Discover More of the Midwest on These Day Trips From Kansas City
Kansas City is one of the most bustling cities in the Midwest, known for its vibrant culture, delicious barbecue, and rich history. But K.C. also serves as a great launching point for memorable day trips. The City of Fountains offers easy access to stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and exciting attractions just a short drive away.
No matter your motivation for traveling, Kansas City is the perfect place to start an unforgettable adventure discovering more of the Midwest.
Kansas City, Kansas
About 10 minutes away
At first glance, Kansas City, Kansas may not seem like a “day trip” because it’s only 10 minutes away. But hear us out because there are plenty of activities to easily spend the day here.
The Legends Outlets are a shopper’s paradise and Kansas Speedway allows visitors the thrill of seeing NASCAR drivers in action. Elsewhere, visitors can retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark at Kaw Point Park or have family fun at Moon Marble and Great Wolf Lodge in nearby Bonner Springs.
Excelsior Springs, Missouri
About 30 minutes away
Though it’s only a stone’s throw from Kansas City, Excelsior Springs invites visitors to come and relax. Known for its healing mineral waters, Excelsior Springs boasts numerous historic springs and bathhouses, offering a variety of spa experiences and treatments. Travelers won’t want to miss seeing the Hall of Waters — the headquarters of City Hall and the sight of the city’s first spring.
Weston, Missouri
About 30 minutes away
Weston is the perfect day trip destination for travelers who love having options in small towns. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails and soak up Missouri River views in Weston Bend State Park. Weston also has several U-pick fruit options during the year and the Weston Red Barn Farm is a fun fall family destination to pick pumpkins, run a corn maze, and stock up on apple cider.
Olathe, Kansas
About 30 minutes away
History enthusiasts will absolutely love a day trip to Olathe. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century life, where visitors can interact with living history interpreters, ride in stagecoaches, and enjoy hands-on activities. Elsewhere, visitors can explore the trails around Ernie Miller Nature Center and enjoy the center’s educational programs and geocaching opportunities.
Lawrence, Kansas
About 40 minutes away
The home of the University of Kansas is a charming college town that’s perfect for a day trip. Apart from touring the campus, Lawrence visitors can go backpacking at Clinton Lake State Park, grab a bite to eat on Massachusetts Street or take the family to The Toy Store — a three-story wonderland that amazes both kids and adults.
Leavenworth, Kansas
About 40 minutes away
The “First City of Kansas” is a unique day trip destination, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Sunflower State history.
After exploring the city’s 28-block history district and shopping locally, visitors can embrace their inner child at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum — one of three Leavenworth Historical Museum Association Museums. The Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum is another unique spot that highlights the city’s African-American history.
Somerset Wine Trail
About 45 minutes away
The Somerset Wine Trail includes multiple farm wineries in the rolling hills of Miami County, Kansas, each with its own unique selection of hand-crafted, artisan wines. This makes for a fun fall trip with friends where you can enjoy glasses of delicious wines and impeccable views.
Topeka, Kansas
About 1 hour away
A day trip to Kansas’ capital city offers a little bit of everything. Families can visit the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center to see animals in many habitats and history buffs can take tours of the Kansas State Capitol or explore the Ward-Meade and Brown v. Board of Education historic sites for an in-depth look at important pieces of Topeka history.
Boonville, Missouri
About 1 hour, 30 minutes away
Boonville was once a thriving railroad town, and visitors can celebrate that heritage at sites like the Katy Depot, a restored train station/museum showcasing Boonville’s role in railroad development, and westward expansion. Boonville’s history is also celebrated during its annual June Heritage Days, which features a car show, a quilt show, a beer garden, and more.
Prairie State Park
About 2 hours away
Prairie State Park is one of the few remaining examples of tallgrass prairie in Missouri and this unique conservation area is dedicated to preserving and restoring Missouri’s native prairie ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy numerous plant and animal species as they explore, including tallgrass prairie plants and bison, deer, and prairie chickens.
Nebraska City, Nebraska
About 2 hours, 15 minutes away
Nebraska City is a history buff’s dream because visitors can enjoy several sites that trace Lewis and Clark’s famous route westward. Start your trip by visiting the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center and spend the day retracing the steps of two of the nation’s most famous explorers.
Joplin, Missouri
About 2 hours, 30 minutes away
Joplin is a city of contrast in Southwest Missouri, with a variety of museums, monuments, and natural attractions to fill an entire day. Nature lovers can see the majesty of Grand Falls — Missouri’s largest continuously flowing natural waterfall — and history buffs can explore the George Washington Carver National Monument, which honors the life of the famous inventor.
Omaha, Nebraska
About 2 hours, 45 minutes away
No trip to Omaha — especially a family day trip — is complete without a visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. This is one of the world’s best zoos and attracts visitors of all ages with its unique exhibits. Omaha visitors can also see the work of master artists at the Joslyn Art Museum and indulge in some retail therapy in Omaha’s historic Old Market District.
Jefferson City, Missouri
About 2 hours, 30 minutes away
Missouri’s capital city checks all the boxes for a day trip: Historic landmarks, shopping, theatres, great views, and even a few curiosities. Visitors can tour the Missouri State Capitol and the Missouri State Penitentiary Museum, watch live performances at the Capital Region Amphitheater, or explore downtown shopping and dining options.
Pythian Castle
About 2 hours, 40 minutes away
Located in Springfield, Missouri, this awesome 20th-century castle is a historic landmark with a rich and intriguing history — and it’s open for tours. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, it features distinctive architectural details, including turrets, stone carvings, and stained glass windows.
Springfield, Missouri
About 2 hours, 40 minutes away
After you’ve checked out the Pythian Castle, explore more of what Springfield offers. A trip to Fantastic Caverns offers a unique ride-through cave tour and the Dickerson Park Zoo offers a chance to see more than 500 different animals. The world-class Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is perfect for families with a huge aquarium and immersive galleries.
Winterset, Iowa
About 2 hours, 45 minutes away
The famous “Bridge Capital of Iowa” features six covered bridges that are so famous they inspired the Bridges of Madison County book and movie. History buffs, curious travelers, and photographers can take self-guided and guided tours in one of the most scenic parts of the Hawkeye State.
Des Moines, Iowa
About 3 hours away
Visitors can enjoy the golden-domed Iowa State Capitol and take fun, informative tours. Outdoorsy travelers can walk or bike around Pappajohn Sculpture Park downtown; nature lovers can stroll through the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden; and art enthusiasts can contemplate works at the Des Moines Art Center.
Wichita, Kansas
About 3 hours away
Nature lovers will find numerous places to escape into nature in Wichita. The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the nation’s biggest zoos with over 3,000 animals. The Wichita Gardens are another fun escape with over 20 acres of landscaped gardens, including a Children’s Garden and a Butterfly Garden. The Exploration Place is another can’t-miss spot with fun exhibits that appeal to kids and adults.
Lincoln, Nebraska
About 3 hours away
A visit to Nebraska’s State Capitol is a must while in Lincoln. After visiting the capitol, enjoy the serene beauty of Sunken Gardens — a beautiful landscaped garden with walking paths, flowers, and reflecting pools. Thrill seekers can visit the Museum of American Speed to see a fascinating collection of US automotive artifacts.
Hit the Road on Exciting Day Trips From Kansas City
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historical explorations, or a taste of local art and cuisine, day trips from Kansas City offer something for everyone. No matter if you’re headed to a familiar city or a totally new place, the possibilities are endless for travelers of all types. So grab your favorite travel companions, and get ready to discover the sites that make day trips from Kansas City truly unforgettable.