the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum to exploring the incredible Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas offers some unforgettable experiences. We have only just begun to uncover the hidden gems that make this state so special. Prepare to be amazed because there is a reason they say there’s no place like home—especially when that home is Kansas.
Abilene
It is difficult to choose, but an attempt can be made in Abilene, which is one of the best places to spend your long weekend. Here, you will find a Wild West craze; Old Abilene Town is the place to go for gunfight reenactments and period shops. You could visit the World’s Largest Belt Buckle, a famous tourist attraction, but not before The Seelye Mansion—another famous spot. This opulent Victorian mansion was built in 1905 and is complete with Edison lighting and original furnishings! Spend the weekend at the Victorian Inn, a quaint B&B that is very close to a lot of great spots, and do not forget to stop by the Great Plains Theatre, Kansas' longest-operating professional theater.
Lindsborg
Called "Little Sweden USA" by many, Lindsborg has some interesting Swedish roots. Residents celebrate Svensk Hyllningsfest every October (in even-numbered years), but that is not all that makes this town worth a stay. The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is worth a stop to see artwork by Swedish-American Birger Sandzén. And speaking of culture, the Old Mill Museum has a way of capturing the town's 19th-century history, so make your way to check out the original roller mill from 1898! Stay at the Swedish Country Inn, a place that knows how to stay on theme, perhaps after a day of exploring the Coronado Heights—a castle-like stone building that gives you a 360-degree view of the vast Kansas landscape.
Wamego
A trip to Kansas does not count without visiting the Oz Museum. Wamego is home to many a gem, but the 2,000 artifacts dedicated to The Wizard of Oz—including a Munchkin outfit from the original movie—can really make a long weekend down here. Start your day from the Simmer Motel, and head to the Columbian Theater for a taste of original artwork from the Chicago World’s Fair. The best part about this town is how close it is to the Kansas River, so visitors find some excellent river activities to keep them occupied. You can end the day at Wamego City Park, where you will find Dutch windmill replicas, which is known for its annual Tulip Festival every April. The best lodging option here is at the Simmer Motel, closest to everything.
Atchison
A famous spot and home to a famous aviator. Visitors typically come to see the birthplace of aviator Amelia Earhart, the annual festival, and the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. A weekend here would first need to start at the Tuck U Inn at Glick Mansion; here, visitors would first enjoy cozy, period-style rooms. After settling in, you could continue learning about this town’s rich aviation history at Mount Vernon Cemetery—the final resting place of Earhart which overlooks the Missouri River—or take an interesting turn at the Haunted Atchison Trolley Tour. Just walking through the town, you will notice a beautiful architectural diversity in no small part due to the Benedictine College there, founded in 1858.
Council Grove
This was once a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail. The Council Grove keeps its legacy going with sites like the Last Chance Store from 1857. Many historic sites remain here, as well as the Kaw Mission State Historic Site—once a school for Kaw (Kanza) Native Americans. It is best to rent a place in the Cottage House Hotel, built in 1867, and enjoy the Victorian architecture before your eagerness to explore reclaims you. Head out to Council Oak Park if you are a fan of Midwestern American history; you will be pleased to know that it is also the site where a historic treaty was signed in 1825. Speaking of which, Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park would be a safe bet for learning about the Kanza people, with trails and interpretive signs.
Fort Scott
Named after the Fort Scott National Historic Site, this town is a perfect getaway. Its namesake is a preserved 19th-century military outpost, but that is not all Fort Scott has in store. The Gordon Parks Museum commemorates the life and work of Gordon Parks, a famous African American photographer and filmmaker. As you head downtown, you will find a collection of preserved historic storefronts, and, interestingly enough, one of the oldest working courthouses in Kansas (built in 1903). You can enjoy a well-earned rest at Rock Creek Lake Park by fishing, hiking on trails, or relaxing in picnic areas, just a short drive from the historic center. Do not forget, though, to book a good spot at Lyons Twin Mansions B&B, a place that connects two historic homes.
Lucas
Known as the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas" due to its incredible sculpture garden, Lucas houses, and, among other things, the bizarre Garden of Eden, which was created by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor. Cultured visitors typically make their way to The Grassroots Art Center to explore its "outsider art"—art lovers, rejoice! Of course, art imitates life, so a trip to Wilson Lake—one of the clearest lakes in Kansas—provides plenty of opportunities to unwind, either with boating, fishing, or other. A good stay over the weekend is only possible at the Midland Railroad Hotel in nearby Wilson—worth at least a few nights to experience the historic vibe of this restored 1899 hotel.
Cottonwood Falls
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve awaits at Cottonwood Falls. Located at the heart of the Flint Hills, this is one of the last remnants of tallgrass prairie (an eye-catching ecosystem) in North America. Nature lovers would really appreciate a trip down here, but history buffs would also love to see one of the oldest courthouses in the country—built in 1873—in a French Renaissance style. Downtown Cottonwood Falls is also known for its historic architecture, with largely unchanged structures. Book a room at the Grand Central Hotel and enjoy hearty Kansas-style meals before checking out the Cottonwood River Dam just outside of town!
It is hard to miss when aiming for a good choice for the perfect getaway here in Kansas. Its blend of history, nature, and art makes it perfect for long weekends overall! Some of the nicest people in some of the best places reside in these 82,278 square miles, and it would be a shame not to explore more than one every few weeks. America is a big country, but there will always be a certain magic, courtesy of the state of Kansas, that is difficult to capture anywhere else. Perhaps that is why so many visit to experience firsthand the inspiration behind its writers and innovators.
