Western Kansas...there has to be SOMETHING to see (Topeka: university, vs)

[kentuckydad95]

Coming up in March, we will be taking a family road trip to the Grand Canyon. We will take I-40 to Arizona, a straight shot. On the way back, we thought about knocking out a few more states on our list of states we have yet to visit. Thought about coming back I-40 to I-25 to Colorado to I-70 through Kansas and Mizzou.

I started looking at the map of Kansas and noticed that there doesn't seem to be much on the Western end. Are there any touristy things out that way? Any places to avoid? Speedtraps? Thank you for your replies.

[GraniteStater]

Yes. Visit the Sternberg Museum in Hays, KS
Fort Hays State University's Sternberg Museum
For dining in Hays I recommend Gella's and LB Brewing company.
Welcome To Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Co.
For good scenery I would recommend a ride off I-70 north of Hays on 183 through the limestone bluffs and canyons. North of Russell, KS also has some interesting bluffs as well as Wilson Reservoir.

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by kentuckydad95

Coming up in March, we will be taking a family road trip to the Grand Canyon. We will take I-40 to Arizona, a straight shot. On the way back, we thought about knocking out a few more states on our list of states we have yet to visit. Thought about coming back I-40 to I-25 to Colorado to I-70 through Kansas and Mizzou.

I started looking at the map of Kansas and noticed that there doesn't seem to be much on the Western end. Are there any touristy things out that way? Any places to avoid? Speedtraps? Thank you for your replies.

You are right - there is not a lot on the Western half of KS along I-70.

Let's see -- driving East on 70 from CO:

Castle Rock is kinda cool (in Trego county) but won't look like much after seeing the Grand Canyon

The Sternberg Museum in Hays is a nice stop especially if you have kids. They have a nice dinosaur exhibit, some cool geological stuff, some historical old west stuff and some hands-on activities for the kiddos. The thing I like about it is that it's rarely crowded, so you can take your time looking at stuff without being overwhelmed and shuffled along by hoards of people.

Old Fort Hays museum is also cool if you are into old west History.

The Garden of Eden in Lucas (I think) is a KS anomaly - kind of like the World's largest ball of twine (which is close to that as well) both of which you should be able to say that you saw while in Western Kansas

While seeing those two things (which will take at least a half day and be a bit off the path) you can loop around Lake Wilson a large man-made lake that is quite pretty and has some decent picnic grounds.

Lake Wilson with it's high bluffs is also a very popular hang gliding destination.

Then there is a nice small zoo when you get close to Salina called Rolling Hills Zoo.

The Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego (I think) is about 15 minutes off the path but worth a stop IMO if you are into that. And Wamego is a cute little town.

Heading toward Topeka now, the State Capital building is cool. There is also the KS History Museum which is a nice museum and has traveling exhibits (I don't know what's there right now.) The Brown vs Board of Education is a short but educational stop. Topeka also has a decent zoo (I've heard).

There are several small lakes and other small historic spots along the way. The KS tourism agency has a decent website and can help you map out your stops.

But that should give you a few things to look for.

Happy and Safe Travels!

[Gunluvver2]

A hint if you really want to see interesting sights: GET OFF THE INTERSTATES

GL2

[kentuckydad95]

Thanks for the replies so far. That menu at the Diner and Brewing Co. looks delicious!!! This will sound weird, but I am sort of looking forward to seeing flat lands. I hear Kansas has alot or so I was told. We have nothing but hills here in the Western part of KY.

[itsMeFred]

Well, some parts of KS are flat, I guess...

Gunluvver is right. So far as I can tell, except in western SD, no state out here puts much of anything near the interstate.
It's always a dull stretch of concrete designed to carry one as quickly as possible from point A to point B.

[denverian]

Nobody mentioned the "world's largest prairie dog" (it's cement, so don't expect a giant rodent!) and the 5-legged cow at Prairie Dog town - somewhere around Colby? It's right off the freeway (70). And more in central KS, the Flint Hills, especially around Manhattan, are beautiful.

Otherwise, it's not that exciting of a drive. But if you're used to hills, the flat landscape in Western KS could seem interesting. Personally, I think the TX Panhandle is much flatter though.

[quesera]

Prairie Dog Town is (was???) at the west Oakley exit. Can't miss it. There are other interesting things to see there, if it's still open. I think I read a story about it being sold last year. I may be wrong, though.


I found a story online about it. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11444

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by quesera

Prairie Dog Town is (was???) at the west Oakley exit. Can't miss it. There are other interesting things to see there, if it's still open. I think I read a story about it being sold last year. I may be wrong, though.


I found a story online about it. Prairie Dog Town, Oakley, Kansas

Yeah, I didn't mention it because I don't think it's there anymore. (And it was pretty lame when it was there. )

[quesera]

Yeah, well... it's been 25 years or so, since I was there. I was friends with the owner's daughter.