Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Kansas
Tori Jane
Author
Kansas is a funny place. Sure, lots of it consists of wide, open fields full of rippling wheat and the occasional wind farm or gorgeous old barn, but goodness, it’s all a part of Kansas’s wondrous beauty. Kansas is, as anyone who’s been here can attest, a remarkably diverse state filled top to bottom with natural beauty and small-town charm. Springtime in Kansas is an amazing time to come visit; once all the trees and plants are green again, it’s a big green light: come see the best things to do in Kansas in spring and fall in love with the Sunflower State.
Flower Blooms In Kansas
Kansas is famous for one of its particularly notable blooms: our iconic sunflowers in the summer. But, yeah, that’s in the summer – spring is a whole other matter. Flowers commonly found in Kansas in the spring include Aster, common milkweed, bee balm, Bloodroot, American vetch (which honestly sounds like some kind of old-school horror flick), and more. So, sure, sunflowers haven’t come out just yet – but the pre-show is intensely beautiful, too. Kansas is never more beautiful than it is covered in wildflowers this time of year. Check out a few of the best spring flower blooms in Kansas:
1. Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake is found within Clinton State Park in Lawrence, Kansas, and it’s a much-beloved spot among nature lovers – especially on a spring day! Just four miles from downtown Lawrence, this gorgeous, 1,425-acre slice of paradise is everything that’s right with the world, and in the spring, the wildflowers turn it into a whole other dimension. The fishing is excellent even when the water’s still chilly, and the marina here just so happens to be the largest full-service marina in the state. Need some family things to do in Kansas in Spring? Bring the kids – they'll love the experience.
2. The Tulip Festival at the Lake
Each and every year, the Ted Ensley Gardens transform into a magical tulip field in Topeka unlike any other you’ve ever experienced. Meander through the gardens and observe tens of thousands of stunning tulip blooms accented with plenty of other wondrous flowers and plants. Oh, and there are vendors, too – but the flowers are by far the star of the show. For any enthusiast of the great Kansan tulip bloom, this incredible festival is a must visit.
Botanical Gardens In Kansas
Are you a lover of lush, stunning gardens meticulously kept by folks with impeccable green thumbs day in and day out? If so, you might just have an addiction to botanical gardens… and this is great! Kansas is home to a handful of excellent arboretums, botanical gardens, preserves, and more; all of them are worthy of a day trip, particularly during the spring, when everything is bursting back to life at once. A few of the top-rated, most popular botanical gardens in Kansas to visit in the spring are:
3. The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
This jaw-droppingly wonderful arboretum in Kansas has been a staple of Overland Park – and the whole central Midwest, really – for more than 30 years now. With more than 1,700 species of plants to admire and an incredibly relaxing atmosphere overall, you’ll soon want to add the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to your “favorites” list – whatever those favorites may be. This is the most popular park of its kind in the Kansas City area and would make for a fun, low-key spring break destination for those who prefer something a little quieter.
4. The Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
This small, 13-acre slice of paradise is one lesser-known botanical garden in Kansas that definitely doesn’t get the attention and love it deserves. But, hey, all the better for those of us who love a nice, quiet afternoon; even better still, Dyck Arboretum is open year-round, and every time of year is the perfect time of year to show up. That being said, though, spring always inevitably brings with it a wealth of awe and wonder. Nothing is more beautiful than Dyck Arboretum in the spring, as everything that calls it home bursts to life.
5. Bartlett Arboretum
It may not come as a surprise that the most beautiful garden in Kansas is only open seasonally; it closes for the winter, which just means it’s all the more special when it opens again in the spring. Established in 1910, this incredible private garden thanks to a family with a particular knack for... well, lots of things! The garden remained in the family until 1997, when it was sold to its current owner. In the spring, just after everything reopens, you’ll be taken aback by the flowers, the trees, and the overall idyllic atmosphere of the entire place. You could go to a city park... or you could experience this utterly incredible tour de force for the senses.
Parks To Visit In Kansas This Spring
Fun fact: there are, as of the time of this writing, 28 state parks scattered across the beautiful state of Kansas. Then, there’s an additional 167,000 acres of land all over the state made up of parks, preserves, and so much more. Kansas is a truly beautiful state with so much going for it, and every time someone calls it flyover country we can’t help but cringe. So, what better way to explore the beauty of our state than by visiting some of our most beautiful parks in the springtime? Here are a few to start with:
6. Ernie Miller Nature Center
Boasting three miles of wonderful hiking trails, breathtaking prairies, woods to explore, and a crystal-clear stream, it’s not hard to see why this could be called the best Kansas park to visit in the spring by certain folks and/or blogs (like this one). Walking and running only, please – there are no pets or bikes allowed at the Nature Center. Olathe is already a place that often makes for fun-filled getaway adventures, but this little slice of heaven just seals its title as one of the most road trip worthy towns in Kansas. Oh, and perhaps as a bonus, Olathe is just 20 minutes from the Missouri state line, so you can get the best of both worlds.
Related Stories
The Perfect Spring Getaway Starts With One Of These 7 Picture-Perfect Airbnbs In Kansas
This Epic 15-Mile Trail In Kansas Is Covered In Greenery And Beautiful Blooms In The Springtime
The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Kansas Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
7. Kanopolis Lake State Park
Big surprise (literally big, we mean): Kanopolis State Park is a whopping 12,500 acres in size, including a sparkling clear, 3,500-acre lake. As one of the most beautiful state parks in Kansas in spring, it’s quite popular, and the lakeside shenanigans are plenty as long as you know where to find ‘em. There are an incredible 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, and a variety of awe-inspiring landscapes to experience year-round. Fishing and hunting are quite popular, and in the spring, turkey hunting is king. While you’re here, check out the nearby Mushroom Rock State Park; it’s ideal for geology geeks, and its alien landscape makes for another item on a long list of fun things to do around here.
8. Wilson State Park
Let’s be real here: when it comes to the United States of America and all the places that everyone travels to all the time... well, Kansas isn’t typically one of the most popular destinations. Sure, you can pick up some incredible barbecue in Kansas City (and everybody knows it), but other than that, most people ignore this little state. Well, if only they looked a little closer; turns out, we’re not all flat plains and boring prairie, as if this list hasn’t proven that multiple times already. Wilson State Park is filled with some truly unique geology in Kansas, for example, and though it doesn’t have a discovery center like many of our other parks, we’re sure you’ll learn plenty while you’re here. Throw in spring wildflowers and boom, you have the perfect place to pick up and wander off to this season.
Spring Hikes In Kansas
Now that your heart and mind are filled with beautiful parks in Kansas, perhaps you’re looking for a little more. How about hiking? Hiking in Kansas is particularly wonderful during the spring when temperatures are getting warmer by the day and the cold of winter recedes for good. The foliage blooming all around you is an excellent welcome. What better way to explore these parks than on foot? Check out some of the best spring hikes in Kansas:
9. The Gypsum Hills
Ask a local about all the most beautiful regions of Kansas and we have no doubt that the Gypsum Hills would be mentioned first, if not close to first. Truly, it’s no mystery as to why; this particular region of Kansas is vastly different than any other corner of the state, and hiking here is an excellent way to experience it firsthand. Get a good look at the awesome geological record on display in the red hills: a conglomeration of shales, siltstones, sandstones, dolomite, and, of course, gypsum make up the buttes, and many of the epic views throughout the park are worth hiking for. In the spring, temperatures are mild, and pollinators are common. There’s something amazingly peaceful about it... come see for yourself and lose yourself exploring on foot (not literally though).
10. Chisolm Creek Trail
The Chisholm Creek Trail is a 1.7-mile loop trail hidden away in Bel Aire near Wichita. It’s home to some of the best views in Kansas and is something of a carousel of wonder (and the trailhead is the “Union Station” of it all). You’ll end up where you started off to begin with, and the whole way around has something amazing to offer seemingly in every nook and cranny. It’s mostly flat, and most of the trail is paved, making for an even easier adventure. Popular activities here other than the hiking include wildlife watching; you never know what you’ll spot on any given day, and if you show up early in the morning during the week, you’re more likely to run into a critter or two (that aren’t of the people persuasion).
11. Fox Creek Trail
While it’s quite easy for the most part, Fox Creek Trail is a lengthy one, coming in at just over five and a half miles in length. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is already a breathtaking respite from the real world – but this hike takes it to the next level. Observe hundreds of species of plants, catch a glimpse of all sorts of wildlife, and even check out an old schoolhouse from 1882 known as the Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse while you’re at it. The trail is known to be well-marked, and folks tend to fall in love with the diverse number of things to do and see along the way. In the spring, when everything is waking from its winter slumber, it’s fun to watch the emerald, green hue of life come creeping back into just about everything.
Spring Picnic Spots In Kansas
Spring and picnics: name a more iconic duo. Well, we can’t, but that’s just because it’s true. More picnics take place in the spring than any other month; mild temperatures often make it perfect for those who are simply ready for winter to leave already. Want to have a spring picnic in Kansas? Check out these perfect spots for doing exactly that:
12. Shawnee Mission Park
Shawnee Mission Park is an amazing destination for a family-friendly day filled with fun (and food). Featuring one of the most accessible playgrounds in Kansas, this park makes for an awesome family picnic spot. It’s home to a gorgeous, clean lake that was once named as having the best beach in Kansas, and lakeside picnicking is a pastime we can all enjoy. Take your pick from numerous shelters and picnic areas designed for just such an occasion. You’ll love it.
13. Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Just over 50 acres in size, the wonderful Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is another favorite for families hoping to have a nice picnic. Five rentable shelters make it an excellent venue for most events, so if you’re dreaming bigger than a picnic, you’re set! The historic Legler Barn is another must-see while you’re here, and lots of folks come for the sports opportunities as well – including a skate park! When spring arrives, it becomes a much-beloved meeting place for almost the whole town. It’s a delight.
Summary
As you can see, Kansas is a state that deserves significantly more credit than it typically receives; it’s a beautiful place, especially in the spring. Don’t let talk of spring tornadoes deter you from visiting Kansas in spring; the odds of one occurring where you are is significantly lower than you’d probably expect. But, goodness, nothing is more beautiful than a spring thunderstorm in Kansas… so you never know. It might just add to the experience! But we digress: now that you know about all the best things to do in Kansas in the spring, you can start planning. What do you hope to do this season? Let us know!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.