Driving through Kansas: Destinations along the way

By Allison Fitts & Lillian Robinson

Whether you are a Midwesterner who has taken a ski trip to Colorado or a Mountain West transplant who goes home back east for the holidays, chances are you have driven through the great state of Kansas along Interstate 70. For those of you who have made the drive (and even if you haven’t), it has a reputation of being “boring.” While it may not be the final destination for many of you, we are here to tell you that there are some amazing pit stops worth your time while driving through Kansas in your campervan rental or car. Follow our east to west journey through Kansas below, including fun stops for every hour of the drive through the Sunflower State!

START: Kansas City, Kansas

Joe’s Kansas City BBQ

Both sides of the border in Kansas City are known for their BBQ. Missouri has fan favorites like Arthur Bryant’s and Gates, but the Kansas-side of town has our favorite spot: Joe’s Kansas City. Formerly known as “Oklahoma Joe’s” and inconspicuously housed inside of a gas station, Joe’s is the pinnacle of Kansas City BBQ. We recommend getting the Z-Man sandwich with extra pickles. There’s a vegetarian version, too!

Hour 2: Kansas City to Topeka

Kansas State Capital

As the second-tallest building in Kansas, the state capital rises up from the plains in a colossal fashion and defines Topeka’s skyline. Pop in for a quick free tour of the building on weekdays and learn all about Kansas history.

Hour 3: Topeka to Wamego

Oz Museum

While the state capital taught you about factual Kansas history, this next stop will teach you about the state’s most famous fictional history. The Oz Museum commemorates the book, movie and pop-pop-culture zeitgeist that is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Look out for other Oz-themed places in Wamego, including Toto’s Tacoz and Oz Winery.

Hour 4: Wamego to Salina

Blue Skye Brewery & Eats

When driving down I-70, Salina might not look like more than a few gas stations, but drive 5 minutes south of the interstate and you’ll find a quaint little main drag. Along that stretch, Blue Skye Brewery & Eats is a fixture. The hip brewpub serves up everything from pizza to burgers alongside their impressive menu of freshly brewed beers.

Hour 5: Salina to Wilson

World’s Largest Czech Egg

Who would have thought the world’s largest Czech egg would exist in the middle of Kansas? Done up in a traditional Czech pattern, this huge egg stands at 20 feet tall! All are welcome to take a couple-minute break from driving through Kansas to see this free attraction.

Hour 6: Wilson to Hays

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Smack dab in the middle of Kansas is one of the best natural history museums around. Stop in to learn about dinosaurs that were once native to the area, see geological specimens unlike any other you’ve seen before, and discover the 100,000+ piece botanical collection, all under one roof.

Hour 7: Hays to Oakley

Monument Rocks

Okay – full disclosure, this stop is a bit more than off-the-beaten-path. To view these unique chalk arches, you will need to drive a half hour south of I-70 and Oakley. It is so worth it, though, to experience these arches and buttes that are designated as both a National Natural Landmark and a world heritage site.

Hour 8: Oakley to Goodland

Giant Van Gogh Painting

Fancy yourself an art critic? Then you must pull off to explore Goodland and its seemingly random Van Gogh replica. Standing several stories tall, these beautifully painted sunflowers on giant canvas are simultaneously beautiful and laughable.