Are you looking to get away (if only for just one day)? Lucky for us Kansans, there are plenty of fun and charming towns perfect for a summer day trip by yourself, with your family, or with a group of friends! However, the town of Hays may be our favorite for these reasons:

Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons

Located in the heart of Kansas, Hays is a small community of just over 20,000 that may be home to a large university, but is far from your stereotypical college town. From tantalizing food options (might we suggest the famous Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co., Sake2Me Sushi, or JD’s Country Style Chicken?) to downtown boutiques, businesses and fascinating museums (including the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Ellis County Historical Museum, and the Fort Hays State Historic Site), there is truly no shortage of things to do in this historic town!

Are you looking for even more suggestions? No problem; we have already planned your trip for you!

If you are traveling with your family, make plans to…

1. Begin your day by digging for fossils and making prehistoric friends at the Sternberg.
Judy R./Yelp
2. Enjoy lunch at the fun and family-friendly Thirsty's Brew Pub and Grill.
629Lawrenced/TripAdvisor
3. End your day by cooling off at the epic Hays Aquatic Park.
Hays Aquatic Park Facebook

Related Stories

This Charming Kansas Town Is Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

This Charming Kansas Town Is Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

 The Day Trip Of A Lifetime You Can Only Take In Kansas

The Day Trip Of A Lifetime You Can Only Take In Kansas

 The Remote Winery In Kansas That's Picture Perfect For A Day Trip

The Remote Winery In Kansas That's Picture Perfect For A Day Trip

Girl’s trip? Here’s what you’ll want to do…

1. Start off with a tasty breakfast sandwich and sweet matcha frappe from Union Station Coffee & Roasterie.
Union Station Coffee & Roasterie Facebook
2. Pamper yourself at the Body + Soul Day and Med Spa before shopping around the downtown area.
Body + Soul Day and Med Spa Facebook
3. Finish by admiring local art at the impressive Hays Arts Center.
Hays Arts Council Facebook

Finally, for those of you needing a little mancation…

1. Lunch and brews at Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Co..
Ryan B./Yelp
2. Afternoon tee time at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.
Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course (Unofficial) Facebook
3. Cheering on the Hays Larks before heading home.
The Hays Larks Facebook

In addition to these community staples, the town also hosts several annual events including Oktoberfest, Wild West Festival, and even a Christmastime Frost Fest. Be sure to visit the Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau website for more information.

Who will you take on your summer day trip?

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Kansas