It doesn’t matter the time of year, Kansas is the perfect place to explore all year long. Whether you want to spend your time on a lake, river, or on a scenic hiking trail, the opportunities are endless in the Sunflower State. However, if you are looking for somewhere truly unique and unforgettable to check out, how about a cave? Now, you may be asking yourself, “are there caves in Kansas?” And the answer is, Yes! In fact, the following are just five Kansas caves that are definitely worth checking out when you are in need of an adventure.

1.) Horsethief Canyon (Kanopolis State Park)
Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
Flickr/Vincent Parsons
It's a climb to get there, but Horsethief Canyon's caves and escarpments are a must-see for all outdoor enthusiasts. Don't forget to bring a camera when you visit this Kansas cave. The views on the scenic hiking trail and in the cave are quite extraordinary.
2.) Horse Thief Cave (Arikaree Breaks)
Cheyenne County, KS, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
For those of us who aren't fans of small enclosed spaces, I give you Horse Thief Cave and its easy accessibility! This small cave is hidden in Arikaree Breaks, which is a must-see destination in Kansas.

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3.) Faris Caves (Ellsworth County)
Faris Caves, Kanopolis, KS 67454, USA
Flickr/Steven Rodriquez
Legend has it that there are Indian wall paintings within the walls of this man-made cave. However, they are very difficult to find. Faris Caves are some of the best caves in Kansas to explore.
4.) Slide Cave (Buffalo Tracks Canyon Nature Trail -- Kanopolis State Park)
Buffalo Track Canyon Nature Trail Head, Unnamed Road, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Okay, how cool is this slide-like rock formation?! Even I would explore this cave! A visit to this Kansas cave is the perfect family-friendly adventure!
5.) Table Mound Hiking Trail (Elk City State Park)
Table Mound Hiking Trail Head, Unnamed Road, Independence, KS 67301, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
When hiking along Table Mound's scenic trails, you will find several cave-like formations, towering rock walls, and boulder fields. Table Mound Hiking Trail is one scenic hike with caves that you won't want to miss. It is beautiful in so many different ways!

Which cave in Kansas is your favorite? Did it make our list? Let us know in the comments! If you have any photos, we’d love to see those as well!

If you want even more outdoor adventures in the Sunflower State, grab your hiking boots and go on a hike. Check out these seven brief but beautiful trails that you can tackle in less than an hour!

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Kansas caves

Courtnie Erickson | June 13, 2022

What are some remarkable caves in Kansas to explore?

While there are a handful of caves in Kansas to explore, Faris Caves is one of our favorites. These caves are found in Kanopolis Park and you must tackle a short hiking trail to reach them. You don’t have to trek far to see these caves but what is so unique about this man-made feature is their original purpose — they were used as a spring house, generator room, and schoolhouse for the Faris family in the late 1800s.

What are some scenic hiking trails in Kansas I should add to my bucket list?

There are dozens of scenic trails scattered all around Kansas. For example, located in Edgerton is the Big Bull Creek Unpaved Loop Trail, which is the perfect outing for the entire family. This trail is only 1.5-miles long and is ideal for an afternoon adventure. You’ll hike through trees, see wildflowers, and may even spot some wildlife. There are also several attached trails you can explore if you want to make your journey just a little bit longer.

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