When it comes to vacations in Kansas, many of us are guilty of focusing on the spring and summer months. The weather is warm, the leaves are green, and the kids have breaks from school, so it’s easy to plan getaways. Don’t get us wrong, we know that there are plenty of great places to see when the weather’s warm, but staying inside in the winter means you miss out on all the great winter day trips in Kansas! We have so many spots that are just perfect in the colder months, and here are a few of our favorites:

1. Chaplin Nature Center, Arkansas City

winter day trips in Kansa
Chaplin Nature Center, 27814 27th Dr, Arkansas City, KS 67005, USA
Cecilia Tiscareño/Google Local
Chaplin Nature Center boasts around 230 acres of varied landscapes. You'll find marshes, forests, and prairies here, meaning there's a huge variety of wildlife out and about. The Visitor Center hosts lots of programming for adults and kids, and there are plenty of trails to check out here that are great at any season.

2. Cimarron National Grassland, Westola

Cimarron National Grassland, Westola, KS 67953, USA
Loretta Bryant/Google Local
The Cimarron National Grassland is one of the most beautiful places in Kansas. With over 100,000 acres of protected land, there's a lot to explore here. The area is especially popular in the spring thanks to the fields of wildflowers, but don't discount it in the winter!

3. Flint Hills Nature Trail, Admire

Flint Hills Nature Trail, Admire, KS, USA
Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy
Did you know that the 117-mile Flint Hills Trail is one of the longest rail trails in the country? The trail travels through the east-central portion of Kansas and provides great views of the Flint Hills area. It's open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, making it a great way to see the state while getting exercise at any time of year.

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4. Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park, Garden City

Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park, 990 Stone Creek Dr, Garden City, KS 67846, USA
Hala/Google Local
On really cold days when you just don't want to go outside, a water park may not sound like your idea of a great time. Luckily, we've got a year-round indoor water park in Kansas that makes for an equally good outing in February or July! Parrot Cove features 36,000 square feet of fun, with pools, slides, and a rock climbing area.

5. Nicodemus National Historic Site, Bogue

Nicodemus National Historic Site, 304 Washington Ave, Bogue, KS 67625, USA
Nicodemus National Historic Site/Facebook
The Sunflower State is full of history, and if you're interested in learning more about our storied past, few places are better than the Nicodemus National Historic Site. The grounds are open year-round and the Visitor Center has some fascinating exhibits about this once-thriving town that now has a population of only a few dozen people.

6. Mount Sunflower, Weskan

winter day trips in Kansa
Mount Sunflower, Weskan, KS 67762, USA
Mount Sunflower/Facebook

7. Old Town Wichita

Old Town Wichita
The Old Town Wichita district is one of the best historic districts in Kansas. You'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and buildings from the early 1800s, when the city first sprouted up.

Want some more fun ideas for winter day trips in Kansas? Check out this YouTube video by Classic Church highlighting some of the best attractions in our state. 

Have you ever enjoyed any of these great winter day trips in Kansas? Do you have any others you think should be added? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Wondering what to bring on a winter trip to Kansas? We can help!

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More to Explore

Winter In Kansas

Melanie J. | December 10, 2023

What are some more winter attractions in Kansas?

There are so many winter attractions in Kansas that are worthy of a visit, but here are the ones we like the best:

  • Chicken N Pickle, Overland Park
  • Fulton Valley Farms, Towanda
  • Midland Railway, Baldwin City
  • Sledding Hill, Kansas City
  • Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, Wichita
  • Wildwood Adventure Park, Manhattan
  • Monument Rocks, Lewis
  • Covered Bridge at Lake Shawnee, Topeka

 

Be sure to visit our website to discover more about these fun winter attractions in Kansas.

What are the best winter hiking trails in Kansas?

If you love exploring the great outdoors during the colder months, then here are some of the best winter hiking trails in Kansas that we recommend:

  • Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop, Manhattan
  • Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (Strong City)
  • Castle Rock, Quinter
  • Kansas River Trail (Lawrence)
  • Elk River Hiking Trail (Elk City)
  • Great Plains Nature Center (Wichita)
  • Horsethief Canyon, Marquette
  • Chaplin Nature Center (Arkansas City)
  • Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Overland Park
  • Fitch Biology and Fitch Upper Loop, Lawrence

 

Check out our previous article for more information about these winter hiking trails in Kansas. 

What are the best state parks in Kansas to visit during the winter months?

The state parks in Kansas are great for winter getaways or for winter day trips. These are the best state parks to explore during the winter season: 

  • Lake Scott State Park, Scott City
  • Cedar Bluff State Park, Ellis
  • Mushroom Rock State Park, Brookville
  • Elk City State Park, Independence
  • El Dorado State Park, El Dorado
  • Kanopolis Lake State Park, Marquette
  • Tuttle Creek State Park, Manhattan
  • Cross Timbers State Park, Toronto
  • Clinton State Park, Lawrence

 

Learn more by reading our article about these state parks in Kansas that are perfect for a day trip. 

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