Most of the folks I know are eagerly awaiting the arrival of fall this year, for good reason. The leaves change colors to gorgeous red, orange, and yellow hues, and the cool wind blowing gives it a crisp feeling you won’t find any other time of the year. The best fall foliage spots are favorites of many Kansans, probably because it brings extra color to our usually tan or green landscapes. This road trip takes you through six great places to see those pretty leaves and two tasty restaurants to boot. Once those trees start turning, hop in your cars and head out on this trip!
- Glick Mansion
Yelp The first stop on this gorgeous trip is at Glick Mansion in Atchison. It’s currently a bed & breakfast, but during the fall it’s popular with photographers due to the red leaves framing the older architecture. Plus, who wouldn’t want to stay somewhere with a view like this? Sign me up!
- Eisenhower State Park
Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Eisenhower State Park Facebook Next, we’ll head on down to Eisenhower State Park. This little location is positively full of warm tones that reflect off of the water just right. Combine that with the sounds of ducks on the water, and you’ve got a gorgeous morning.
- Cross Timbers State Park
Cross Timbers State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook After that, we’ll check out Cross Timbers State Park for a walk around the waters, underneath the falling leaves. It’s a peaceful one, and a great spot to have a picnic if you’re up for it.
- Sugar Shane’s
Sugar Shane’s Cafe Facebook If not, there’s always the delicious Sugar Shane’s! This spot serves some great seafood, even though we’re nowhere near the coast. Don’t like seafood? They’ve got tacos that you’ll want seconds of!
- Bartlett Arboretum
Bartlett Arboretum Facebook Next is my personal favorite: Bartlett Arboretum. Their fall foliage is probably the most stunning I’ve seen, whether it’s from a drone camera or down here next to this cottage. It’s almost like a storybook setting, but in reality, it’s just that beautiful.
- Renaissance Cafe
Yelp I hope you didn’t grab dessert at Sugar Shane’s, because the Renaissance Cafe is here to satisfy any cravings you might have. Their sweets are top-notch, and you only have to have one bite before you’re cheering with the rest of us. Cheering for cheesecake, that is.
- Milford Lake
Acorns Resort At Milford Lake/Flickr Milford Lake might have some algae blooms now and then, but we’re not here for the water. The real destination surrounds the whole lake, and reflects off the water just right, so you can get gorgeous scenes like this without much trouble. At sunset, it’s even more divine to watch the light play against the red leaves. I can’t imagine seeing something this beautiful every day!
- Manhattan
Visit Manhattan Kansas Facebook Our last stop is Manhattan, Kansas. The courthouse has a great selection of red and orange trees during the fall, but the whole ambiance of the town fits perfectly with the changing leaves every fall. Take a stroll downtown and you’ll truly find some of the best fall foliage in Kansas.
Your total drive time for this trip is around 8 hours, but that doesn’t include how long you’ll drive around each area, and the time you spend walking around each location. I’d recommend starting earlier in the morning for the full use of your day!
Yelp
The first stop on this gorgeous trip is at Glick Mansion in Atchison. It’s currently a bed & breakfast, but during the fall it’s popular with photographers due to the red leaves framing the older architecture. Plus, who wouldn’t want to stay somewhere with a view like this? Sign me up!
Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Eisenhower State Park Facebook
Next, we’ll head on down to Eisenhower State Park. This little location is positively full of warm tones that reflect off of the water just right. Combine that with the sounds of ducks on the water, and you’ve got a gorgeous morning.
Cross Timbers State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook
After that, we’ll check out Cross Timbers State Park for a walk around the waters, underneath the falling leaves. It’s a peaceful one, and a great spot to have a picnic if you’re up for it.
Sugar Shane’s Cafe Facebook
If not, there’s always the delicious Sugar Shane’s! This spot serves some great seafood, even though we’re nowhere near the coast. Don’t like seafood? They’ve got tacos that you’ll want seconds of!
Bartlett Arboretum Facebook
Next is my personal favorite: Bartlett Arboretum. Their fall foliage is probably the most stunning I’ve seen, whether it’s from a drone camera or down here next to this cottage. It’s almost like a storybook setting, but in reality, it’s just that beautiful.
I hope you didn’t grab dessert at Sugar Shane’s, because the Renaissance Cafe is here to satisfy any cravings you might have. Their sweets are top-notch, and you only have to have one bite before you’re cheering with the rest of us. Cheering for cheesecake, that is.
Acorns Resort At Milford Lake/Flickr
Milford Lake might have some algae blooms now and then, but we’re not here for the water. The real destination surrounds the whole lake, and reflects off the water just right, so you can get gorgeous scenes like this without much trouble. At sunset, it’s even more divine to watch the light play against the red leaves. I can’t imagine seeing something this beautiful every day!
Visit Manhattan Kansas Facebook
Our last stop is Manhattan, Kansas. The courthouse has a great selection of red and orange trees during the fall, but the whole ambiance of the town fits perfectly with the changing leaves every fall. Take a stroll downtown and you’ll truly find some of the best fall foliage in Kansas.
In addition to this wonderful fall foliage adventure, why not check out our East to West adventure too?
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