The Best Kansas Travel Destinations For Retirees

Kansas is frequently referred to as the Heart of America, and this isn’t just because of its central location. The beloved state has so much to offer retired travelers. Not only does it have a relatively small population of just under 3 million residents, which makes it easy and enjoyable to travel through, but it’s bursting with charm, history, and natural beauty. From natural wonders like the largest tallgrass prairie left in the world to historic towns and forts and the second-largest space museum in the world, find the top travel destinations for retirees in the state of Kansas.

Monument Rocks

Monument Rocks is the first Kansas travel destination that retirees won’t want to miss. This historic natural area was believed to have formed roughly 80 million years ago. Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, Monument Rocks is located in northwestern Kansas.

What makes it such a sight to behold is that the dramatic chalk formations that it consists of are surrounded by flat, barren land. This makes the landmark even more awe-inspiring; there is a reason it was designated the first National Natural Landmark in Kansas in 1968. There are a number of rock formations that make up the monument, some of which are as tall as 70 feet. If you take a closer look at some, you can even see fossils of shells or other forms of sea life.

Visiting Monument Rocks is free of charge and can be accessed via a gravel road.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

If you want to see the Sunflower State in all its glory, look no further than Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. An ideal destination for retirees, this nature preserve is made up of over 10,000 acres of sprawling grasslands. It also happens to be the largest tallgrass prairie left in the entire world, which means this may be your only chance to see it.

There are a number of paths and hiking trails that run throughout the preserve, and due to the low elevation of the area, they are all relatively leisurely. A few of the most popular hikes include the Ranch Legacy Trail and the Fox Creek Trail.

While walking through the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, keep an eye out for the hundreds of diverse plants and animals that inhabit it. There are over 150 species of birds here, which makes it an ideal spot for bird watching.

Lindsborg

Did you know that Kansas is home to its own Little Sweden? It’s true! Lindsborg was founded by Swedish immigrants in the late 19th century, and since then, it has retained much of its Scandi charm. If you are a retiree interested in learning more about Scandinavian culture, be sure to visit the town of Lindsborg during your time in Kansas.

The town’s population swells when it hosts festivals, like Svensk Hyllningsfest, which takes place every other October. Other attractions to check out include The Swedish Pavilion, Coronado Heights, the Old Mill Museum, Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery, and Hoglund Dugout. There are also several Swedish restaurants and coffee shops throughout the town, like Happy Swede Restaurant and Crown and Rye.

Oz Museum

Perhaps the first thing that comes to peoples’ minds when they think of Kansas is The Wizard of Oz. Therefore, it may not come as a surprise that the state is home to its very own Oz Museum. Located in the small city of Wamego, this museum is devoted solely to this famous movie. Museum visitors can walk down the yellow brick road and gain entry into the behind-the-scenes world of the movie. For example, retirees can marvel at artifacts, books, production notes, photos, and props that are on display throughout the attraction. The Oz Museum also plays the original silent movie on a loop.

If you are a fan of the movie or pop culture in general, be sure to visit the Oz Museum while in Kansas. The museum is open year-round except Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Wichita

With a population of nearly 400,000 people, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas (though it isn’t the capital—that’s Topeka). The city is still relatively small compared to major US cities, which makes it a relaxing and manageable destination for retirees to explore.

The city is nicknamed the Air Capital of the World due to its past and present involvement with the aircraft industry. Back in the 1920s, the city's 16 aircraft manufacturers rolled out 120 airplanes off the production lines each week. Even today, aircraft manufacturing continues to be an important part of Wichita’s economy.

While in Wichita, don’t miss your chance to visit its many exciting attractions, like the Sedgwick County Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals, Botanica, an 18-acre landscaped garden, the Original Pizza Hut, Arkansas River Trail, and shopping in the Delano district.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

The next Kansas travel destination that history-loving retirees should consider visiting is the Fort Scott National Historic Site. This historic site is an ode to the Kansas of the past, specifically, the Kansas of the mid-19th century when it was a frontier land. During this time, settlers continued to make their way to Kansas; however, the United States needed a military presence to keep American borders secure. As a result, Fort Scott was constructed. It was built in 1842 and became an important landmark during major historical events like the American Civil War and Bleeding Kansas.

Though it is no longer an active military fort, it has been preserved and is now open to the public. Visitors can sign up for a guided tour to learn all about the area's history. There are over 11 historically accurate buildings and 30 furnished rooms to explore. You will instantly be transported back to life during the 19th century.

Dodge City

If you plan to visit western Kansas during your trip, you may want to make time for Dodge City. This Old West town has a fascinating history that has been well-preserved. Fort Dodge was originally built in the 19th century to protect settlers who were heading out on the Santa Fe Trail or who were settling in Kansas permanently. The area was central to the Wild West and even resulted in the famous expression, “Get the heck out of Dodge.”

Even today, when you arrive in Dodge City, you will feel like you have entered cowboy country. You can still walk the same streets that key Western figures like Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp once walked. There are also tours of Fort Dodge available, as well as the Boot Hill Museum, which puts on gunfight reenactments and chuckwagon dinners for guests.

Cosmosphere

Situated in the city of Hutchinson, roughly two and a half hours southwest of Topeka lies the Cosmosphere. Also known as The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, this educational attraction is the second largest space museum in the world. Thus, you will find tons of fascinating and interactive exhibitions here. For example, the museum houses the Carey Digital Dome Theater, where movies on space exploration are projected onto a two-story domed screen.

There is also a Hall of Space Museum, which is home to the largest collection of Russian and American space artifacts in the world (visitors can even touch a real spacecraft!), and a world-class planetarium. The Kansas Cosmosphere is open from Wednesday to Sunday every week.

What is not to love about Kansas? It makes for an exciting travel destination for people of all ages, including retirees, and that’s due to its diversity. In just one midwestern state, you can step back in time to the Wild West in Dodge City, explore the vibrant city of Wichita, learn more about a cinematic treasure at the Oz Museum, be immersed in Scandinavian culture in Lindsborg, and marvel at nature at Monument Rocks or the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.