Adventure Guide: Top Five Things to do in Kansas

There is more to Kansas than just farmlands. Although Kansas makes pretty scenic farmlands too, Kansas actually has plenty of historic and nature parks going around. A trip to Kansas, right into the literal center of the country, would surely make for a great getaway trip.

Nature walk at Botanica: Wichita Gardens 

A nature walk to a botanical garden is more charming than you think. If you are looking for ways to refresh and unwind, a day trip to this botanical garden may be exactly what you need. It may not be as adventurous as making your way through the wilderness but it has its own calming charm. 

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The whole garden is divided into smaller themed gardens. There are imaginative and educational ones that are perfect for the kids. There is also the Shakespeare Garden which features plants and flowers during the Elizabethan era. You would be surprised just how many things you can see and do in a city garden. 

A tour of the Kansas State Capitol

Touring the Kansas Statehouse may not sound very exciting, but it is for those who can appreciate history and architecture. Adorned with the most intricate details with frescos and marbles from all around the world, the Statehouse is worth the trip. A bonus: you can actually climb to the top of the done and have a birds-eye-view of the entire city of Topeka. It will be quite an effort since it is 296 steps to the top, but the view will be worth it. 

There are free tours to the statehouse from Mondays to Saturdays. You can technically do a walk-in, but reservations online are strongly encouraged. 

A trip to Boot Hill

Travel back in time with a trip to Boot Hill Museum. At Boot Hill, you get to travel back to the 1800s and experience the Wild West. The structures are true to what the structures looked like in Kansas in the 1800s. You also get to scroll through general stores and local Saloons like it is the early 1900s. It will definitely be a memorable experience for the kids. It certainly makes for some pretty great pictures. 

The best time to visit though is when there are special events like the reenactment of the shootout of the Boot Hill Gunfighters.

Drive to and see the Monument Rocks

Large chalk formations reaching up to 70ft are a sight to behold. Monument Rocks is one of the first landmarks in the country to be declared as a National Natural Landmark. It certainly deserves the spot. There is something so ancient and majestic about these natural rock formations. These formations are estimated to be at least 80 million years old. With its buttes and arches — it is a nature-made architectural wonder. A must-see if you are in Kansas. 

Reserve a spot for it on your itinerary. 

Wildlife watching at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area 

Finally, for those looking for some more nature in Kansas, there is the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. At least 32- species of bird have been recorded to stay at the bottoms. It is considered to be a critical habitat and refuge for threatened and endangered species. We are lucky that public viewing and camping have been allowed here. 

Birds like the whooping crane, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and piping plovers have been repeatedly sighted here. For those who have the patience and passion for wildlife watching, Cheyenne Bottoms is the spot to be. 

Visit Kansas!