The days are getting longer, the sun is getting warmer, and students and teachers alike are counting down the days to summer… which means it’s time to load the family up and hit the road to…Northwest Kansas! With its abundance of family friendly-activities, Northwest Kansas is the perfect springtime getaway, right in your backyard.
In no particular order, here are some fun Northwest Kansas destinations for your family to enjoy the days leading up to summer vacation.
Historical Sites
Northwest Kansas features a whole host of historical sites to appeal to both the young and young-at-heart. Appease the history buff in the family by checking some of them out!
Nicodemus National Historic Site, (Graham County) is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River. The location features five historic buildings that visitors may tour. Self-guided tours of building exteriors can take place any time, and guided tours can be booked. The town also has a visitor center which features even more information.
The Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home (Ellis County) is open from March to December. The well-maintained museum features mainly pictures and text about Walter’s life. Also located here is a small gift shop, several artifacts, and a short video about Chrysler’s life. While in Ellis, visitors can also venture to the Ellis Railroad Museum, and then have a picnic at the beautiful Ellis Lakeside Campground.
Fort Hays State Historic Site (Ellis County) is just a short drive down the Interstate from your adventures in Ellis. Here you will find the four remaining buildings of Old Fort Hays as well as clothing, artifacts, and weapons used by the Plains Indians and the fort’s military personnel.
Museums
While in Hays, be sure to visit Sternberg Museum, which ranks among the best natural history museums. Here you will find a plethora of dinosaur skeletons, reptiles, fossils, plants, and more. This is an incredibly family-friendly destination that kids and adults alike will love!
History buffs can also enjoy some time at the Lincoln County Historical Museum, located in Lincoln. Here visitors will find the Kyne House, a limestone home furnished entirely with decor from the late 1800s. The Kyne House is listed on the Kansas Registry of Historic Places.
The Fick Fossil and History Museum in Oakley (Logan County) boasts an amazing collection of over 11,000 shark teeth, in addition to other fossils and over 1,000 photos of early pioneer life in the area.
Lakes
If it’s bodies of water you’re looking for, look no further than Wilson Lake (Russell and Lincoln Counties). Many lake-goers consider Wilson Lake to be one of the premiere lake destinations in the state of Kansas. From bike trails to fishing to boating or just plain relaxing, Wilson Lake has it all!
Cedar Bluff State Park (Trego County) is another fantastic lake attraction. With its famous bluffs, sandy shorelines, and plethora of fish, as well as many campgrounds and cabins to stay in, this lake is definitely worth checking out!
Plainville Township Lake (Rooks County) offers 122 acres of prime fishing territory as well as birdwatching, photography opportunities, picnicking, and even a nine-hole frisbee golf course!
Eats & Drinks
All this traveling would make anybody hungry, and there are a whole host of delicious restaurants, breweries, and eating spots in Northwest Kansas. Whether you’re craving one of the famous Jiffy Burgers in Smith Center (Smith County), a creative beer at Oz Brewing (Phillips County) or Fly Boy Brewery and Eats in Sylvan Grove (Lincoln County), diners and drinkers will find what they are looking for! If it’s a bit more upscale dining you’re in search of, the Elephant Bistro and Bar in Hoxie (Sheridan County) is just the spot for you. This is most definitely not an exhaustive list of where to dine or sip in Northwest Kansas- nearly every town has someplace great to stop and grab a bite before hitting the road to your next spot!
Miscellaneous
Of course, this is not NEARLY a complete list of what all Northwest Kansas has to offer for those with the travel bug. The Hill City Auto & Art Museum, Rooks County Golf Course, and Webster Reservoir State Park (Rooks County), are also great destinations. Additionally, there are many city parks, boutiques and shops, and even rock formations such as Castle Rock and Monument Rocks (Gove County) to fill your day.
It’s plain to see that there is plenty to see and do in Northwest Kansas. You needn’t travel far to entertain the family this spring, and we hope you will take advantage of all beautiful Northwest Kansas has to offer as you plan your next family trip!
