Stolen from '
Narcity', whatever that is. But some great ideas in this article! Removed the non-kid friendly, overly imaged bits . RoadTrip!
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
Distance: 1 h 55 mins (126 miles)
This is a great place for a day, er, night trip. There are actually
several places throughout the state to get a clear view of the Milky
Way, but this is one of the closer areas.
The Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area is perhaps the best spot with the lowest light pollution for miles.
Dunlap, Kansas
Distance: 1 h 58 mins (119 miles)
An eerie Kansas destination.Dunlap is one of many Kansas ghost towns.
Once a thriving town in the early 1900s, it soon became victim to the
Great Depression and most residents and businesses were forced to leave
in search of a more promising life elsewhere. The current population is
around 80, so most of the town's buildings are deteriorating. If you
enjoy urban exploration, this should be a top destination on your list.
Wild Animal Safari
Distance: 2 h 49 mins (174 miles)
Get up close and personal with some wild animals as you drive through five miles of man-made
safari land.
Many of the animals will even walk right up to your car, adorably
harassing you for attention and food. Just watch out for those alpacas
and llamas; they will happily spit on your face if they think you're
shady - or just because they can... How can something so cute be so
evil?
Missouri Town 1855
Distance: 35 mins (25.1 miles)
Step back into the mid-19th century at Missouri Town 1855, where the
workers are actors dressed up in character and the entire town is set up
to replicate life during that time. It's a truly eye-opening adventure,
and you'll surely leave thankful for all the comforts we have available
to us today.
Website
Coronado Heights Castle
(closed due to ground damage)
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Distance: 2 h 38 mins (152 miles)
This state park is home to the Europen-style Ha Ha Tonka Castle
Ruins. Besides the physical ruins, the story behind how the castle came
to be and it's unhappy ending is interesting alone. I don't want to
spoil it for you, so I'll let you figure it out during your trip here...
Don't you dare Google it either, you cheater. While the castle may be
the main attraction, there are other things to check out here, like a
bright blue spring and awesome rock formations.
Website
Topeka, Kansas
As the capital city of Kansas, you know Topeka will have some pretty
amazing things to see and do. There's the zoo, discovery center, Truckhenge, Equality House, and Evel Knievel Museum, to name a few. Click here to see a larger list of attractions in the city. (And Bobo's Drive In!)
St. Joseph, Missouri
If you enjoy a good museum day, a short drive to St. Joseph would
certainly be in order. There are three unique museums to visit, Glore Psychiatric Museum, showcasing the evolution of mental illness treatment at the State Lunatic Asylum No. 2; Jesse James Home Museum, showcasing the legacy of the notorious famed outlaw; and The Pony Express National Historic Trail and Museum, pretty obviously showcasing the fastest mail service in the Old West.
Baldwin City Train Depot
Eat, drink, and enjoy the Midwest countryside via train. The Train
Depot and trains are modeled in a classic 1940s style for an authentic
old-fashion feel. Plus, they offer three-hour dinner tours through the
scenic countryside. Occasionally, the company hosts events like wine
tastings, murder mysteries, and special holiday runs, just to name a
few!
Website
Mushroom Rock State Park
Distance: 3 h (201 miles)
Pushing the limits of our three-hour criteria (depending on how fast
you drive, of course), Mushroom Rock State Park in Kansas is a must-see
for any nature lover out there. If you haven't guessed from the photos,
the park was named for the curiously shaped rock formations, much
resembling a mushroom. It has been enjoyed by humans for centuries.
Website
Lawrence Free Kansas
Why not get away from the city by visiting another one? Lawrence is
full of great shops, a fantastic state park, and the must-see Museum of
Odd. Actually, that's barely scratching the surface of attractions here,
so click
this link and plan your much-needed outing.
Website
Grand Falls
Distance: 2 h 32 mins (153 miles)
Located in Joplin, Missouri, is perhaps one of the most incredible
sights in close proximity to Kansas City. Grand Falls is one of the top
tourist spots in the entire city, and rightfully so. Cascading off a
163-ft.-wide ledge, the falls are a great area in the creek for
swimming, fishing, and Insta photos. The city wouldn't be complete
without its very own oddity, so after you spend the day
sightseeing and touring, be sure to investigate the mysterious
Ozark Spooklight.
Website
Konza Prairie
Distance: 1 h 51 mins (123 miles)
If you love natural picturesque beauty, you will thoroughly enjoy a
trip to the Konza Prairie Biological Station. It consists of 3,487
hectares (that's 8616.5 acres) preserving a native tallgrass prairie in
the Flint Hills of northeastern Kansas. Herds of wild buffalo,
white-tailed deer, flocks of turkey, and numerous wildflowers call this
prairie home. I hear the sunsets over these flatlands are absolutely
captivating.
Website
Walt Disney Hometown Museum
Distance: 1 h 56 mins (125 miles)
Disney World is kind of far away, so this Walt Disney Museum is
probably the next best thing. You could easily spend hours here looking
at all of the Disney-related exhibits and displays. In fact, there are a
few different memorials throughout the city dedicated to Mr. Disney
(even the elementary school is named after him), so don't just stop at
the museum. It's not surprising that this little town is super proud of
the influential artist who once called it home.
Website
Rock City Park
Distance: 2 h 46 mins (183 miles)
The Kansas state animal should be a rock... But I digress. Anyways,
Rock City is a state park filled with, you guessed it, rocks! These
aren't just any rocks though, they're spherical boulders made of
sandstone concretions created millions of years ago when Kansas was
under oceanic water. This is the largest collection of these boulders in
one place; it's estimated there are over 200 formations spanning over
five acres; some are almost 30 feet across. That rocks!
Website
