Kansas Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty of the Midwest on the Kansas Road Trip! This 8-day journey begins in Wichita and takes you on a 1013 km tour of the heart of the United States. Starting in Council Grove, you can admire the beauty of the Flint Hills and visit the Kaw Mission State Historic Site. Then explore the college town of Manhattan, where you can visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center and take a stroll around the Kansas State University campus. Finally, take a trip to the Wild West in Dodge City, where you can visit the Boot Hill Museum and take a tour of the iconic Long Branch Saloon.
No matter the time of year, you’ll find good road conditions for this road trip. With a moderate budget, you can experience the best of the Midwest on the Kansas Road Trip!
8
number of days
1,013 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Wichita
Distance 1,013 km
Driving time 12.0 h
Pace: fast
304.0 kWh
Airports
ICT
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Wichita is a great starting point for the Kansas Road Trip. The city is located in the south-central part of the state, making it easily accessible from many locations. The closest international airport is Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) and there are car rental services available for those who want to make their own way around.
Once you’re in the city, there’s plenty to see and do. The Old Cowtown Museum is a great place to learn about Wichita’s history and experience life as a cowhand at the turn of the 20th century. The Museum of World Treasures is a great place to explore the cultures of the world. For the nature lovers, there’s the Sedgwick County Zoo, the Botanica Gardens and the Great Plains Nature Center.
For the foodies, there’s an array of restaurants to choose from. The Delano district is home to many great restaurants, bars, and shops. For the culture vultures, there’s the Wichita Art Museum, the Music Theatre of Wichita, and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra.
Wichita has something for everyone. With its great attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, it’s the perfect place to start the Kansas Road Trip.
1
Wichita
- Council Grove
Distance 178 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
53.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip adventure in Wichita and explore the wonders of the Flint Hills, Tallgrass Prairie National Park, and Council Grove. This 110-mile journey will take you fewer than two hours, and you will be amazed by the natural beauty of the Flint Hills. The Flint Hills are a unique landscape of rolling hills, tallgrass prairies, and limestone outcroppings. Take a break at the Tallgrass Prairie National Park and explore its unique ecosystem. Here you can find the largest remaining tract of tallgrass prairie in North America. Take a hike or drive the scenic auto tour and learn about the history of the prairie. As you make your way to Council Grove, be sure to take in the sights and sounds of the Flint Hills. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the prairie, limestone bluffs, and the historic Council Oak Tree. When in Council Grove, take a stroll through the historic downtown and visit the Kaw Mission State Historic Site. Here you can learn about the history of the Kaw people and the Santa Fe Trail. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Council Grove - United States - North America - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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2
Council Grove
- Topeka
Distance 121 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
36.2 kWh
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Welcome to the Council Grove to Topeka road trip stage! This stage of the journey is only 75 miles and can be completed in less than two hours.
First, you will visit Council Grove, a historic town on the Santa Fe Trail. Here, you can explore the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, a museum that showcases the history of the Kaw people. You can also visit the Council Oak Tree, a sacred site for the Kaw people.
Next, you can drive to Topeka, the capital of Kansas. Here, you can visit the Kansas State Capitol, a stunning building that is home to the state government. You can also explore the Combat Air Museum, which features a variety of military aircraft from around the world.
This is just one stage of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Topeka - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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3
Topeka
- Manhattan
Distance 96 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
28.7 kWh
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Are you ready to embark on an adventurous road trip from Topeka to Manhattan? This 60mi journey can be completed in fewer than 2 hours, so you can make the most of your time and visit the most interesting places on the way.
To start, don't miss the opportunity to explore Topeka's natural beauty at the Cedar Crest State Park. The park has a lot to offer, from trails and picnic areas to fishing, swimming, and boating.
On the way, you can also stop by the Konza Prairie Biological Station and the Tuttle Creek State Park. The Konza Prairie is a great place to observe wildlife and learn about the conservation of native grasslands, while Tuttle Creek State Park offers a variety of recreational activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing.
Finally, your road trip will end in Manhattan, where you can visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center and explore the area's history and culture. The center has interactive exhibits and a variety of educational programs.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Manhattan - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Manhattan
- Great Bend
Distance 242 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
72.5 kWh
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Start your road trip in Manhattan, United States, and take the journey through Salina, Cheyenne Bottoms and end your trip in Great Bend. The total distance is 150mi and the driving time is less than 3 hours.
In Salina, visit the Cathedral of the Plains, a beautiful and historic church built in 1911. Also, explore the Salina Art Center, which features art exhibits and educational programs.
Continue your journey to Cheyenne Bottoms, an important wildlife refuge and one of the largest wetlands in the United States. Here you can observe a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Finally, arrive in Great Bend, and explore the Great Bend Zoo, a small but charming zoo with a variety of animals. Or, visit the Great Bend Aquatic Park, which features a large water park with slides, pools and more.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. This stage is part of a larger tour, so don't miss it!
Great Bend - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Great Bend
- Dodge City
Distance 134 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
40.2 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Great Bend and make your way to Quivira Wildlife Refuge, an amazing place to observe the local wildlife and to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. From there, you can continue your journey to Dodge City, a historical site with a rich Wild West history. Along the way, you can admire the beautiful scenery and take in the fresh air. The total distance of this road trip is 83mi and it will take you fewer than 2 hours to get there.
Once you arrive in Dodge City, you'll be able to explore the historical sites and learn about the area's unique past. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions to check out. Plus, you can find plenty of accommodation options to choose from.
This route is part of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!
Dodge City - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Dodge City
- Wichita
Distance 243 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
73.0 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Then buckle up and get ready to explore the beautiful landscape from Dodge City to Wichita! This 151-mile drive takes less than 3 hours and is a great opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the Midwest.
Start your journey in Dodge City, a city rich in history and culture. Make sure to visit the Boot Hill Museum and the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame.
Continue your drive to Pratt, a small city known for its friendly people and vibrant culture. Here, you can explore the Pratt County Historical Museum, the Pratt County Courthouse, and the Pratt County Fairgrounds.
Finally, end your journey in Wichita, a city full of history and culture. Here, you can visit the Wichita Art Museum, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, and the Sedgwick County Zoo.
As you drive, be sure to take in the scenic views and historical sites. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Wichita - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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Wichita
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Wichita, the largest city in the state of Kansas, is the perfect ending point for a Kansas Road Trip. With its bustling downtown area, Wichita is a vibrant city full of things to do and see. The Old Town area is a great place to explore, with its numerous eclectic shops and restaurants. The Wichita Art Museum is a great place to take in some culture, with its impressive collection of art from around the world. The Sedgwick County Zoo is another must-see, with its wide variety of exotic animals and interactive exhibits. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge provides a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors.
For those looking to experience the local culture, there are a variety of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. The Wichita River Festival is a great way to celebrate the summer, with live music and art displays. The Wichita Jazz Festival is another popular event that takes place in the spring.
For those traveling by car, Wichita is conveniently located on the I-35, I-135, and US-400 highways. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). There are also a variety of car rental companies available at the airport.
Wichita is a great place to end a Kansas Road Trip and explore the city’s attractions. From its vibrant downtown area to its unique outdoor experiences, Wichita is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Wichita - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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Kansas Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Wichita
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End:
Wichita
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Distance:
1,013 km
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Stay:
8 days
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Getting there:
Wichita Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an immersive 8-day, 1013 km journey through Kansas, from the bustling city of Wichita to the rugged history of Dodge City. This adventure highlights the Midwest's alluring charm, historical significance, and the indomitable spirit of the Wild West.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Council Grove: Immerse yourself in the rolling Flint Hills, visit the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, and learn about the Santa Fe Trail's rich history.
- Manhattan: Explore the Flint Hills Discovery Center's interactive exhibits, stroll through the scenic Kansas State University campus, and engage with local art and culture.
- Dodge City: Step back in time at the Boot Hill Museum, grab a drink at the iconic Long Branch Saloon, and witness the reenactment of a Wild West gunfight.
Best Time to Go:
The Kansas Road Trip offers distinct experiences each season, with the lush greenery of spring, the vibrant wildflowers of summer, the foliage of fall, and the stark beauty of winter. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for travel.
Potential Risks:
Travelers should stay vigilant for severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly from March to June. Always check local forecasts and have a plan for seeking shelter if necessary.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Wichita, known as the Air Capital of the World, is a hub for aviation enthusiasts with attractions like the Kansas Aviation Museum.
- The Flint Hills are home to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, protecting the vanishing tallgrass prairie, where you can hike, bird-watch, and enjoy breathtaking vistas.
- Dodge City celebrates its heritage with the annual Dodge City Days festival, featuring rodeos, parades, and cultural events that encapsulate its storied past.
- Kansas played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, notably with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, and Topeka's historic site offers insights into this significant chapter in American history.
A good choice for:
The Kansas Road Trip is a journey of discovery, where natural splendor intertwines with a tapestry of American history and culture. It's an ideal Road Trip for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the heartland's diverse offerings on a moderate budget.
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