Kansas has received a reputation as being a “boring flyover state” and do you know what? I can see why… but hear me out! If you have only seen the great Sunflower State via I-70, there is a good chance that you were in too big of a hurry to take in the beautiful scenery and to see what our state is REALLY about. Whether you live in Kansas or are an out-of-towner, the following 11 hidden gems are ones that you need to see to understand how special our state truly is:
- Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (Canton)
mns06/TripAdvisor Located near McPherson State Fishing Lake, this 2,560-acre sanctuary is home to some of the few remaining wild buffalo herds, as well as elk and other prairie animals. Hop on the tram to see the refuge’s beauty for yourself!
- The Troll (Wichita)
Joy W./Yelp He may be green and terrifying (and he may or may not try to eat you), but the Wichita Troll - who is located underground at 777 W Central Ave - is one of those “WTF” things that everyone should see.
- Davis Memorial (Hiawatha)
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Believe it or not, this intricate sculpture was carved entirely of Italian marble by John Milburn Davis after his wife’s passing in 1930. (Dear Husband, I hope you are reading this as I fully expect you to commemorate me in the same way!)
- Clinton Lake (Lawrence)
Flickr/Patrick Emerson Sure, Clinton Lake is great for camping and water sports, but the reason we are talking about it today is because it is truly one of the best spots in the state to catch one of our stunning sunsets…
- Arikaree Breaks (Cheyenne County)
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Why spend all that money traveling to the Grand Canyon when Kansas has an iconic canyon of its own? Welcome to the Arikaree Breaks; the virtually unknown badlands that feature a dramatic 2 1/2 mile break that was created by water some 10,000 years ago.
- C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (Leavenworth)
Ric P./Yelp Carousels are full of childhood nostalgia and whimsy, which makes this colorful museum (that shows visitors how these rides are made and operated) a fun outing for everyone in the family.
- Greyhound Hall of Fame (Abilene)
Julia M./Yelp Everyone knows about Abilene’s famed Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, but did you know that the town is also home to the equally impressive Greyhound Hall of Fame, which features fascinating displays to peruse and real-life greyhounds to pet and love?
- Gypsum Hills (Barber County)
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Also known as the Red Hills, the Gypsum Hills are a unique area that feature rolling hills, ancient floodplains, canyons, and a distinct rust color that has to be seen firsthand to be appreciated.
- J.R. Dickerman’s Open Range Zoo (Lincoln County)
YouTube/rainaroxy Don’t you just love how talented our natives are? Grassroots artist Jim Dickerman is no exception and shares his larger-than-life visions (including dragons, bugs, and more) with those traveling along the highways of Lincoln County.
- Dorothy’s House & Land of Oz (Liberal)
kelyons80/TripAdvisor You have heard of (and have maybe even visited) the impressive Oz Museum in Wamego; now check out the equally fun and vibrant Dorothy’s House & Land of Oz, which features fun sets, memorabilia, and even tours offered by Dorothy herself!
- Drinkwater & Schriver Flour Mill (Cedar Point)
Flickr/Chris Tomlinson No matter the time of year, this historic and picturesque mill, which once served as a production plant for both corn and wheat flower, is guaranteed to offer you a tranquil afternoon escape.
Discover even more Kansas goodness by visiting These 15 Jaw Dropping Places In Kansas That Will Blow You Away!
mns06/TripAdvisor
Located near McPherson State Fishing Lake, this 2,560-acre sanctuary is home to some of the few remaining wild buffalo herds, as well as elk and other prairie animals. Hop on the tram to see the refuge’s beauty for yourself!
Joy W./Yelp
He may be green and terrifying (and he may or may not try to eat you), but the Wichita Troll - who is located underground at 777 W Central Ave - is one of those “WTF” things that everyone should see.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Believe it or not, this intricate sculpture was carved entirely of Italian marble by John Milburn Davis after his wife’s passing in 1930. (Dear Husband, I hope you are reading this as I fully expect you to commemorate me in the same way!)
Flickr/Patrick Emerson
Sure, Clinton Lake is great for camping and water sports, but the reason we are talking about it today is because it is truly one of the best spots in the state to catch one of our stunning sunsets…
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Why spend all that money traveling to the Grand Canyon when Kansas has an iconic canyon of its own? Welcome to the Arikaree Breaks; the virtually unknown badlands that feature a dramatic 2 1/2 mile break that was created by water some 10,000 years ago.
Ric P./Yelp
Carousels are full of childhood nostalgia and whimsy, which makes this colorful museum (that shows visitors how these rides are made and operated) a fun outing for everyone in the family.
Julia M./Yelp
Everyone knows about Abilene’s famed Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, but did you know that the town is also home to the equally impressive Greyhound Hall of Fame, which features fascinating displays to peruse and real-life greyhounds to pet and love?
Also known as the Red Hills, the Gypsum Hills are a unique area that feature rolling hills, ancient floodplains, canyons, and a distinct rust color that has to be seen firsthand to be appreciated.
YouTube/rainaroxy
Don’t you just love how talented our natives are? Grassroots artist Jim Dickerman is no exception and shares his larger-than-life visions (including dragons, bugs, and more) with those traveling along the highways of Lincoln County.
kelyons80/TripAdvisor
You have heard of (and have maybe even visited) the impressive Oz Museum in Wamego; now check out the equally fun and vibrant Dorothy’s House & Land of Oz, which features fun sets, memorabilia, and even tours offered by Dorothy herself!
Flickr/Chris Tomlinson
No matter the time of year, this historic and picturesque mill, which once served as a production plant for both corn and wheat flower, is guaranteed to offer you a tranquil afternoon escape.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
