Road Trips Close to Wichita, KS

8 Wonders of Kansas

The 8 Wonders of Kansas is a statewide project of the Kansas Sampler Foundation that highlights some of the most unique and iconic places across Kansas, from natural landmarks to historic sites. It’s a fun way to turn everyday travel into a bucket-list adventure, and many of the sites are free or low-cost to visit, making it easy for Wichita families to explore and live the good life for less.

Aquariums Near Wichita

This is my Ultimate Guide to Aquariums Near Wichita. If your family loves sea creatures, there are several great aquariums within driving distance that make easy and memorable road trips. From quick overnighters to full weekend adventures, these destinations offer sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and hands-on exhibits all close to Wichita.

El Dorado, KS

Distance: 30 miles (40 minutes)

Things to do in El Dorado:

• Visit El Dorado State Park: swim, boat, or hike
• Visit the Coutts Museum of Art (Free). Has over 1,000 artworks, including works by Prairie Printmakers and Thomas Hart Benton
• Kansas Oil Museum
• Bike the El Dorado Lake trail.
• Walters Pumpkin Patch in the Fall.

Why it’s a good road trip:
Minimal gas, low park fees, and you can pack a cooler instead of eating out.

Fun fact:
El Dorado Lake is one of the largest lakes in Kansas.

Emporia, KS

Distance: 85 miles (1.5 hours)

Things to do in Emporia:

• Drive part of the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.
• Explore Peter Pan Park
• Walk the historic downtown and stop at the Emporia Grandada Theatre, and stop next door and look at the Emorita Arts Center.

Why it’s a good road trip:
Lots of free outdoor stops and affordable local eats. I recommend Bobby D’s Mercant Street BBQ.

Fun fact:
Emporia is known as the “Disc Golf Capital of the World.”

Chase State Fishing Lake Waterfall in the Flint Hills

Distance: 80 miles (1.5 hours)

What to do:
• Hike to seasonal waterfalls
• Explore Flint Hills rock formations
• Fish or picnic

Why it’s a good road trip:
It feels adventurous but costs next to nothing.

Fun fact:
After a good rain, the waterfalls are surprisingly impressive for Kansas.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills

Distance: 90 miles (1.5 hours)

What to do:
• Hike the Southwind Nature Trail
• See the resident bison herd
• Tour the historic 1880s ranch house

Why it’s a good road trip:
Free admission and wide-open space — the kids can run without spending a dollar.

Fun fact:
Less than 4% of America’s original tallgrass prairie still exists — and this is part of it.

Hutchinson

Distance: 50 miles (1 hour)

What to do:
• Explore space at Cosmosphere
• Ride underground at Strataca
• Visit Dillon Nature Center

Kansas State Fair

Mid-American Flea Market

Why it’s a good road trip:
Two nationally recognized museums without Kansas City pricing.

Fun fact:
Strataca sits 650 feet underground in a working salt mine.

Mushroom Rock State Park

Distance: 95 miles (1.5 hours)

What to do:
• Walk among mushroom-shaped rock formations
• Take family photos
• Pair with Kanopolis Lake for swimming or hiking

Why it’s a good road trip:
Tiny park, big wow factor — and free to explore.

Fun fact:
It’s one of the smallest state parks in Kansas.

Lake Scott State Park

Distance: 220 miles (3.5–4 hours)

What to do:
• Swim in clear spring-fed water
• Hike rugged canyon trails
• Camp affordably

Why it’s a good road trip:
It feels like Colorado without Colorado prices.

Fun fact:
It’s considered one of the prettiest state parks in Kansas.

Monument Rocks

Distance: 240 miles (4 hours)

What to do:
• Walk around massive chalk towers
• Take dramatic photos
• Stargaze if you stay late

Why it’s a good road trip:
Completely free and bucket-list worthy.

Fun fact:
They are one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas.

Dodge City, KS

Distance: 2.5 hours

Why go:
• Boot Hill Museum
• Historic downtown
• Old West reenactments

Fun fact:
Dodge City was once known as “the wickedest little city in America.”

Why it’s a great budget trip:
Lean into the Wild West theme for a fun, educational family weekend.

Photo: Dodge City Days

Hays, KS

Distance: 185 miles (3 hours)

What to do:
• Sternberg Museum of Natural History
• Frontier Park
• Historic Fort Hays

Why it’s a great road trip:
Dinosaur fossils and Old West history without big-city crowds.

Fun fact:
Sternberg Museum is known for its “fish-within-a-fish” fossil discovery.

Garden City, KS

Distance: 215 miles (3.5 hours)

What to do:
• Lee Richardson Zoo
• Finney County Historical Museum
• Sandsage Bison Range

Why it’s a great road trip:
Free zoo + affordable hotels = great overnight option.

Fun fact:
Garden City has one of the most diverse populations in Kansas.

Lindsborg, KS

Distance: 70 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)

What to do:
• Hunt for painted Dala horses
• Visit Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery
• Grab Swedish pastries

Why it’s a good road trip:
Feels like a European village without leaving Kansas.

Fun fact:
Lindsborg is nicknamed “Little Sweden USA.”

Coronado Heights

Distance: 70 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)

What to do:
• Climb the stone castle
• Enjoy panoramic prairie views
• Picnic at the top

Why it’s a good road trip:
Free views and easy to combine with Lindsborg.

Fun fact:
The castle was built in the 1930s as a WPA project.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

Distance: 85 miles (1.5 hours)

What to do:
• Take a tram tour
• See bison and elk
• Visit during wildflower season

Why it’s a good road trip:
Affordable wildlife experience without zoo crowds.

Fun fact:
The refuge protects one of the largest public bison herds in Kansas.

McPherson State Fishing Lake

Distance: 60 miles (1 hour)

What to do:
• Kayak or fish
• Walk easy trails
• Birdwatch

Why it’s a good road trip:
Quiet, simple, and free.

Fun fact:
It’s one of the oldest state fishing lakes in Kansas.

Abilene, KS

Distance: 95 miles (1.5 hours)

What to do:
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
• Seelye Mansion
• Old Abilene Town
• Ride the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

Why it’s a great road trip:
It’s educational, walkable, and affordable. You can easily fill a day without big-ticket prices.

Fun fact:
Abilene was one of the first “cow towns” of the Old West.

Manhattan, KS

Distance: 130 miles (2 hours)

What to do:
• Flint Hills Discovery Center
• Konza Prairie hiking
• Tuttle Creek Lake
• KSU Univeristy, Aggieville shopping & dining

Why it’s a great road trip:
Outdoor adventure + college town energy + affordable food scene.

Fun fact:
Manhattan is nicknamed “The Little Apple.”

Salina, KS

Distance: 90 miles (1.5 hours)

What to do:
• Rolling Hills Zoo
• Smoky Hill Museum (free)
• SculptureTour Salina downtown

Why it’s a great road trip:
Free downtown art walk + affordable zoo day = easy budget win.

Fun fact:
Salina hosts one of the longest-running outdoor sculpture exhibitions in the country.

Great Bend, KS

Distance: 115 miles (2 hours)

What to do:
• Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
• Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway
• Barton County Historical Museum

Why it’s a great road trip:
Wildlife watching is free and surprisingly cool — especially during migration season.

Fun fact:
Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the U.S.

Lawrence, KS

Distance: About 160 miles (2.5 hours)

Lawrence is the perfect mix of college-town energy and small-town charm. Home to the University of Kansas, it has a fun downtown, lots of local restaurants, and plenty of walkable spots that make it easy to explore without spending a fortune.

What to do:
• Walk Massachusetts Street and browse local shops
• Visit the Spencer Museum of Art (free admission)
• Tour the KU campus and Allen Fieldhouse
• Hike at Clinton State Park
• Catch live music or a local festival

Why it’s a good road trip:
There’s a lot to do within a compact area, which means less driving and more exploring. With free museums, affordable eats, and scenic outdoor spaces, Lawrence makes for an easy overnight or full-day getaway while still living the good life for less.

Fun fact:
Lawrence was founded by anti-slavery settlers in 1854 and played a major role in “Bleeding Kansas” history.

Arkansas City, KS

Distance: 60 miles (1 hour)

What to do:
• Explore Chaplin Nature Center
• Walk river trails
• Visit local history museums

Why it’s a good road trip:
Outdoor fun with little to no admission cost.

Fun fact:
The Chaplin Nature Center sits along the Arkansas River.

Cowley State Fishing Lake Waterfall

Distance: 55 miles (1 hour)

What to do:
• Short hike to the waterfall
• Picnic by the lake
• Fish or relax

Why it’s a good road trip:
Close, free, and perfect for a half-day adventure.

Fun fact:
After heavy rain, the waterfall becomes one of the most photographed hidden spots in southern Kansas.

Independence, KS

Distance: 100 miles (1.75 hours)

What to do:
• Little House on the Prairie Museum
• Riverside Park & waterfall
• Elk City State Park nearby

Why it’s a great road trip:
Outdoor + literary history + small-town charm.

Fun fact:
This is where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived when she wrote about Kansas.

Pittsburg, KS

Distance: 145 miles (2.5 hours)

What to do:
• Lakeside Park
• PSU campus visit
• Local Italian restaurants (a Southeast Kansas thing!)

Why it’s a great road trip:
College town prices and an unexpectedly amazing food scene.

Fun fact:
Pittsburg is famous for its deep Italian heritage and homemade pasta.

Oklahoma City, OK

Distance: 160 miles (2.5 hours) South of Wichita

What to do:
• Walk Bricktown Canal
• Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial
• Explore affordable family attractions

Why it’s a good road trip:
Big-city experience without airfare.

Fun fact:
Oklahoma City has more shoreline than either the Atlantic or Gulf Coast states.

Tulsa, OK

Distance: 130 miles (2 hours) South of Wichita

What to do:
• Explore Gathering Place (free, world-class park)
• Visit the Philbrook Museum grounds
• Walk the Tulsa Arts District
• Stop by the Route 66 landmarks

Why it’s a good road trip:
Gathering Place alone can fill an entire day for free. Pack lunch and make it a low-cost getaway.

Fun fact:
Gathering Place is a 66-acre park that’s been ranked one of the best parks in the country.

Kansas City, MO

Distance: 200 miles (3 hours) North East of Wichita

What to do:
• Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
• Walk Country Club Plaza
• Explore Union Station
• Check out City Market

Why it’s a good road trip:
You can build an entire weekend around free museums and affordable food stops.

Fun fact:
The Nelson-Atkins lawn is home to the famous giant shuttlecock sculptures.

Branson, MO

Distance: 220 miles (3.5–4 hours) East of Wichtia

What to do:
• Walk Branson Landing
• Explore Table Rock Lake
• Visit Shepherd of the Hills
• Catch discount matinee shows

Why it’s a good road trip:
If you plan ahead and look for show deals, Branson can be surprisingly budget-friendly.

Fun fact:
Branson has more theater seats than Broadway in New York.

Springfield, MO

Distance: 3 hours East of Wichita

Why go:
• Fantastic Caverns drive-through cave
• Bass Pro Wonders of Wildlife
• Route 66 stops

Fun fact:
Fantastic Caverns is one of the only ride-through cave tours in America.

Why it’s a great budget trip:
You can mix one paid attraction with lots of free exploring.

St. Louis, MO

Distance: 6 hours East of Wichita

Why go:
• Gateway Arch
• FREE St. Louis Zoo
• FREE St. Louis Art Museum
• Forest Park

Fun fact:
Forest Park is bigger than Central Park in New York.

Why it’s a great budget trip:
So many top attractions are completely free.

Bentonville, AR

Distance: 3.5–4 hours – Southeast of Wichita

Why go:
• Crystal Bridges Museum (free admission)
• Outdoor art trails
• Cute downtown square

Fun fact:
Crystal Bridges houses original works by Norman Rockwell and Georgia O’Keeffe — and general admission is free.

Why it’s a great budget trip:
World-class art without a ticket price. That’s hard to beat.

Eureka Springs, AR

Distance: 4 hours Southeast of Wichita

Why go:
• Historic Victorian downtown
• Thorncrown Chapel
• Affordable cabins

Fun fact:
The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Why it’s a great budget trip:
It feels like a mountain town getaway without Colorado prices.

Omaha NE

Distance: 300 miles (4.5 hours) North of Wichita

What to do:
• Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo
• Walk the Old Market District
• Explore the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Why it’s a good road trip:
Perfect for a longer weekend. The zoo alone can justify the trip.

Fun fact:
Henry Doorly Zoo is consistently ranked one of the top zoos in the world.

Lincoln, NE

Distance: 4 hours north of Wichita

Why go:
• State Capitol observation deck
• Sunken Gardens
• Children’s Museum

Fun fact:
Nebraska’s Capitol tower is 400 feet tall and open to visitors.

Why it’s a great budget trip:
Lots of free outdoor stops + affordable food scene.

Amarillo, TX

Distance: 300 miles (4.5 hours) Southwest of Wichita

What to do:
• Visit Cadillac Ranch (free)
• Explore Palo Duro Canyon
• Route 66 stops

Why it’s a good road trip:
Cadillac Ranch is free and quirky, and Palo Duro gives you canyon views without Grand Canyon travel costs.

Fun fact:
Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States.

Colorado Springs, CO

Distance: 450 miles (7 hours) West of Wichita

What to do:
• Garden of the Gods (free)
• Drive Pikes Peak
• Explore Manitou Springs

Why it’s a good road trip:
If you want mountain views without flying, this is a doable extended weekend trip.

Fun fact:
Garden of the Gods is completely free to visit year-round.

Before you go, make sure you are prepared for a successful trip.

Find Out How to Get Free Admission

The U.S. National Park system includes more than 400 sites across the country, from iconic landscapes like Grand Canyon National Park to historic landmarks and battlefields. Parks like Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone draw millions of visitors each year for hiking, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery.

The great part is many parks have affordable entrance fees, free admission days, and options to use an annual pass

Sunflower Fields

Sunflower fields make for one of the easiest and most fun road trips from Wichita. In late summer, Kansas fields burst into bright yellow blooms, creating the perfect backdrop for family photos and a simple day outdoors. Many fields are free to visit or request a small donation, which makes it an affordable way to get out of town, pack a picnic, and soak up some Kansas beauty without spending much at all.

Go, Apple, Berry or Peach Picking

You-pick farms are easy to reach on a road trip from Wichita. They’re close to home, affordable, and give families a fun, hands-on experience in the fresh air. You leave with fresh produce or flowers and sweet memories.

If you’re heading out and about, take a quick look at our Cheapest Gas Prices in Wichita guide. It’s updated with the lowest prices in town, so you can stretch your budget even further before hitting the road.