If you couldn’t tell from our previous blog, we loved Wichita, Kansas. We'll definitely be back. There’s good coffee, tasty food and fun activities for the whole family - which is all we need (see here for more). But if you’re up for a little more adventure, there are a variety of day trips to be had in and around central Kansas. Here are our favorite day trips that we took during our last visit to Kansas.
Geographic Center of the contiguous United States
Starting with the most unique (especially to road trippers like us)... take a drive to the geographic center of the 48 states. We doubt many people can say they’ve done it! About 2.5 miles northwest of the town of Lebanon is a marker that claims to be the spot. If you watched the Super Bowl this past year (2021), the chapel on site was featured in a Jeep commercial with Bruce Springsteen.
To break up the drive from Wichita, we’d recommend a couple other quirky stops along the way (or one each way). One would be the Garden of Eden. Not the one you’re thinking of, but still pretty amazing. Known as one of the “Eight Wonders of Kansas”, a civil war vet began building this garden in 1907. Another fun stop would be Mushroom Rock State Park. Pretty straightforward… a giant rock shaped like a mushroom. Jude loved it!
Jude was the first one to the center of the 48 states!
The geographic center of the continental US!
We love finding places like the Garden of Eden. So unique!
The Garden of Eden… in Kansas!
Jude living his best life.
Family photo at Mushroom Rock State Park
Lindsborg, Kansas
If you’d like to be transported to Europe, take the 1 hour drive to Lindsborg, also known as “LIttle Sweden”. Originally settled in the spring of 1869 by a group of Swedish immigrants, Lindsborg residents still take great pride in their Scandinavian roots. You can find Swedish influence all over the town - in the restaurants, shopping, and even the architecture. You’ll be obsessed with the colorful buildings and the horse sculptures (one of the national symbols of Sweden) throughout the downtown area. Be sure to visit Hemslojd for a souvenir and Black Smith Coffee for the best coffee in town.
You’ll find Scandinavian influence all around Lindsborg.
We were obsessed with the colorful buildings in Lindsbord.
Jude loved the phone booth :)
Best coffee in Lindsborg!
Cottonwood Falls
Just over an hour northeast of Wichita lies the charming and historic town of Cottonwood Falls. Enjoy strolling the brick downtown and browsing the various antique shops and art galleries. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants in town and then spend the afternoon exploring Tall Grass Prairie Nature Conservancy. This sprawling park is great for a hike and some quiet time with nature (unless you’re traveling with a toddler like us). After your time in the park, head back downtown and grab dinner at Ad Astra, arguably one of the best restaurants in Central Kansas. You can’t go wrong with the Ribeye. :)
If you’re up for an overnighter, we’d recommend staying at the Grand Central Hotel. Boasting an incredible history and cozy rooms, you’re in for a real treat!
Hiking in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve from the sky!
Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls.
We loved walking around downtown Cottonwood Falls.
The Grand Central Hotel at Sunset :)