15 Quirky and Unique Spots to Visit in Kansas
Kansas is full of unexpected treasures, from quirky roadside attractions and natural wonders, to historic sites that will leave you curios for more. If you’re looking for some fun day trip or weekend getaway ideas with the family, these 15 spots are worth adding to your Kansas bucket list.
1. Rock City (Minneapolis, KS)
Scattered across the prairie are more than 200 massive sandstone concretions, leftover from the days when Kansas was part of the ocean floor. Kids can climb, explore, and feel like they’ve stepped onto another planet. It’s one of only a handful of places in the world with formations like these, and truly a one-of-a-kind place in Kansas!
2. Tunnel of Trees on Chisholm Creek Trail (Wichita, KS)
This shady, winding path in Wichita feels like a secret forest tunnel. It’s a great place for a family walk or bike ride, especially in the fall when the leaves begin to turn. Located along the Chisolm Creek Trail in Northeast Wichita, there’s plenty of space to explore here, and even a free nature center.
3. Geographic Center of the Contiguous U.S. (Lebanon, KS)
If visiting the center of the universe (ok, maybe not the universe) is on your bucket list, then you definitely need to make a stop here. A simple monument marks the exact geographic center of the lower 48 states. There’s also a little chapel nearby that makes for a fun stop and a great photo op.
4. Mo the Wheelchair Turtle (Independence, KS)
At The Riverside Zoo in Independence, Kansas, you’ll meet Mo, a turtle who uses a tiny wheelchair to get around after losing mobility in his back legs. Mo has become a local celebrity and is especially fun for kids to see! The small zoo here is free to visit, and there are lots of other fun things to do here, including a great playground, $2 mini golf, 50 cent train rides, and carousel rides for a nickel.
5. Buffalo Bill Statue (Oakley, KS)
This enormous bronze statue of Buffalo Bill Cody stands as a tribute to his legendary buffalo-hunting days near Oakley, Kansas. Stop by the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center to learn more about the history and snap a photo. This is a great stop if you are exploring some of the landmarks in Western Kansas, such as Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park.
6. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (Canton, KS)
Hop on a guided tram tour and see bison and elk roaming the prairie. It’s an incredible way to experience the Kansas tallgrass prairie and give kids an up-close look at these massive animals. Visit in the spring to see the baby bison, or the fall to see the elk rut.
7. Troll Slide at Botanica (Wichita, KS)
Botanica’s Children’s Garden has a whimsical troll sculpture that doubles as a slide. It’s a hidden gem inside the beautiful gardens and a guaranteed hit with kids who need to burn off some energy. Just be warned- once your kids start, it’s almost impossible to get them to leave this fun spot!
8. Wizard of Oz Town (Wamego, KS)
Follow the yellow brick road straight to Wamego, home to the Oz Museum. This small Kansas town celebrates Dorothy and Toto in the best way, from the Wizard of Oz Museum, to Toto statues all over the city, a Emerald City themed playground, and even Toto’s Tacoz!
9. Dalton Gang Hideout Museum (Meade, KS)
This restored 1880s home tells the story of the Dalton Gang, infamous outlaws of the Old West. Walk through the hidden tunnel, which runs from the house to the barn, and is said to have been the hideout of this outlaw gang when trying to evade capture. Don’t forget to take a stroll around the museum and see the 2-headed calf!
10. Coronado Heights (near Lindsborg, KS)
I bet you didn’t know Kansas had castles! This sandstone castle-like structure sits high on a hill overlooking the Kansas prairie just outside of Lindsborg. Built in the 1930s, it’s a great place to explore and take in a Kansas sunset.
11. Mushroom Rock State Park (Brookville, KS)
Tiny but fascinating, the smallest state park in Kansas is home to giant, mushroom-shaped rocks. Your kids will love climbing on the unique formations and exploring the trails here.
12. The Award-Winning Toilet Bowl (Lucas, KS)
Lucas, Kansas, is known as the Grassroots Art Capital of the state, and its quirky public restroom shaped like a giant toilet is a must-see. It’s actually a functioning bathroom and has won awards for being the most unique public restroom in the U.S. Definitely make a stop here to check out the facilities.
13. Oldest Carousel in Abilene (Abilene, KS)
The C.W. Parker Carousel in Abilene dates back to 1901 and still spins today. Restored to its original glory, you can take a ride on the hand-carved horses of the oldest known operational Parker carousel in existence.
14. World’s Largest Ball of Twine (Cawker City, KS)
No Kansas road trip is complete without a stop here! Started in 1953, the ball of twine now weighs over 20,000 pounds and keeps growing, thanks to the annual Twine-a-thon. You can even bring your own sisal twine to add to the ball during your visit!
15. Manna Meadows Alpaca Farm (Bonner Springs, KS)
This family-run alpaca farm offers tours where you can meet, feed, and even walk the gentle alpacas. It’s such a fun experience that kids adore, and the owners are so great at helping this experience feel special for the whole family.
Isn’t Kansas so full of surprises?! Whether it’s turtles in wheelchairs, historic hideout, or giant balls of string, there is no shortage of unique and quirky stops in The Sunflower State. Next time you’re planning a family adventure, add a few of these spots to your map and see just how fun and unexpected Kansas can be!
