9 Must-See Attractions Along Interstate 70 In Kansas (2024)
People often complain about Kansas, saying that there’s nothing to experience in the state but one long drive on the interstate. The next time you drive through Kansas, I recommend including a few stops along the way to help break up the monotony. Not only is it a fun way to stretch your legs, but you’ll see some surprisingly impressive attractions, too.
With about a dozen communities making up the Kansas I-70 Association, a drive through Kansas offers some excellent areas to check out. Here is a look at nine outstanding stops along Interstate 70.
1. Kansas City
The Kansas side of Kansas City is definitely worth a stop on your Interstate 70 road trip. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Kaw Point Park and learn about Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition through the area. The path along the Missouri River also offers a nice view of the skyline of Kansas City.
Downtown Kansas City is notable for its Avenue of Murals, a look at the city’s history as told by artists. Eight building-size murals celebrate the city’s newspaper, Hispanic culture, and Native American history, among other things. Kansas legends, such as Amelia Earhart and Wyatt Earp, are celebrated on the city’s sculpture walk.
For an outdoor shopping adventure, Legends Outlets is ripe for exploration, with more than 100 quality outlet stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
2. Moon Marble Company, Bonner Springs
Considered one of the “Eight Wonders of Kansas Commerce,” the Moon Marble Company sells handmade marbles, retro toys, and games. You can watch marbles of all sizes being made by world-class glassblowers. The shop began as a woodworking shop making games, but the owner realized he needed marbles for some of the games, so he eventually started making his own. The marbles became so popular that the store eventually developed into a marble and toy shop. You’ll spot all kinds of games and toys from your childhood.
History buffs may enjoy a stop at the nearby Wyandotte County Historical Museum, where you can learn about the area through a series of exhibits featuring everything from Native American artifacts to a horse-drawn fire engine.
3. University Of Kansas, Lawrence
Located on the campus of the University of Kansas, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics traces the life and career of the former Kansas United States senator and presidential candidate, including his childhood in Russell, Kansas, and his military career in World War II. The center also hosts special exhibits and events on American politics. Built from Kansas limestone and granite, the modern building is an architectural marvel and includes a 29-foot-tall U.S. flag mosaic.
Also on campus, the Allen Fieldhouse is considered one of the best arenas in college basketball. A tour of the arena and its museum is a must for any sports fan, with exhibits highlighting college sports greats like Wilt Chamberlain and Gale Sayers. A special exhibit recognizes James Naismith, who invented basketball, and even includes audio of the former Kansas coach explaining the rules of the game.
Pro Tip: About 20 minutes northwest of Lawrence, Lecompton once served as the Kansas capital. You can learn about the town’s history and check out key buildings on a walking tour.
4. Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home, Abilene
The hometown of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Abilene is now home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home. Having undergone a major renovation in 2019, the museum complex now features even more exhibits and displays about the 34th president and World War II hero. Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the museum, library, childhood home, and meditation chapel, where President Eisenhower and his wife are interred.
Also in Abilene is a unique museum exploring the history of greyhound racing, the Greyhound Hall of Fame. During your visit, be sure to spend some time with the two retired greyhounds. The nearby 25-room Seelye Mansion is a historical marvel and once hosted celebrities and dignitaries, including Albert Einstein. The mansion is beautifully adorned for the Christmas holiday with about 75 poinsettias and more than 750 nutcrackers.
After you’ve taken the sculpture tour, consider heading to the Rolling Hills Zoo, home to more than 80 animals, including a tufted capuchin and Siberian tiger. The zoo is also home to a museum with animal displays focusing on the Arctic, rainforests, and the Middle East.
6. Sternberg Museum Of Natural History, Hays
A stop in Hays should include a visit to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, where you’ll find a fossil of a fish inside a fossil of another fish. Discovered in a Kansas farm field, the fossils may have been the oddest acquisition of paleontologist George F. Sternberg. He is also credited with finding a complete fossil of a plesiosaur, or seafaring dinosaur. The Sternberg Museum has an impressive collection of fossils, plus interactive dinosaur exhibits that will keep you and the grandkids entertained.
Afterward, art aficionados will enjoy exploring the city’s art galleries and studios, including Stone Gallery, home to the works of artist Pete Felton. Try to spot the more than 20 sculptures around the city, including one of Buffalo Bill Cody and a buffalo, as well as the murals that depict the area’s history. A visit to Historic Fort Hays will take you back to the 1800s, when soldiers occupied the fort on the plains.
7. Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark, Oakley
With chalk formations that are more than 80 million years old, the Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark rose from an inland sea. The attraction, located on private land at the end of a 9-mile drive over gravel roads, features formations reaching up to 50 feet.
If you have more time in the area, learn how William F. Cody got his nickname and pose for a photo next to the larger-than-life statue of Buffalo Bill hunting a bison at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center.
Known as the “Christmas City on the High Plains,” WaKeeney goes all out for the holidays with a community dinner and tree lighting, a holiday festival, and even a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus on Main Street.
But WaKeeney is also home to the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, which highlights key historical events and locations. When you’re ready to rest and relax, visit the nearby Shiloh Vineyard, where you can enjoy the scenery and some outstanding wine.
9. World’s Largest Van Gogh Painting And Other Curiosities, Goodland
Goodland is home to the world’s largest van Gogh painting — the 80-foot-tall Sunflower. But that’s hardly the end of the quirky attractions this western Kansas town has to offer.
Home to the first patented helicopter in American history, the High Plains Museum offers a look at Goodland’s history. And the White Eagle gas station is a blast from the past, with its antique gas pumps and signs.
A few miles north of the city, you’ll find a display of grasshoppers made from farm implements.
And last but not least, Mount Sunflower, a few miles outside of town, is the tallest point in Kansas, at about 4,000 feet. If you call ahead, the staff at the National Weather Service will happily give you a tour of the facility.
The top stops along the way from Kansas City to Colorado Springs (with short detours) are Dwight D.Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, Strataca, and Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center. Other popular stops include Cherry Creek State Park, Massachusetts St, and OZ Museum.
While the I-80 takes the more picturesque, pastoral route through the middle of the United States, Interstate 10 is all about travelling coast to coast through the American South. It spans 2,460 miles, starting on the shores of Los Angeles at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
Yes, the Gateway Arch is visible from the road. The best views of the arch can be found by taking 44/55 North/East from south STL, or by taking 70/44 South/East from north STL, or by taking 64 East from west STL.
KANSAS: Hays' Chestnut Street District is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's named for the old Chestnut Street, renamed Main Street in 1929.
Downtown Kansas City is the heart of the city where you will find many great museums, fun attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars. That's why there is no better place to stay than Downtown if you are visiting Kansas City for the first time.
A full Kansas City experience can be had in three days if you plan an itinerary that incorporates the city's rich history, cultural sights and activities, family-friendly attractions, and renowned cuisine.
There is one daily train from Kansas City to Colorado Springs. Traveling by train from Kansas City to Colorado Springs usually takes 23 hours and 58 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
The best time to visit Kansas has to be the period between mid of summer and late autumn, i.e. the months from July to October. Pleasant windy weather and more affordable prices due to lesser crowds make it perfect for outdoor explorations.
Many consider it the best drive in America as it snakes its way all along the Mississippi River. This portion that runs along the Mississippi state border offers 300 miles of small-town charm as you pass historic churches, bed and breakfasts, and even the Old South Winery in Natchez.
It's still worth the ride up. There's just not much going in inside the top of the Arch. Taking a trip up the Gateway Arch is definitely worth it, just to check off the bucket list. As long as you're not scared of heights!
While admission is always free, Gateway Arch National Park charges a $3 entrance fee on every adult tram ride to the top of the Arch and tickets to its documentary movie.
The Museum Under the Gateway Arch is always free for all visitors and does not require a ticket or an entry fee. Due to security measures at the Gateway Arch, all visitors to the Arch must pass through an airport style security checkpoint.
Out of towns with populations greater than 5,000 Colby, KS was the most isolated. And, among cities with 25,000-75,000 people, Garden City got the medal for being most remote. Many other communities across the HPPR listening area made the list.
Leawood, Kansas, is one place where the median household income is more than double the national figure. The typical household in the area earns $159,540 a year, the 41st highest among all cities with sufficient data and 131.1% more than the national median.
Beautiful scenes and nature photography of Kansas waterfalls including Pillsbury Crossing, Elk Falls, Butcher Falls, Santa Fe Lake Falls, Cowley Falls, Prather Creek Falls, Geary Falls and many more.
In the US state of Kansas, I-70 extends just over 424 miles (682 km) from the Colorado border near the town of Kanorado to the Missouri border in Kansas City.
Cliff Drive, established in 1900, is the only Missouri scenic byway located in an urban area, passing right through Kansas City. The 4.5-mile historic drive is also one of the shortest scenic byways in America.
As the top wheat-producing state in the country, Kansas is known for being the “Wheat State”. Some even call it the “Breadbasket of the World.” It is estimated that Kansas produces over 300 million bushels of wheat, which accounts for more than 18% of the country's production.
Late spring and summer are the best times to plan a trip to Kansas City if you want to spend time outdoors. Many of the area's theme parks and campgrounds close for the fall (September to December) and winter (December to March). Kansas City's low season for tourism is usually winter (December to March).
What is the best time to drive through Kansas City? You can't go wrong traveling through Kansas City in the morning or early afternoon. Just be aware that the roads can get pretty busy in the late afternoon/early evening, particularly between 5-6pm.
If you're planning to relocate, Missouri or Kansas are both great options. Kansas has a more rural feel and Missouri enjoys more populated urban towns. If sports is your family's passion, Missouri might be the state for you. If you're concerned about cost of living, Kansas is a better bet.
Dodge City, Kansas, is a small and unique town. If you like movies, especially old western ones, this is the place for you. Even if you are not into that, this is still a place that should be visited and explored by all. The town is full of interesting historical sites and museums and truly has something for everyone.
Is Kansas City, MO, worth visiting? Yes!Kansas City, MO, is a great place to visit. The city has many things to do and see, from its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene to its many cultural attractions and historical sites.
Gateway Arch serves to be the landmark and the most popular tourist attraction. Made up of steel and concrete, the site is known for its elegance. The arch is designed by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen. Why is Missouri called the Cave's State?
In Missouri, I-70 serves the communities of Kansas City, Blue Springs, Odessa, Columbia, Warrenton, and St.Louis. In Illinois I-70 provides service to East St. Louis, Collinsville, Vandalia, and Effingham.
The Interstate runs through or near many major cities, including Denver, Topeka, Kansas City, St.Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. The sections of the Interstate in Missouri and Kansas have laid claim to be the first Interstate in the United States.
Hermann, Missouri, made the list. The small town is located in the heart of Missouri wine country. It is a picturesque city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Hermann was founded in the 19th century by German immigrants.
The Gateway Arch is one of the most famous places in Missouri. Located in the heart of St. Louis, its gleaming curve peaks at more than 600 feet above the city skyline, and it can be seen for miles around.
In the US state of Kansas, I-70 extends just over 424 miles (682 km) from the Colorado border near the town of Kanorado to the Missouri border in Kansas City.
When it opened on Oct. 1, 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike gave American motorists their first chance to experience what someday would be known as an "interstate." Pennsylvania calls the turnpike "The Granddaddy of the Pikes."
Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603
Phone: +2366831109631
Job: Sales Producer
Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy
Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
