TOPEKA,Kansas – Forget the Dorothy clichés. Kansas is quietly revealing a wealth of off-the-beaten-path experiences, offering travelers unspoiled landscapes and unique adventures far from typical tourist throngs. From subterranean tours to miniature state parks showcasing geological wonders,the Sunflower State is proving it has much more to offer than rolling wheat fields.
These lesser-known destinations are gaining traction as travelers increasingly seek authentic, crowd-free experiences. A desire for unique exploration,coupled with a growing awareness of Kansas’ diverse geography,is driving interest in these “undiscovered gems.” Here are five experiences to add to your Kansas itinerary:
1. The Historic Wolf Hotel & Underground Tunnel Tours, fort Scott
Step back in time with a stay at the Historic Wolf Hotel in Fort Scott, where reservations can be made online at https://www.historicwolfhotel.com/book-online. Beyond the hotel, explore the city’s hidden history with Underground Tunnel Tours. The tours cost $15 for those 11 and older and $7.50 for children ages 5 to 10, as detailed on https://www.travelks.com/event/underground-tunnel-tours/40302/.
2.Arikaree Breaks, Cheyenne county
Defying the state’s flatland stereotype, the Arikaree Breaks in northwest Kansas offer rugged canyons and rolling hills formed by ancient erosion. Located in northern Cheyenne County, this “badlands” area is described by www.touristsecrets.com as “like the Grand Canyon of Kansas, with deep ravines.” onlyinyourstate.com notes the Breaks extend 36 miles long and between two and three miles wide, offering ”seemingly endless” views.
3. Mushroom Rock State Park, Ellsworth County
Northwest of Marquette, Mushroom Rock state Park showcases unusual Dakota sandstone concretions. The 5-acre park, Kansas’ smallest, features rocks “up to 27 feet in diameter, deposited 100 million years ago and since exposed by the relentless forces of erosion,” according to the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography website.Atlasobscura.com describes the formations as appearing to “arise out of nowhere.”
4. Castle rock, Gove County
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5. Monument Rocks, Gove County
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