Have YOU made YOUR bucket list? If you answered no, don’t fret. Your friends from Only in Kansas are here to help! Kansas is such a beautiful state with so many exciting things to do, so why not start off your own list with these 17 items?
- Stargaze in Western Kansas.
Flickr/David DeHetre Western Kansas has some of the clearest, most pristine skies you will ever see. Throw some blankets and pillows in the bed of your truck, sit back and enjoy the stars like never before.
- Enjoy a little slice of heaven at the Sommerset Hall Cafe in Dover.
TripAdvisor Norma’s world famous coconut cream pie trumps ALL.
- Search for treasure on the 400-mile-long US Highway 36 Treasure Hunt.
Flickr/Kansas Tourism You never know what awesome finds you’ll score during the annual Treasure Hunt, (which typically runs in mid-September.)
- Sink your teeth into a gourmet burger from The Burger Stand at The Casbah.
The Burger Stand at The Casbah Facebook “Rock the Casbah” (and your tastebuds) at the famous Lawrence joint.
- Relax beside the serene waters of the Cowley Lake Waterfall (in Dexter).
Flickr/Lane Pearman I totally get why this incredible waterfall has made so many national “Must See” lists, (including AARP, Yahoo and Most Amazing in the World.)
- Visit Lindsborg’s Svensk Hyllningsfest.
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Linsborg, or “Little Sweden,” hosts a biennial heritage celebration complete with authentic foods, dancers and vendors that you won’t find anywhere else (besides Sweden, of course).
- Enjoy the simpler things at Yoder’s annual Heritage Day.
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Enjoy a pancake feast, observe horseback drag racing and cap off the day with spectacular fireworks in this charming Amish community.
- Eat like royalty at the Caenen Castle in Shawnee.
Flickr/Chris Murphy The Castle, which is open to the public, houses a popular restaurant, and is a premiere destination for weddings and events.
- Take in the Flint Hills Symphony.
Flickr/Jeremy and Jessica Wade and Criser If you haven’t experienced the Flint Hills while singing “Home on the Range” with a large orchestra, then you have yet to fully experience them.
- Conquer the “Z-Man” at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que in KC.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Facebook Meet Z-Man (aka the “Man” of your dreams)–brisket and smoked provolone, topped with two onion rings on a kaiser bun…SO good!
- Take a stroll along the Konza Prairie.
Flickr/Nick Varvel The Flint Hills are stunningly beautiful…So it just makes sense to hike them. (Don’t forget your camera!)
- Explore chalky Castle Rock.
Flickr/Eric Swanger Located in the heart of the plains is this stunning limestone structure that deserves to be seen (and explored) at least once.
- Visit three quirky road side attractions on the same weekend.
Museum of Odd Facebook What will it be: walking down the world’s largest well (The Big Well Museum & Visitors Center, Greensburg)? Examining different kinds of barbed wire (The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum, La Crosse)? Or admiring a gigantic pile of sock monkeys (Museum of Odd, Lawrence, pictured)? Go ahead and take your pick!
- Pitch a tent at one of the many Kansas State Parks.
Flickr/Thad Ligon No need to visit our neighbors to the east or west to pitch a tent. Kansas has several picture perfect campgrounds just waiting for you and your family!
- Treat yourself to a relaxing stay at an area B&B.
Flickr/Cedar Crest Lodge Whether you travel to the opposite end of the state or stay right in your hometown, treat yourself to a night at one of the many serene bed and breakfasts in Kansas. (Pictured is a delicious breakfast from the Cedar Crest Lodge in Pleasanton.)
- Order the Lb. Sampler at Gella’s (in Hays).
Yelp Sample eight delicious micro-brew selections from the award-winning restaurant and brewery.
- Cruise along the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway.
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Impressive limestone cliffs, colorful flowers and the Cedar Bluff Reservoir await you at this centrally located byway.
Which of these items can you mark off your bucket list?
Flickr/David DeHetre
Western Kansas has some of the clearest, most pristine skies you will ever see. Throw some blankets and pillows in the bed of your truck, sit back and enjoy the stars like never before.
TripAdvisor
Norma’s world famous coconut cream pie trumps ALL.
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
You never know what awesome finds you’ll score during the annual Treasure Hunt, (which typically runs in mid-September.)
The Burger Stand at The Casbah Facebook
“Rock the Casbah” (and your tastebuds) at the famous Lawrence joint.
Flickr/Lane Pearman
I totally get why this incredible waterfall has made so many national “Must See” lists, (including AARP, Yahoo and Most Amazing in the World.)
Linsborg, or “Little Sweden,” hosts a biennial heritage celebration complete with authentic foods, dancers and vendors that you won’t find anywhere else (besides Sweden, of course).
Enjoy a pancake feast, observe horseback drag racing and cap off the day with spectacular fireworks in this charming Amish community.
Flickr/Chris Murphy
The Castle, which is open to the public, houses a popular restaurant, and is a premiere destination for weddings and events.
Flickr/Jeremy and Jessica Wade and Criser
If you haven’t experienced the Flint Hills while singing “Home on the Range” with a large orchestra, then you have yet to fully experience them.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Facebook
Meet Z-Man (aka the “Man” of your dreams)–brisket and smoked provolone, topped with two onion rings on a kaiser bun…SO good!
Flickr/Nick Varvel
The Flint Hills are stunningly beautiful…So it just makes sense to hike them. (Don’t forget your camera!)
Flickr/Eric Swanger
Located in the heart of the plains is this stunning limestone structure that deserves to be seen (and explored) at least once.
Museum of Odd Facebook
What will it be: walking down the world’s largest well (The Big Well Museum & Visitors Center, Greensburg)? Examining different kinds of barbed wire (The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum, La Crosse)? Or admiring a gigantic pile of sock monkeys (Museum of Odd, Lawrence, pictured)? Go ahead and take your pick!
Flickr/Thad Ligon
No need to visit our neighbors to the east or west to pitch a tent. Kansas has several picture perfect campgrounds just waiting for you and your family!
Flickr/Cedar Crest Lodge
Whether you travel to the opposite end of the state or stay right in your hometown, treat yourself to a night at one of the many serene bed and breakfasts in Kansas. (Pictured is a delicious breakfast from the Cedar Crest Lodge in Pleasanton.)
Yelp
Sample eight delicious micro-brew selections from the award-winning restaurant and brewery.
Impressive limestone cliffs, colorful flowers and the Cedar Bluff Reservoir await you at this centrally located byway.
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