Kansas Has More to Explore Than You'd Guess
Ready to see what Kansas has to offer? If you like the idea of biking through tallgrass prairies with endless horizons, exploring limestone canyons that rise out of nowhere, and wandering through sunflower fields in late summer, Kansas might just be the place. There really is a lot to explore, from rolling plains to vibrant downtowns. Think craft breweries and college basketball energy-- heartland spirit included.
Jackie, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Jackie has spent her entire life in Kansas, from KC suburbs to college apartments to the rural southeast where she planted her forever flag and refuses to move again. She followed the classic move-every-year rhythm through young adulthood, then abruptly settled into acres of land, a cottage home, a husband, two sons, a cat, and an unreasonable amount of love for the state. Kansas taught her to slow down, notice sunsets, and never underestimate BBQ sides, especially cheesy corn. By day she is an elementary art teacher. By night she is a writer juggling kids content, client work, and creative projects that spill everywhere. At Snappy Scout, Jackie edits Kansas guides with prairie level patience, local intuition, and the confidence of someone who knows the interstate does not tell the whole story.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Kansas?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
Go Outside & Hike
Explore Flint Hills trails near Manhattan and Council Grove
This is what locals do on the weekends
Catch a Jayhawks game at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence
This is the Iconic Road Trip to take
Follow the Flint Hills Scenic Byway from Cassoday south
Just when you think you've seen it all, this roadside oddity will leave you in awe and confusion
Gawk at the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City
Historic Forts
Visit Fort Larned on the Santa Fe Trail
Throughout Summer
Cool down at Clinton Lake or Milford Lake beaches
Pick your own farm to table fare
Harvest sunflowers and pumpkins at Grinter Farms near Kansas City, hit u-pick berry farms in summer, or grab fresh produce at farmers markets statewide.
Underground Adventure
Descend into Strataca Salt Mine Museum in Hutchinson
Stargaze through desolate dark nights
Lake Scott State Park offers the darkest skies in western Kansas
During the short days of Winter
Spot migrating eagles at Clinton Lake near Lawrence then head to Mass Street for a hot cup of java
Hidden Gem Spotlight
I have two sons who have always been interested in big machinery, but most especially when they were little. In the tiny town of West Mineral, Kansas sits an enormous, out-of-commission, mining shovel called Big Brutus. It's 16 stories tall and weighs 11 million pounds. It's the perfect place to take a little boy.
— Jackie Hostetler
Kansas Local Expert
Ready to See If Kansas Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Kansas guide for the bigger picture.