Do you ever get a bit annoyed when you hear people bash Kansas for being so “boring” and so “flat?” It’s almost certain that those same people have never actually been to Kansas because, if they have, chances are they would have fallen in love with the sheer natural beauty of the Sunflower State. Here, for example, are 15 of the most scenic views in Kansas — and they’re stunning.

1.) Monument Rocks
Flickr/Lane Peterman
These massive chalk formations are located in Gove County and are on the National Natural Landmark registry. They sit on private property. However, the owners allow visitors to check out the natural wonder during daytime hours. Here's more information on Monument Rocks.
2.) Drinkwater & Schriver Flour Mill
Flickr/Patrick Emerson
The 1875 Mill, located on the Cottonwood River at Cedar Point, is picture-perfect with its surrounding trees and rushing waters. Learn more about visiting the mill here.
3.) Mushroom Rock State Park
Flickr/Lane Pearman
Considered to be one of the 8 Wonder of Kansas, Mushroom Rock State Park (located northwest of Marquette) boasts some of the most unusual rock formations you'll ever see. At just five acres, it's also the smallest state park in Kansas and well worth a visit. (Just don't forget your camera.) Here's the website for Mushroom Rock State Park.
4.) Lawrence
Flickr/Patrick Emerson
The City of Lawrence, as well as the surrounding area (pictured), looks like something out of an artist's painting. The land is lush and the town itself is laid out beautifully. Stop by the official website of Unmistakeably Lawrence to plan your visit.
5.) Lake Scott State Park
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
A surprising oasis nestled in the prairie of Western Kansas (near Scott City), Lake Scott State Park is tucked in a canyon. It has even earned a spot on National Geographic's 50 Must Visit State Parks. Learn more about Historic Lake Scott State Park.
6.) Cimarron National Grassland
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
The Grassland, located in both Morton and Stevens Counties, offers breathtaking views of natural rock cliffs, cottonwood groves, grassy fields, yucca, and sage brush. Explore on one of the hiking trails, or go biking at this grassland that spans more than 108,000 acres. Find more information on the website of Cimarron National Grassland.
7.) Arikaree Breaks
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Another of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, the Arikaree Breaks (located in the badlands of northwest Kansas) were formed thousands of years ago due to erosion. The breaks span a whopping 36 miles and measure between two and three miles wide. You definitely have to see them for yourself. Learn more about the Arikaree Breaks.

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8.) Kansas City Skyline
Flickr/Zach Werner
Kansas City is a lovely, historic area sitting on Missouri's western edge, sharing a border with Kansas. Whether you're marveling at the skyline during the day or after the sun has set. If you've not seen the Kansas City skyline for yourself, yet, start planning your trip at Visit Kansas City, Kansas.
9.) Western Kansas
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
Western Kansas boasts endless clear skies, rolling hills as far as the eye can see, and a peacefulness that comes with being in a rural area.
10.) Flint Hills
Flickr/Aaron Hall
Looking like something out of a painting, the Flint Hills are a region in eastern Kansas named for the abundant residual flint eroded from the bedrock that lies near the surface. One of the best ways to admire the scenic beauty of the Flint Hills is to embark on a leisurely drive. Stop by Visit Kansas to learn more about the Flint Hills.
11.) Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
The Wildlife Area, located northeast of Great Bend, is home to birds, raccoons, deer, beavers, muskrats, mink, reptiles, and the largest marsh in the interior of the United States. Spanning just under 20,000 acres, the wildlife area offers bird watching, fishing, and is a photo-taking paradise. Find more information on the website of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.
12.) Chase State Fishing Lake
Flickr/Patrick Emerson
The large lake, located in Cottonwood Falls, offers excellent fishing, hiking, and sightseeing to all of its visitors. On top of that, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views. Head over to the website of Chase State Fishing Lake for more information.
13.) Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Flickr/Curtis Albert
Located in the Flint Hills, the Preserve protects a nationally significant example of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. You'll find a ton to do in this tranquil spot, too, from watching bison on the Scenic Overlook Trail to trekking through the prairie on the Bottomland Trail. Plan your trip to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
14.) Elk Falls
The Vestiges/Creative Commons
The town itself might be billed as "the world's largest living ghost town," but the falls themselves are as alive and as stunning as ever. For the best views of the cascading waterfall, visit in May when it's typically at its most powerful. Here's more information on Elk Falls.
15.) Wichita
Wikimedia Commons
Wichita is another architecturally pleasing city. Be sure to check out skyline at night. Known as the "Heart of the Country," Wichita is a picture-perfect day trip destination or an ideal spot for a longer getaway. Discover more on the official website of Visit Wichita.

Stunning, right?!  What do you think are the most scenic views in Kansas? What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments! Get a glimpse of more of Kansas’s breathtaking beauty on the Turkey Creek Trail (it has a waterfall!) near Overland Park.

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More to Explore

Most Scenic Views In Kansas

Beth Price-Williams | February 16, 2021

Does Kansas have any natural wonders?

Some of the most scenic places in Kansas we’ll find are its many natural wonders, often the perfect day-trip destination. If you’ve not been to Rock City yet, make it a point to visit as soon as you can. The natural wonder is comprised of tall stone structures that were once a large rock. For simply stunning views of four states – Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri – head over to Four State Lookout. Don’t forget your camera. Great Plains Nature Center boasts a jaw-dropping tree tunnel, perfect for sitting under with a picnic lunch or a good book.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Kansas?

If you’re up for a road trip with some stops that include hiking, you can’t go wrong with visiting the waterfalls in Kansas. The ultimate waterfall road trip in Kansas, for example, promises a ton of natural beauty and sensational waterfalls. The epic road trip begins at Blue Springs. You’ll get an up-close look at the breathtaking Alcove Springs. Geary State Lake Waterfall boasts a 35-foot cascade as well as several other smaller waterfalls. Eureka City Lake Falls is perfect for relaxing by and just watching the water tumble. Be forewarned, however, that the waterfall might not be as powerful if it hasn’t rained in a while.

Which state parks should I visit in Kansas?

Some of the most spectacular natural beauty can be found in Kansas state parks, making them an ideal destination when we’re in the mood for some outdoor adventure or even a quiet hike. For a truly unique experience, spend some time at El Dorado State Park. The gorgeous state park is particularly popular with boaters and those who fish. Wilson Lake State is drenched in natural beauty – from a jaw-dropping tunnel of trees to beautiful rock formations. Tuttle Creek State Park, Cheney State Park, and Glen Elder State Park are just of the few other Kansas state parks that provide a picture-perfect backdrop for a day outdoors.

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Explore Kansas

Featured Addresses
Gove 16, Oakley, KS 67748, USA
First St & Main Street, Cedar Point, KS 66843, USA
Mushroom Rock State Park, Ave K, Brookville, KS 67425, USA
Lawrence, KS, USA
Lake Scott State Park, Beaver, KS 67871, USA
Cimarron National Grassland, Westola, KS 67953, USA
Kansas, USA
Kansas City, KS, USA
Western, KS, USA
Flinthills Unified School District 492, KS, USA
Cheyenne Bottoms, Cheyenne, KS 67544, USA
Chase State Fishing Lake, 1461 Lake Rd, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, USA
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869, USA
Elk Falls, KS 67345, USA
Wichita, KS, USA