You might be asking yourself, ‘why the heck would I visit Southwest Kansas?’. Don’t worry! I thought the same thing. After all, I have several colleagues who live in the general region who never talk about Southwest Kansas because it’s not a spot they visit. They tell me there’s nothing out that way or that it’s God’s Country.
Well, I’m here to let you know that Southwest Kansas should ABSOLUTELY be explored. It’s full of history, diverse landscapes, and amazing small-town community connections. I recently embarked on a 5-day road trip across Southwest Kansas with four other travel writers and we had a blast.
This post shares why a Southwest Kansas Road Trip should be on your US bucket list and how to prepare for exploring this region of the United States.
My visit to Southwest Kansas was hosted by Kansas Tourism, but I was not paid for this post and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
When you make purchases through the links in my post, I may earn commissions at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As always, I only provide links to products and services I recommend. Read my full disclosure here.
Why You Should Visit Southwest Kansas:
The region is filled with history galore!
I knew from history classes growing up that Kansas holds a lot of history, but I had no idea just how much that history remains a part of Kansas still today. I was so impressed with the museums in Southwest Kansas. They were not only informative, but interactive and engaging.
Make sure to add the following museums to your itinerary as your road trip through the region.
The Big Well Museum
315 S Sycamore Street Greensburg, KS 67054
In 2007, Greensburg, Kansas experienced the most devastating tornado on record at the time. An EF-5 tornado ripped through the town, destroying 95% of the community. Today, the Big Well Museum in Greensburg details the tornado, its aftermath, and the rebuild.
The community came together to rebuild and they decided to do so in a green way. All electricity in the community is wind-powered and all public buildings have a LEAD status.
The museum is also home to the nation’s largest hand-dug well. Those so inclined can take 86 stairs from the main level down into the well or take several stairs up to the top of the building for panoramic views of Greensburg. I highly encourage doing both, if you are able!
Visit their website before your visit to determine hours and confirm admission rates
El Quartelejo Museum
902 W 5th St, Scott City, KS 67871
The Quartelejo Museum in Scott County shares the history of this region of Kansas through stories told by the fossil discoveries up until present day.
The museum displays are informative and interactive, sharing local Indian and Pioneer history, while also showcasing antique farm machinery and buggies. The museum does an excellent job of truly showcasing local history and connecting the information to present day.
For example, during your visit, you’ll learn about Native American Pueblos and famous battles. You can then visit Historic Lake Scott State Park where you can see the remains of the northernmost-known Native American Pueblo – El Cuartelejo.
I also learned what a plesiosaur is at The Western Kansas Fossil Lab – a large sea-dwelling reptile that lived during the Mesozoic area. This lab is an interactive space where you can view a fossil specimen currently undergoing the cleaning process, while learning more about plesiosaurs.
There is no fee for admission and you can access all areas of the museum.
Finney County Historical Museum
403 S 4th St., Garden City, KS 67846
Learn the past and present history of Southwest Kansas at the Finney County Historical Museum. Located next to the Lee Richardson Zoo, the museum is the perfect stop either before or after visiting the animals.
The museum has more than five long-term exhibits and a temporary gallery. The current revolving exhibit is ‘True Crime, Solving Notorious Cases from Finney County’s History’ and takes you along two crime scenes.
Learn about the cattle industry, Buffalo Jones, the Santa Fe Trail, and view a 19th-century kitchen in the long-term exhibits.
Perhaps the most famous piece in the museum is the world’s largest hairball found in a cow. The hairball is open to viewing and while you cannot hold it, you are able to touch and feel it.
The museum is free to visit, although donations are accepted. Please note that there are no bathrooms or drinking fountains available in the museum. Both are located outside between the museum and the zoo.
Historic Adobe Museum
300 E. Oklahoma Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880
I loved learning the informal timeline of life on the High Plains at the Historic Adobe Museum. You can view an Indian Encampment on the banks of the Cimarron and explore a replica of a sod house that many pioneers would have built.
Additionally, the museum is housed in an adobe building that was built in the 1930s and is listed on the State Historic Register.
Once you are finished exploring the museum exhibits, head through the door that says “Hotel Edwards” to see one-third of the original 1887 hotel, complete with period furnishings.
And just steps from the museum is The District #1, a one-room school which can be viewed when not being used by school classes during the year.
There is no cost to visit the museum.
Boot Hill Museum
500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801
Located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery, the Boot Hill Museum contains interactive exhibits where you can learn more about the early days of Dodge City.
Spend the day walking through the exhibits before attending the gun fight and heading to dinner and the variety show.
The Deputy Pass allows access to the exhibits and museum grounds, although I recommend the Marshall Pass if you have time which also includes the Gunfighters show, dinner, and Variety Show.
- Deputy Pass:
- Adult
- $18 (Summer)
- $16 (Off-Season)
- Senior (62+) & Veterans
- $16 (Summer)
- $14 (Off Season)
- Child (5-12)
- $12 (Summer)
- $10 (Off Season)
- Family ( 2 Adults + 2 or more Children)
- $60
- Adult
- Marshall Pass
- Adult
- $48
- Child (5-12)
- $36
- Adult
And don’t miss my post on the Wild West Region of Dodge City, Kansas for even more to do in this western city!
Southwest Kansas has stunning natural landscapes!
You always hear that Kansas is flat and boring. While many parts of Kansas are very flat, you’ll be driving along the highway and suddenly happen upon a series of cliffs or beautiful hills. I’d definitely recommend adding the following outdoorsy stops to your Southwest Kansas itinerary.
Historic Lake Scott State Park
101 W Scott Lake Dr, Scott City, KS 67871
Averaging 185,000 visitors a year, Historic Lake Scott State Park is home to prairie lands, natural springs, canyons and bluffs, and a 100-acre lake popular for fishing.
Aside from its beauty, the park also holds centuries worth of history. From the location of The Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork to the Steele Homestead Museum to the El Cuartelejo Indian Pueblo Site, you’ll be exploring so much of Kansas’ history while enjoying the beauty that the park has to offer.
As an outdoors and state park lover, I’d go back to Southwest Kansas for Historic Lake Scott alone, and yet there is so much more to see and do here.
A daily vehicle fee of $5 is required to enjoy the park.
Cimarron National Grassland
Morton & Stevens Counties
Cimarron National Grassland is one of just twenty national grasslands administered by the USDA Forest Service in the United States. And you should make it a point to visit it.
Cimarron National Grassland was my first experience with a National Grassland and I loved it! Unlike National Parks, which can be incredibly popular and crowded, Cimarron was very remote and peaceful, lacking crowds.
Similar to National Parks or National Recreation Areas, the land can be used for activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
My favorite part of Cimarron National Grassland was taking in the view from the Point of Rocks which is the third highest point in Kansas. It also played an important role on the Santa Fe Trail and was the location of the first permanent settlement in the area.
Additionally, 23-miles of the Santa Fe Trail runs through the area, and while hiking on the trail is frowned upon since it is a National Historic Trail, you can hike along the 19-mile Companion Trail which parallels the original trail.
There is no entry fee to visit the grassland, but there is a fee for camping and a Kansas state fishing license is required at the ponds.
Big Basin Prairie Reserve
US 283 Minneola, KS 67865
A beautiful and unexpected spot in rural Kansas is Big Basin Prairie Reserve. Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the land is stocked with bison and features rolling hills with uplands and small canyons.
One of the main features of the reserve is St. Jacob’s Well located within Little Basin. The well is a pond of water that has never been known to go dry and has been the subject of many local legends. Most tales include the idea that the well is bottomless.
There is a small, but steep quarter-mile hike to reach the well. If you do not want to hike to the well, the parking area offers a beautiful overlook of the area.
Horsethief Reservoir
19005 SW, KS-156, Jetmore, KS 67854
Located in beautiful bluffs just west of Jetmore, Horsethief Reservoir is a gorgeous spot to spend a few nights, rent out for an event, or both! Horsethief Reservoir offers cabins and yurts with incredible views of the water. Some of the yurts even have running water and a bathroom inside.
The yurt rentals come with a bed, including a mattress pad and clean cover, plus toilet paper, trash bags, and paper towels. You will need to bring your own bedding.
The Lodge at Horsethief Reservoir is perfect for weddings, family reunions, or corporate events. The space can accommodate 175 guests, has a full commercial kitchen, and indoor bathrooms. Tables and chairs are also provided.
While The Lodge does not provide catering, staff can assist by connecting you with local restaurants that cater.
There is WiFi throughout the entire park and all accommodations are pet friendly at no additional charge.
There is also a large disc golf course on the property, and I learned that Kansas, Emporia specifically, is the unofficial disc golf capital of the world.
You’ll discover unique finds in Southwest Kansas!
On your road trip through Southwest Kansas, you’ll stumble upon so many unique (and awesome!!) finds. I’ll get you started with a few of my favorites below.
Dorothy’s House & the Land of Oz
567 E Cedar St, Liberal, KS 67901
We all know Dorothy is from Kansas, but did you know that Liberal, Kansas is one of two Kansas cities to lay claim to the home of Dorothy? Wamego, KS is the other city, although the movie doesn’t actually indicate a specific city in Kansas.
In Liberal, you can follow the yellow brick road to Dorothy’s house where you can enjoy a tour of her home. Continue on the yellow brick road and you will find yourself in the Land of Oz meeting the Scarecrow, The Tin Man, The Cowardly Lion, and the Wizard himself.
The end of the visit is my favorite when you enter a room full of movie memorabilia, including the famous ruby red slippers.
During the summer months, you may even have Dorothy herself leading your tour.
International Pancake Day Hall of Fame
318 N Lincoln Ave, Liberal, KS 67901
The town of Liberal is home to the annual Pancake Day Race, which roots back to England nearly 600 years ago.
Pancake Day occurs annually on the day before Lent, when the rest of the world is celebrating Mardi Gras. Participants in Liberal, Kansas and Olney, England run 415 yards carrying a skillet and pancake. The fastest runner between the two cities is the official “winner” of the year.
It is such a fun tradition and the whole community comes together for the day to celebrate. Liberal-area schools are even closed for the day so that kids can participate. Learn the entire story of how Pancake Day came to be on the official Pancake Day website.
M.T. Liggett Art Environment
207 N. Elm St., Mullinville, KS 67109
As you drive down US Route 400 in rural Kansas, you’ll happen upon a property lined with at least 600 unique metal sculptures. Created by the artist, M.T. Liggett, the grassroots artist created these pieces often to mock or criticize politicians, international figures, and others who offended him in some way.
Along with his artwork, the site is also home to a museum, workshop, and studio apartment, which often houses artists-in-residence.
Conclusion
I hope after reading this post that I’ve inspired you to consider Southwest Kansas for your next road trip. Between the history, outdoor beauty, and fun finds, you’ll have a blast and make so many memories.
