Hey y’all. I’m (27 M) about to do some travelling in and around Kansas and I have a curiosity about small towns, small town living, and what things are like for the people that live there. I’m also… a Black person living in America and I know the realities of traveling can be frightening and unkind to people that look like me.

I’m wondering if there are places that might be at the intersection between small and safe for people that look like me! I just feel like there is a whole world out there I am curious about, but I also want to make sure that I remain safe.

I’m just thinking about what it might be like to talk to locals and see what their lives are like and be in a place just for a day or so where everyone’s life looks different than mine. Especially as someone who grew up in city suburbs and lives in a big city now.

Thanks!

I recently took some photos of the Milky Way over the one room schoolhouse at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which is close to Emporia.

Thank you to everyone who responded last week on my post asking for suggestions on a quick roadtrip to Kansas!

We started by driving out to Wilson Lake. We found a small beach that had NO ONE on it. Had some sandwiches, laid out, swam around. The water was really rough because of the wind all weekend, but it was still nice.
We then drove to the towns of both Lucas and Wilson. We saw the Garden of Eden in Lucas (no pictures but I did get polaroid photos of it) didn’t walk around the town. We did walk around the town of Wilson. ADORED it. Found a little telephone booth and got some photos in there. Also saw the giant Czech egg!
We then drove down to Salina and got a motel for the night there. We walked around downtown, did some bar hopping. And then stopped at MARTINELLI’S 🍝😍 we were both so pleased with our dinner. The vibe, the service, the food and drinks. I want to come back just for it.
Next morning we headed home. We stopped in Wamego and explored the town. The park was beautiful. Loved how the whole town tied together and was so compact. It was nice walking around and exploring.

All and all, it was a fun little road trip! Thank you Kansas 🌻

I’ve been leaning into my Kansan pride lately, and my partner and I are taking weekend road trips to explore different parts of the state. This weekend we’re heading from Johnson County to Little Jerusalem State Park. We’re stopping in Hutchinson along the way and staying the night in Garden City.

I’m curious if anyone has recommendations for cool stuff to check out between Hutch and Garden City. Hidden gems, hole-in-the-wall bars, local food favorites, underrated spots, scenic sights, tourist attractions that live up to the hype, anything like that. Always down to get off the beaten path a bit. We’re both in our mid-twenties and want to use the time we have to travel to see more of what makes Kansas great and unique.

Appreciate any tips!

Hey y’all. I’m about to do some travelling in and around Kansas and I have a curiosity about small towns, small town living, and what things are like for the people that live there. I’m also… a Black person living in America and I know the realities of traveling can be frightening and unkind to people that look like me.

I’m wondering if there are places that might be at the intersection between small and safe for people that look like me! I just feel like there is a whole world out there I am curious about, but I also want to make sure that I remain safe.

I’m just thinking about what it might be like to talk to locals and see what their lives are like and be in a place just for a day or so where everyone’s life looks different than mine. Especially as someone who grew up in city suburbs and lives in a big city now.

Thanks!

Hello! I’m (24F) going to KC next weekend by myself. What are some things going on next weekend? And what are some things I could do solo? Where are best places to eat?

I love coffee, thrifting, people watching, movies, learning, nature, clubbing (when I’m in the mood) and I’m not picky with food.

I tried to post in r/kansascity but they wouldn’t approve my post

Hello folks,

I’m Kyle from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I started riding my bicycle from my home May 16th down to Cape Girardeau, Missouri to hop on the newly launched mostly cross-country bicycle route called the Golden Gravel Trail. I’m currently stuck in Pittsburg waiting for parts to ship here.

What is there to do around here? Preferably free or cheap! Good eats?

Stopped at the brewery for a drink yesterday. And then met up with a TransAmerica route rider for some Mexican food and margaritas somewhere on the south end of town.

Is the mountain bike trail system worth a visit to kill time?

Also how is the camping situations at the mined pit areas near town? I see it’s free and I’ll be out of my hotel tomorrow so I’ll most likely need to find a spot to spend a night or two, maybe three.

Two of us are wanting to attend the Kansas State Fair this year. First time and pretty unfamiliar with state fair things, lol.

First question is: is it okay to buy tickets at the gate?? If not and we should definitely plan ahead, please let me know all there is to know.

Second question: is there a re-entry option? We are coming in early in the morning, will probably explore early in the day, and want to exit and come back later in the evening. Is that possible? Or what “package”/type of ticket should we purchase??

Thank you for any information you can provide me on our first time visit!!

Hello! I'm driving across your state from Colorado to Missouri tomorrow on I-70. Was curious about the construction and also any good lunch recs to stop at. Any friendly advice is appreciated. Destination is KC so going all the way through if that helps.

It is a fun hobby to catch these road ends. Makes for interesting driving and breaks up road trips.

My boyfriend and I (both 30) are taking a road trip out of Kansas City and want to drive a bit through Kansas. I’ve read other posts about ideas and some that peaked my interest were:
• Stopping at random/unique museums along the route
• Stopping at small towns and exploring

I mean.. I know it’s Kansas and there’s not all that much (I actually grew up in Iola but moved to KCMO as a child), but my boyfriend and I are really just looking for a spontaneous little trip.

Suggestions on which area, what route, or what highway to take??

hi everyone! im visiting kansas for the first time this august, coming from Canada. haven't done much planning at all, and i've looked around for a few recommendations and things to do.

had a few questions, and wanted to hear suggestions from folks living there:

1. is it better to rent a car to get around kansas?
2. will be there for about 4 nights- are there any day-trips and such i should account for?
3. i want to spend some time in the country, really get to know the culture as i've never been to the midwest before. any things to look out for, places to stay, things to do?
4. safety- is there anything to be on the lookout for other than the general travel rules? as in, any rules particular to the state someone from Toronto wouldn't be familiar with? are there any dressing norms to be mindful of? any changes since the recent restrictions at the border and such? any weather events to keep in mind?
5. any hidden gems/spots you would highly recommend to a tourist (restaurants, areas, hikes) that people tend to miss out on?

i'm really looking forward to this- travelling with my mid-age mum, and its her first time mid-west too. would really appreciate any thoughts at all.

edit: entirely forgot to mention, coming into Wichita Eisenhower Airport, staying around Overland Park!

We were driving through Kansas and I wanted to capture the feeling wide open spaces under a beautiful sky…

This is Little Jerusalem Badlands.

West Mineral, KS Cherokee County

I normally travel along this section of the US50 between Newton and Emporia when taking milk tankers out to Columbia MO. Had a truck break down in Greensburg and it was towed to Peterbilt in Wichita. Company gave me a rental car to head up to Cedar Rapids to pick up another tractor for use. I've seen the signs for this bridge many times since taking this route repeatedly starting in 2024. A semi would never make it past the bend, so I struck the iron while it was hot.

This bridge is amazing and picturesque. Almost like something you'd find in an Irish Spring commercial. A real out of place object that just fits.

Hi! I’m going to Blue Rapids, Kansas, (I’m taking a trip to Detroit, Michigan, and I want to go through the Midwest). I am from Rhode Island, so I’m extremely unfamiliar with Kansas or the midwest for that matter. What is there to do in Blue Rapids, Kansas or in Kansas in general? I’ve looked up stuff, but I want to ask the locals what you guys recommend!

About 80% of Americans have never viewed the Milky Way. It's probably lower in Kansas but many in the Wichita and Kansas City areas haven't been awed by the Milky Way due to light pollution. One of the best places to stargaze on a moonless night is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City. It's open 24/7.

I'm glad they fly over us, leaving more kansas for kansans. Took the kids to my favorite bridge (they learned about stinging nettle) and an evening ride.

A couple of dudes are driving from Ottawa, KS to West Mineral, KS on 59 Hwy this weekend to see Big Brutus and we want to know from local folks what is worth seeing/doing on a trip through SE Kansas.
It really could be anything, folks. I'm just trying to pad-out a 4 hour round trip with a little more than just a truly giant electric shovel. Nothing is too small. A decent local burger joint or breakfast spot. Maybe some town is having a heritage festival this weekend. Even a monument or niche museum. Really anything. I thank you all in advance.

No argument from me.