We’ve known Kansans who have never ventured to the west side of our beautiful state. Some think it’s boring, others just don’t see a point to the hours of travel. We know that there’s a wealth of beauty and fun to be had out west, and we’d like to show you some key places to add to your bucket lists. These underrated attractions in Western Kansas aren’t something you’ll want to overlook for much longer. Come add these to your bucket list!
- Dalton Gang Hideout
dcf0ster/TripAdvisor Hiding out in Meade is the Dalton Gang Hideout and Museum, formerly the home of Eva Dalton Whipple, sister to the Dalton Gang themselves. They’ve renovated the home to display more about the Dalton Gang, and it’s become one of the most underrated spots in southwest Kansas. Address: 502 South Pearlette Street, Meade, KS 67864
- Santa Fe Trail Tracks
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr Outside of Dodge City, there are marks left behind by all of the wagons that made their way west so long ago, when we were taking land along the Santa Fe Trail. Address: US-400, Dodge City, KS 67801
- Wheat Jesus Billboard
Duncan Rawlinson/Flickr Of course, any trip west isn’t complete without saying hello to the mysterious Wheat Jesus. We don’t have any idea why he just stands there staring, but it’s a fun billboard and landmark for Colby. Address: Colby, KS 67701
- Cooper Barn
Richard Denno/Google Just outside the other side of Colby is the famous Cooper Barn, one of the 8 wonders of Kansas. It’s thought to be the largest barn in the whole state, and one of the finest show cattle barns ever made. Address: Colby, KS 67701
- Castle Rock
Eric S/TripAdvisor Just southwest of WaKeeney is this beautiful rock sticking up from the ground, and the surrounding badlands also make this a beautiful place with more scenery that we’re used to seeing here.Address: Quinter, KS 67752
- Friends of Sandsage Bison Range
Friends of Sandsage Bison Range Facebook This beautiful bison range is the perfect place to get close to these majestic animals. Taking one of their tours out here is much better than seeing them at the zoo.Address: 785 South Business, US-83, Garden City, KS 67846
- Parrot Cove Water Park
guerogene/Google You might not have known if you live on the eastern side of things, but Garden City is home to an amazing indoor water park. Indoor parks are a favorite to many because they keep you out of the sun and have so many things to interact with.Address: 990 Stone Creek Drive, Garden City, KS 67846
- Arikaree Breaks
Kansas Tourism/Flickr There’s no reason why Arikaree Breaks should be crossed off any bucket list because it’s beautiful enough to keep visiting again and again. Just look at all those hills and valleys.Address: St. Francis, KS 67756
- Kearny County Museum
Kearny County Historical Society Museum Facebook This county museum is more than just a place to see old things, it’s a place full of history in both the building’s walls and what’s kept inside the rooms. The Great White House and many of the items inside are from the early 1900s, and there are even more kept inside the museum itself. Come explore old pieces of life we’ve lost to time. Address: 111 S Buffalo Street, Lakin, KS 67860
Here is a link to the map you see below, with all of the locations marked for your convenience.
dcf0ster/TripAdvisor
Hiding out in Meade is the Dalton Gang Hideout and Museum, formerly the home of Eva Dalton Whipple, sister to the Dalton Gang themselves. They’ve renovated the home to display more about the Dalton Gang, and it’s become one of the most underrated spots in southwest Kansas. Address: 502 South Pearlette Street, Meade, KS 67864
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
Outside of Dodge City, there are marks left behind by all of the wagons that made their way west so long ago, when we were taking land along the Santa Fe Trail. Address: US-400, Dodge City, KS 67801
Duncan Rawlinson/Flickr
Of course, any trip west isn’t complete without saying hello to the mysterious Wheat Jesus. We don’t have any idea why he just stands there staring, but it’s a fun billboard and landmark for Colby. Address: Colby, KS 67701
Richard Denno/Google
Just outside the other side of Colby is the famous Cooper Barn, one of the 8 wonders of Kansas. It’s thought to be the largest barn in the whole state, and one of the finest show cattle barns ever made. Address: Colby, KS 67701
Eric S/TripAdvisor
Just southwest of WaKeeney is this beautiful rock sticking up from the ground, and the surrounding badlands also make this a beautiful place with more scenery that we’re used to seeing here.Address: Quinter, KS 67752
Friends of Sandsage Bison Range Facebook
This beautiful bison range is the perfect place to get close to these majestic animals. Taking one of their tours out here is much better than seeing them at the zoo.Address: 785 South Business, US-83, Garden City, KS 67846
guerogene/Google
You might not have known if you live on the eastern side of things, but Garden City is home to an amazing indoor water park. Indoor parks are a favorite to many because they keep you out of the sun and have so many things to interact with.Address: 990 Stone Creek Drive, Garden City, KS 67846
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
There’s no reason why Arikaree Breaks should be crossed off any bucket list because it’s beautiful enough to keep visiting again and again. Just look at all those hills and valleys.Address: St. Francis, KS 67756
Kearny County Historical Society Museum Facebook
This county museum is more than just a place to see old things, it’s a place full of history in both the building’s walls and what’s kept inside the rooms. The Great White House and many of the items inside are from the early 1900s, and there are even more kept inside the museum itself. Come explore old pieces of life we’ve lost to time. Address: 111 S Buffalo Street, Lakin, KS 67860
All the way on the other side of the state near the Missouri border, there’s a kids-only amusement park just waiting for your young children or grandchildren to explore.
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