Kansas is one of the best states to find hidden gems that most people just don’t know about. Everything from architecture to waterfalls, you’ll find great examples throughout our state. While it’s safe to say many Kansans would want these places kept secret, we figure it’s alright to share them with fellow Kansans. These 11 hidden attractions are sure to give you a great excuse to get out there! How many have you seen?
- Alcove Springs - 1834 East River Road, Blue Rapids, KS
Aaron Hall/Flickr Who doesn’t love a great waterfall? This one’s only a short hike, but you’ll be glad you did, when you find this little beauty.
- Powell Observatory - 26500 Melrose St, Lewis-Young City Park, Louisburg, KS
Balaji/Flickr This little secret in Louisburg will probably be kept in the dark - and for good reason! It’s home to one of the largest telescopes available to the public in a five-state area. Wouldn’t this be an awesome date night?
- Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory - 3783 Highway K68, Louisburg, KS
Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory & Education Center Facebook While you’re in town for the Powell Observatory, why not check out these paw-some cats before it gets dark enough to see the stars?
TYPE TEXT TO LINK TO HERE
- Hedrick’s Exotic Animal Farm - 7910 N Roy L Smith Rd Nickerson, KS
Chad E/Yelp Here, you can stay at a bed and breakfast only to wake up to giraffes and zebras! If you don’t want to stay, however, you can just take a tour instead. Here’s our full story on this attraction.
- Cedar Point Mill - 1st St, Cedar Point, KS
Chris Tomlinson/Flickr This amazingly beautiful old mill comes alive in the fall, with bursts of color on all of the surrounding foliage. In other seasons, it’s just as beautiful during one of our amazing sunsets.
- Elk Falls - 4th St and Montgomery St, Elk Falls, KS
The Vestiges/Public Domain Though this little trickle is only after months of drought, the falls here in Elk Falls often flow faster in April/May.
- Maxwell Wildlife Refuge - 2565 Pueblo Road, Canton, KS
Kansas Tourism Take a tour over the grasses, or look from high above the plains at this Wildlife Refuge. Who wouldn’t want to watch our bison roam freely? Here’s our full story on this attraction.
- Lovewell State Park - 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS
Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism - Lovewell State Park Facebook Lovewell State Park is northern Kansas is just perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without huge crowds of people. Here, you can go camping, fishing, hiking, and watch the local wildlife flourish.
- Monument Rocks - Gove 16, Oakley, KS
meltedplastic/Flickr Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, this rock formation was left behind from when a sea covered all of western Kansas. Today, these rocky towers reach up to 70 feet high, with arches and holes between them. Here’s our full story on this attraction.
- Prairie Lavender Farm - 69 Alpine Ridge Ln., Bennington, KS
Prairie Lavender Farm Facebook This amazing farm peaks in the summer, but it’s still a magical place year-round for tours and events. Here’s our full story on this attraction.
- Nelson’s Old Riverton Store - 7109 SE Hwy 66 Riverton, KS
Midnight Blue/Yelp This old general store on Route 66 is a core part of the American experience. Today, it still serves homemade chili and a bottle of coke. Here’s our full story on this attraction.
Can you believe all these amazing things are hidden in Kansas? They might not be so popular, but that’s a good thing for us!
Aaron Hall/Flickr
Who doesn’t love a great waterfall? This one’s only a short hike, but you’ll be glad you did, when you find this little beauty.
Balaji/Flickr
This little secret in Louisburg will probably be kept in the dark - and for good reason! It’s home to one of the largest telescopes available to the public in a five-state area. Wouldn’t this be an awesome date night?
Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory & Education Center Facebook
While you’re in town for the Powell Observatory, why not check out these paw-some cats before it gets dark enough to see the stars?
TYPE TEXT TO LINK TO HERE
Chad E/Yelp
Here, you can stay at a bed and breakfast only to wake up to giraffes and zebras! If you don’t want to stay, however, you can just take a tour instead. Here’s our full story on this attraction.
Chris Tomlinson/Flickr
This amazingly beautiful old mill comes alive in the fall, with bursts of color on all of the surrounding foliage. In other seasons, it’s just as beautiful during one of our amazing sunsets.
The Vestiges/Public Domain
Though this little trickle is only after months of drought, the falls here in Elk Falls often flow faster in April/May.
Kansas Tourism
Take a tour over the grasses, or look from high above the plains at this Wildlife Refuge. Who wouldn’t want to watch our bison roam freely? Here’s our full story on this attraction.
Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism - Lovewell State Park Facebook
Lovewell State Park is northern Kansas is just perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without huge crowds of people. Here, you can go camping, fishing, hiking, and watch the local wildlife flourish.
meltedplastic/Flickr
Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, this rock formation was left behind from when a sea covered all of western Kansas. Today, these rocky towers reach up to 70 feet high, with arches and holes between them. Here’s our full story on this attraction.
Prairie Lavender Farm Facebook
This amazing farm peaks in the summer, but it’s still a magical place year-round for tours and events. Here’s our full story on this attraction.
Midnight Blue/Yelp
This old general store on Route 66 is a core part of the American experience. Today, it still serves homemade chili and a bottle of coke. Here’s our full story on this attraction.
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