List of State Attractions

1. National Land
2. State Land
3. Private Attractions
4. Shopping Centers

I. National Land

National Historic Sites & Parks

• Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
  This site preserves Monroe Elementary School, one of the segregated schools involved in the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The park serves as a powerful testament to the struggle for civil rights and racial equality in the United States.
  • Location: 1515 SE Monroe St, Topeka, KS 66612
  • Nearest Major City: Topeka
  • Website: nps.gov/brvb
  • Phone: (785) 354-4273
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the restored school building, viewing exhibits on the history of segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, watching interpretive films, reflecting on the significance of the Supreme Court case.
• Fort Larned National Historic Site
  As one of the best-preserved frontier military posts, Fort Larned played a crucial role in protecting traffic along the Santa Fe Trail and managing relations with Plains Indians. The site features nine original stone buildings and offers a vivid look into life on the 19th-century frontier.
  • Location: 1767 KS-156, Larned, KS 67550
  • Nearest Major City: Dodge City
  • Website: nps.gov/fols
  • Phone: (620) 285-6911
  • Visitor Interests: Touring the original fort buildings, interacting with living history interpreters (seasonal), walking the nature trail along the Pawnee River, watching the park film.
• Fort Scott National Historic Site
  This restored 1840s military fort tells the story of the U.S. Army's role in the westward expansion, the conflicts over slavery known as "Bleeding Kansas," and the Civil War. The site's 20 historic structures offer a comprehensive look at a turbulent period in American history.
  • Location: Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701
  • Nearest Major City: Kansas City
  • Website: nps.gov/fosc
  • Phone: (620) 223-0310
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the restored fort buildings, watching weapon-firing demonstrations (seasonal), taking a self-guided tour with your cell phone, viewing exhibits on westward expansion and the Civil War.
• Nicodemus National Historic Site
  This site preserves the last remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. Nicodemus represents the pioneering spirit of exodusters who fled the South seeking freedom and a better life on the Great Plains.
  • Location: 304 Washington Ave, Bogue, KS 67625
  • Nearest Major City: Hays
  • Website: nps.gov/nico
  • Phone: (785) 839-4233
  • Visitor Interests: Taking a walking or driving tour of the historic townsite, visiting the Township Hall visitor center, learning about the history of African American homesteaders on the plains.

National Preserve

• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
  Protecting a significant remnant of the vast tallgrass prairie that once covered North America, this preserve offers a unique glimpse into a nearly vanished ecosystem. Visitors can experience the wide-open spaces, see a herd of bison roam, and explore historic ranch buildings.
  • Location: 2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869
  • Nearest Major City: Emporia
  • Website: nps.gov/tapr
  • Phone: (620) 273-8494
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking on over 40 miles of trails, taking a bus tour of the prairie, seeing the bison herd, touring the historic 1881 Spring Hill Ranch, fishing in the preserve's ponds.

National Historic Trails

• California, Oregon, and Santa Fe National Historic Trails
  Kansas was a major crossroads for three of the nation's most important historic trails. Various sites across the state, such as wagon ruts and historic crossings, allow visitors to trace the paths of pioneers, traders, and gold prospectors who traveled west in the 19th century.
  • Location: Various sites across Kansas.
  • Nearest Major City: Kansas City, Dodge City
  • Website: nps.gov/safe (Santa Fe Trail)
  • Phone: N/A
  • Visitor Interests: Visiting interpretive centers like the Santa Fe Trail Center near Larned, seeing preserved wagon ruts at sites like Ralph's Ruts, exploring historic trail towns.

National Wildlife Refuges

• Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
  Located within the broad Neosho River floodplain, this refuge consists of a rich diversity of habitats including wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and grasslands. It is a major staging area for migratory waterfowl.
  • Location: 530 W Maple Ave, Hartford, KS 66854
  • Nearest Major City: Emporia
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/flint-hills
  • Phone: (620) 392-5553
  • Visitor Interests: Excellent birdwatching (especially during migrations), driving the auto tour route, hiking, hunting, fishing.
• Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
  Situated along the North Fork of the Solomon River, Kirwin was the first national wildlife refuge established in Kansas. It serves as an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds, particularly waterfowl and sandhill cranes.
  • Location: 702 E Xavier Rd, Kirwin, KS 67644
  • Nearest Major City: Hays
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/kirwin
  • Phone: (785) 543-6673
  • Visitor Interests: Birdwatching, fishing on Kirwin Reservoir, hunting, driving the auto tour route, visiting the nature trail.
• Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
  This refuge is a unique inland salt marsh, making it a critical habitat for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. The Big and Little Salt Marshes provide a stunning landscape and incredible birdwatching opportunities.
  • Location: 1000 S Quivira Rd, Stafford, KS 67578
  • Nearest Major City: Hutchinson
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/quivira
  • Phone: (620) 486-2393
  • Visitor Interests: Premier birdwatching (sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, shorebirds), driving the auto tour routes, visiting the wetlands and observation towers, hiking the nature trails.

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II. State Land

Top Ten Most Visited State Parks

• Cedar Bluff State Park
  Located on the shore of Cedar Bluff Reservoir, this park is a popular destination for water-based recreation. The park is framed by impressive limestone bluffs and offers beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape.
  • Location: 32001 140 Rd, Ellis, KS 67637
  • Nearest Major City: Hays
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Cedar-Bluff
  • Phone: (785) 726-3212
  • Visitor Interests: Boating, fishing (crappie, walleye, bass), swimming, camping, hiking the Bluffton Area trails for scenic overlooks.
• Cheney State Park
  With its large reservoir and strong, steady winds, Cheney State Park is known as one of the premier sailing lakes in the country. It also offers excellent fishing, swimming, and camping facilities, making it a hub for recreation near Wichita.
  • Location: 16000 NE 50 St, Cheney, KS 67025
  • Nearest Major City: Wichita
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Cheney
  • Phone: (316) 542-3664
  • Visitor Interests: Sailing and windsurfing, fishing, swimming at the sandy beaches, camping, visiting the marina.
• Clinton State Park
  Just west of Lawrence, this park is a popular destination for its clear lake and extensive trail system. It offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, from water sports to mountain biking, in a beautiful setting.
  • Location: 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049
  • Nearest Major City: Lawrence
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Clinton
  • Phone: (785) 842-8562
  • Visitor Interests: Boating and fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on over 50 miles of trails, archery range, camping.
• Crawford State Park
  Nestled in southeast Kansas, this park is rich in history and natural beauty. It is built around a stunning 150-acre lake and surrounded by wooded hills, offering a peaceful setting for camping and fishing.
  • Location: 1 W Lake Rd, Farlington, KS 66734
  • Nearest Major City: Pittsburg
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Crawford
  • Phone: (620) 362-3671
  • Visitor Interests: Fishing, boating (no-wake), swimming, hiking, exploring the historic sites from the Civilian Conservation Corps era.
• El Dorado State Park
  As the state's largest state park, El Dorado offers a vast landscape for outdoor adventure. Situated on the edge of the Flint Hills, the park features a large reservoir and a variety of trails and modern facilities.
  • Location: 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
  • Nearest Major City: Wichita
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/El-Dorado
  • Phone: (316) 321-7180
  • Visitor Interests: Boating and fishing on El Dorado Reservoir, hiking and horseback riding on the extensive trail system, camping, amphitheater events.
• Hillsdale State Park
  Located near the Kansas City metropolitan area, Hillsdale is a popular destination for its large reservoir and diverse recreational offerings. The park is particularly known for its horse trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Location: 26001 W 255th St, Paola, KS 66071
  • Nearest Major City: Kansas City
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Hillsdale
  • Phone: (913) 594-3600
  • Visitor Interests: Fishing and boating, horseback riding on over 30 miles of trails, hiking, hunting, model airplane field.
• Kanopolis State Park
  Kansas's first state park, Kanopolis is set in the scenic Smoky Hills region. It features a large reservoir, stunning sandstone bluffs, and a landscape of rolling hills and woods. The park's extensive trail system is a highlight.
  • Location: 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464
  • Nearest Major City: Salina
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Kanopolis
  • Phone: (785) 546-2565
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on over 30 miles of trails; boating and fishing; exploring the Horsethief Canyon area.
• Milford State Park
  Situated on the shores of Milford Reservoir, the state's largest lake, this park is a paradise for anglers and boaters. It also features a large nature center and is home to the Milford Fish Hatchery.
  • Location: 3612 State Park Rd, Milford, KS 66514
  • Nearest Major City: Manhattan
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Milford
  • Phone: (785) 238-3014
  • Visitor Interests: Excellent fishing for walleye, crappie, and bass; boating; visiting the Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery; eagle viewing in the winter.
• Perry State Park
  Located in the wooded hills of northeast Kansas, Perry State Park offers a rugged landscape with some of the state's best trails for hiking and mountain biking. The park surrounds a large reservoir, providing ample opportunities for water sports.
  • Location: 5441 Westlake Rd, Ozawkie, KS 66070
  • Nearest Major City: Topeka
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Perry
  • Phone: (785) 246-3449
  • Visitor Interests: Mountain biking and hiking on challenging, nationally-recognized trails; horseback riding; boating and fishing; camping.
• Wilson State Park
  Considered by many to be the most beautiful park in Kansas, Wilson is set in the scenic Smoky Hills and surrounds the crystal-clear Wilson Reservoir. The park is known for its rugged shoreline, sandstone bluffs, and excellent fishing.
  • Location: 3 State Park Rd, Sylvan Grove, KS 67481
  • Nearest Major City: Salina
  • Website: ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Wilson
  • Phone: (785) 658-2465
  • Visitor Interests: Boating and fishing, hiking and mountain biking on the popular Switchgrass Trail, wildlife viewing, enjoying the scenic beauty of the reservoir and surrounding hills.

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III. Private Attractions

Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquariums

• Sedgwick County Zoo
  A world-class zoo in Wichita, the Sedgwick County Zoo is nationally recognized for its innovative, naturalistic habitats and its successful breeding programs for rare and endangered species. It's the largest zoo in Kansas and a top outdoor family attraction.
  • Location: 5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS 67212
  • Nearest Major City: Wichita
  • Website: scz.org
  • Phone: (316) 660-8466
  • Visitor Interests: The Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley exhibit, the Downing Gorilla Forest, the Cessna Penguin Cove, boat tours through the North American prairie exhibit.
• Sunset Zoo
  Located in Manhattan, the Sunset Zoo is a small but highly-regarded zoo with a focus on conservation and education. It offers intimate encounters with a variety of animals from around the world.
  • Location: 2333 Oak St, Manhattan, KS 66502
  • Nearest Major City: Manhattan
  • Website: sunsetzoo.com
  • Phone: (785) 587-2737
  • Visitor Interests: Seeing leopards, tigers, and sloth bears; the gibbon and primate exhibits; the Expedition Asia expansion; educational programs.
• Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
  A beautiful oasis in the heart of Wichita, Botanica features over 30 themed gardens and exhibits across its 17 acres. It's a place of beauty and inspiration for all ages.
  • Location: 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203
  • Nearest Major City: Wichita
  • Website: botanica.org
  • Phone: (316) 264-0448
  • Visitor Interests: The Downing Children's Garden, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the seasonal butterfly house, holiday light displays (Illuminations), special events and concerts.
• Rolling Hills Zoo
  This unique attraction near Salina combines a quality zoo with a world-class wildlife museum. The zoo features spacious, naturalistic habitats for a variety of animals, and the museum showcases impressive taxidermy from around the globe.
  • Location: 625 N Hedville Rd, Salina, KS 67401
  • Nearest Major City: Salina
  • Website: rollinghillszoo.org
  • Phone: (785) 827-9488
  • Visitor Interests: Viewing animals in a beautiful setting, the Wildlife Museum, the tram ride through the zoo grounds.

Major Museums

• Boot Hill Museum
  Step back in time to the wild and woolly days of the Old West at this museum in Dodge City. Boot Hill brings the history of the "Queen of the Cowtowns" to life with historic buildings, exhibits, and live entertainment.
  • Location: 500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801
  • Nearest Major City: Dodge City
  • Website: boothill.org
  • Phone: (620) 227-8188
  • Visitor Interests: Walking down the recreated Front Street, watching gunfight reenactments, enjoying the Long Branch Variety Show, viewing the Boot Hill Cemetery.
• Cosmosphere
  An internationally renowned space museum and STEM education center in Hutchinson, the Cosmosphere holds the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
  • Location: 1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501
  • Nearest Major City: Hutchinson
  • Website: cosmo.org
  • Phone: (620) 662-2305
  • Visitor Interests: Viewing authentic spacecraft like the Apollo 13 command module, the Carey Digital Dome Theater and planetarium, live science demonstrations, space camp programs.
• Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home
  This complex in Abilene honors the life and career of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th U.S. President and Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II. It is a must-see for anyone interested in American history.
  • Location: 200 SE 4th St, Abilene, KS 67410
  • Nearest Major City: Salina
  • Website: eisenhowerlibrary.gov
  • Phone: (785) 263-6700
  • Visitor Interests: Touring Eisenhower's boyhood home, exploring the newly renovated museum exhibits, visiting the Place of Meditation where the Eisenhowers are buried.
• Exploration Place
  Wichita's premier science center, Exploration Place offers a variety of hands-on exhibits that make learning about science and technology fun and engaging for all ages. Its iconic building is situated on the banks of the Arkansas River.
  • Location: 300 N McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203
  • Nearest Major City: Wichita
  • Website: exploration.org
  • Phone: (316) 660-0600
  • Visitor Interests: Interactive science exhibits, the state's largest digital dome theater and planetarium, the "Design, Build, Fly" aviation exhibit, outdoor parks and playgrounds.
• Museum of World Treasures
  Located in Old Town Wichita, this museum offers a diverse and eclectic journey through world history. Its three floors are packed with fascinating artifacts, from dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian mummies to presidential autographs and sports memorabilia.
  • Location: 835 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202
  • Nearest Major City: Wichita
  • Website: worldtreasures.org
  • Phone: (316) 263-1311
  • Visitor Interests: Viewing dinosaur skeletons, exploring the ancient civilizations exhibits, seeing military history displays, the wide variety of historical artifacts.

Amusement & Water Parks

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City
  A popular water park offering a wide variety of slides, rivers, and pools for all ages. It's known for its innovative attractions and interconnected river system that allows guests to float throughout the park without leaving the water.
  • Location: 9400 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112
  • Nearest Major City: Kansas City
  • Website: N/A
  • Phone: (913) 312-3110
  • Visitor Interests: The interconnected river system, a variety of water slides from mild to thrilling, wave pools, family-friendly splash areas.

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IV. Major Shopping Centers

• Legends Outlets Kansas City
  A large outdoor shopping and entertainment district in Kansas City, Kansas. It features a mix of designer outlet stores and traditional retailers, along with numerous restaurants and entertainment venues, all themed around Kansas legends in sports, music, and history.
  • Location: 1843 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111
  • Nearest Major City: Kansas City
  • Website: legendsshopping.com
  • Phone: (913) 788-3700
  • Visitor Interests: Outlet shopping for major brands, a wide variety of dining options, entertainment venues like a movie theater and Dave & Buster's, proximity to other attractions like the Kansas Speedway.
• Oak Park Mall
  The largest mall in the Kansas City metropolitan area and the entire state of Kansas, Oak Park Mall is a premier indoor shopping destination with a wide selection of stores, including two levels of retail and several anchor department stores.
  • Location: 11149 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66214
  • Nearest Major City: Kansas City
  • Website: oakparkmall.com
  • Phone: (913) 888-4400
  • Visitor Interests: A huge selection of national and international retailers, numerous dining options, a large food court, family-friendly amenities.
• Town Center Plaza & Crossing
  An upscale open-air lifestyle center in Leawood, offering a variety of high-end retailers, local boutiques, and fine dining options. It provides a pleasant, walkable shopping experience.
  • Location: 5000 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209
  • Nearest Major City: Kansas City
  • Website: towncenterplaza.com
  • Phone: (913) 498-1111
  • Visitor Interests: Upscale and boutique shopping, a variety of restaurants with patio seating, a relaxed and scenic atmosphere.
• Towne East Square
  The largest indoor shopping mall in Wichita, Towne East Square offers a wide range of retail stores, department stores, and dining options, serving as a primary shopping hub for the city and surrounding areas.
  • Location: 7700 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67207
  • Nearest Major City: Wichita
  • Website: simon.com/mall/towne-east-square
  • Phone: (316) 686-3341
  • Visitor Interests: A wide variety of retail stores, major department stores, a large food court, a children's play area.
• Bradley Fair
  A beautiful open-air shopping center in Wichita, Bradley Fair is known for its upscale retailers, local boutiques, and a variety of dining options surrounding a scenic plaza and lake.
  • Location: 2000 N Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67206
  • Nearest Major City: Wichita
  • Website: bradleyfair.com
  • Phone: (316) 630-9990
  • Visitor Interests: Boutique and upscale shopping, numerous restaurants with lakeside patios, seasonal events and concerts on the plaza.

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