Top 5 Kansas Half-Day Tours: Fun & Unique Experiences

Kansas, a state often thought of as just endless fields, actually has so much more going on. It is that there are unique experiences just waiting to be discovered, even if you only have part of a day to spare. We’ve pulled together a list of five awesome half-day tours that’ll give you a real taste of what the Sunflower State is all about.

1. Exploring History at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

Topeka, Kansas, is that you will locate the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, and it is not just a place, but more like an eye-opener. So, what is that that history remembers is that it was in this building that the landmark Supreme Court case which desegregated schools across the country was argued. Visiting the site now is an experience that is truly moving. That the exhibits show you personal stories and information from the era so that you get to know a bit better what segregation actually felt like.

You can spend about three hours looking around, watching a film about the case, too it’s almost as if you are taking a real step back in time. I mean, I visited with my family last summer. Anyway, my kids were really touched, I think. What really made an impression was seeing photos of children from that time and reading their stories. Seriously, it turned a regular afternoon into a real teaching moment about civil rights and equality.

2. Wichita’s Art Scene: A Morning Stroll Through the Museums on the River

Wichita is so much more than a dot on the map; really, it is where art comes alive, particularly along the Arkansas River. Starting at the Wichita Art Museum, the collection shows both well-known American art as well as great local creations, like your art class in school. Just imagine wandering through galleries packed with masterpieces; then, really, take a relaxed stroll beside the river to the Ulrich Museum of Art on the Wichita State University campus which has modern and contemporary works.

It would be best if you took half a day, like your taking an art class and really taking in everything. Okay, so that the best time is early in the morning, so that you miss the crowds. After soaking up the art, treat yourself with something that is local to Wichita, that could be coffee at a local shop, as a matter of fact, it just completes the experience. This is one of my favorite spots because I like seeing a variety of art displayed, from historical masterpieces to new pieces from today’s artists.

3. Hutchinson’s Underground Adventure: Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center

You could easily be tricked that Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, found in Hutchinson, feels like you’re heading to another planet. The space center offers, not only, some serious educational exhibits. I mean, what I am talking about is real space artifacts! Still, the place shows how humans got into space, including many American space missions, anyway, it shows how humanity pushed its way out of the planet. In fact, this center owns the actual Apollo 13 command module, like the ones that they actually flew in space.

Anyway, you can dedicate around three to four hours looking around this facility, watching some live demonstrations, or watching an IMAX film, that way, the experience is truly a blast. Honestly, the visit here blew me away; really it is that I didn’t expect it to be so interesting or detailed. I was excited and my son couldn’t quit smiling; in the same way, we had to pull him out because he wouldn’t leave the Apollo exhibit. So, too it’s almost if you’re touching what heroes did. As a matter of fact, if your child has ever considered a life among the stars, I promise you won’t find better way to spend the afternoon!

4. The Flint Hills Scenic Byway: A Road Trip Through the Tallgrass Prairie

Imagine taking off driving on the open road with nothing but miles and miles of prairie. Clearly, this is the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, found in central Kansas. And it’s pretty gorgeous, but a lot more than that. Arguably, this byway goes over 50 miles and through several towns. The drive passes what might be the largest tallgrass prairie in North America. The towns of Council Grove, like your driving through history, is that it contains important landmarks along the historic Santa Fe Trail. I would say pack up lunch with you.

At the end of the day, this trip requires maybe four hours; still, take time out of your trip to see places like the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve or Council Grove’s Kaw Mission State Historic Site, you. Right, so this place truly gives one some incredible looks over open country side; you, really get the feeling that you’re taking it a slower pace in life and see what Kansas actually offers to the rest of us, as a matter of fact, I really think it provides everyone some kind of peace.

5. Dodge City: Where the Legend of the Wild West Comes Alive

Well, welcome to Dodge City. By the way, it is also home of cowboys and legends. Anyhow, the legendary town offers to others Boot Hill, the old graveyard. Anyhow, there also is Front Street, you, and that may give a real throwback feel from the Wild West days. To be honest, the best point might be seeing the actors playing a shoot out like they had years back during the city days so you will experience something that’s right out of history class.

Anyhow, give it at least half a day to visit the attractions around Dodge City so you can be immersed. Now you get a feeling for living through the Western frontier days. Naturally, our family actually did visit, and anyway, my boys totally got drawn to Boot Hill. In short, the restaged gun fights gave everyone laughs so, too it’s almost like walking through town made us go back to what once existed back then.