Following graduation from high school, many 18-year-olds take a “coming of age” road-trip. This trip tends to mean late nights, wild times, and feeling like an adult – making choices concerning where to go, what to do, and how to take care of yourself.
Massive trips were being planned in the spring of 2010 at my high school – all of my friends and people my age were ready to take on the world, with a new feeling of responsibility and freedom. These trips were the times in which we were supposed to find ourselves, as well as a new sense of purpose.
The proverbial senior road trip. Where was I to go? My group of friends and I couldn’t decide. How do you even begin to plan the trip that will set the tone for the best summer ever–the summer following graduation?
Ironically enough, my group decided on a road-trip across Kansas. While others were making grand escapes to warm, sunny coasts filled with beaches and ocean water, we chose to explore our very own, flat-as-a-pancake Kansas; wheat, sunflowers, and all. Initially, I have to admit, I thought this trip would be a joke. Our classmates were off to Miami, Padre Island, and Los Angeles, and we chose Kansas? I felt as though this trip would not only not live up to the expectations of a senior road trip, but would also be a waste of time. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
My road-trip across Kansas will forever be remembered as one of my favorite weeks of all time. But there were five stops in particular that I will never forget.
Who says driving across Kansas is boring? 5 Fun Places to Stop While Road Tripping Across Kansas
1) One of our first destinations on our “Road Trip Across Kansas” was Mushroom Rock State Park, located in the Smoky Hills region of north-central Kansas is an ideal spot to stop if you’re thinking about visiting Kansas. Always open to the public, and managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, these rock formations are the perfect place to explore, appreciate the beautiful Kansas wildlife, and also take a few quick pictures. There is tons of space to have a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. There are 5 acres to explore, and the unusual shapes of the rocks are something you definitely don’t want to miss.
Pictured above is one of the “Mushroom Rocks” at the Mushroom Rock State Park in the Smoky Hills region of Kansas. Photo credit: Nationalparks
2) Another great place to visit while in Kansas is the Underground World in Ellinwood, Kansas. Ellinwood itself is a beautiful, historic Kansas town, but underneath main street lies a whole different city. Settled by German immigrants in 1870, the original townspeople built an entirely separate set of businesses, including 11 saloons, a barbershop, and a blacksmith shop. Almost the entire underground area is original; and many of the businesses are set up much like they would have been during the peak time of usage. Filled with interesting history, props, and stories, this unique feature of Kansas is a must-see. Today, the Ellinwood Museum Association offers tours to the Ellinwood Underground World.
When I visited this quaint town, I not only had a blast exploring an older part of American history, but I also felt like I learned so much. The people of Ellinwood, especially those who were showing us around were incredibly welcoming to tourists!
Left is one of the main corridors of the underground city, with several doors leading off to the left and right.
3) Cheyenne Bottoms, located between Hoisington and Great Bend, is 41, 000 acres of wetland, and one of the eight Wonders of Kansas. There have been at least 320 species of birds recorded here, and it is a favorite among Kansas travelers, with approximately 60, 000 people visiting here yearly. The entire reserve has 5 large pools, which are all interconnected by canals and pathways, with several higher dry spots for people to settle in to watch nature take its course. This is a prime chance to see several different species of native Kansas animals, as well as hundreds of species of vegetation. If your travels have any emphasis on the natural beauty of Kansas, Cheyenne Bottoms is a necessity on the list.
Pictured above is an expanse of the marshlands located in Cheyenne Bottoms.
4) The Monument Rocks, located in Gove County, is another spot located on the 8 Wonders of Kansas list. These magnificent chalk monoliths are often called the Chalk Pyramids, and the beds offer up many different fossils and even shark teeth! The Monument Rocks are located on private property, but the landowner is cooperative with visitors, and no special permission is necessary. This is a great place to stop for a photo opportunity, as well as some rock climbing, if you’re feeling adventurous. My group stopped here for a long time, climbing on the rocks and searching for fossils in the chalk. The rocks provide a wonderful backdrop to some Kansas exploring, as they represent the beauty of Western Kansas.
Above is one of the many beautiful views at The Monument Rocks in Western, Kansas
5) The Sternberg Museum of Natural History, located in Fort Hays is an ideal education stop for a trip through Kansas. If you are looking to get out of the Kansas heat, and into a learning environment, “The Stern” is a great place to look around. The museum is huge, with several different collections–ranging from fossils, to live animals, and the museum’s most popular exhibit, the “Fish Within a Fish”. Many of the fossils are from the Great Plains, but there are many discoveries housed here from other areas of the world. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m., to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Of course, you need music for a road trip.
What could be more fitting to listen to than the American rock band Kansas
Two references to help you plan your road trip across Kansas:
Kansas Off the Beaten Path®: A Guide To Unique Places
Kansas Trail Guide: The Best Hiking, Biking, and Riding in the Sunflower State
This article is written by Hannah Watkins–writer, traveler, and grand-scale dreamer–as well as a senior studying communications at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.
She is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with her pug named Cookie.
Hannah is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and she hopes to someday work in the Public Relations field.
Taking a road trip? Check out these other posts:
- 3 Emotional Stages of a Road Trip
- Weekend Wandering: America’s Heartland with a Presidential Twist
- 4 Reasons Why Should You Travel While You Are Young
- Traveling with Dogs? 7 Tips to Make Your Trip Easier
- 6 Tips For A Better Travel Driving Experience