Best Outdoor Activities in Kansas
Kansas is a nature lover’s playground waiting to be explored, with plenty of opportunities for travellers to get off the beaten path. The Sunflower State is worth a trip, offering something for everyone from peaceful hiking through the wilderness to paddling and fishing on one of the many lakes or rivers. And if you like a cold pint after a long day of adventure, new breweries are popping up all over the state.
Here are our top 5 Adventures for you to explore….
1. MOUNTAIN BIKE AT SWITCHGRASS IN WILSON
Rent a bike in Great Bend, Salina, or Hays and head to Wilson Lake. Ride through red sandstone rock formations as you cruise along this Epic trail. Switchgrass opened in 1995, offering more than 20 miles of challenging and scenic single-track mountain bike trails, including a 2.5-mile loop that’s perfect for beginners or running a warm-up lap. The route is well-maintained and has something for every level rider. Part of the trail skirts the rugged edge of Wilson Lake, where you’ll likely see a paddler or two.
2. HORSEBACK RIDE ON THE 300 MILES OF EQUESTRIAN TRAILS
The state of Kansas is home to more than 300 miles of equestrian and hiking trails, including a mix of seasonal and year-round options. Clinton State Park, for example, has 35 miles of trails along the south shore of Clinton Lake, ranging from flat and easy to rocky and more challenging. About a half hour north of Clinton Lake, Perry Lake State Park has a couple easy trails that traverse woodlands, open prairie, and across streams. And the 12-mile Boulder Bluff Trail at El Dorado State Park is a good one for spotting wildlife. Venture into the prairie at Flying W Ranch in Flint Hills with a moonlight ride to view the Milky Way from horseback.
3. TRAILER SAIL AT CHENEY RESERVOIR
The state name "Kansas" comes from the Kansa or Kaw Native American tribe, who called themselves “people of the south wind.” And what better way to connect with the wind than to harness it for sailing on nearly 10,000 acres across the Cheney Reservoir? This manmade body of water was built in 1962 to manage flow to and from the North Fork Ninnescah River. For “trailer sailors” who like to travel with their boat in tow, join the Ninnescah Sailing Association for a memorable day on the water. It’s one of Kansas’s best-kept secrets.
4. HIKE AT THE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE
At one time there was more than 170 million acres of tallgrass prairie across the United States. Today, less than four percent of it remains, and most of it is in Kansas, preserved at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. With more than 40 miles of trails to explore, the best time to visit is in the fall, when the tall grass reaches its peak height. You might even see the resident bison herd roaming around—just don’t get too close!
5. OVERNIGHT PADDLE TRIP ON THE KANSAS RIVER
No outdoor adventure trip to Kansas would be complete without visiting one of the main life forces that keep Kansas thriving. Also known as "the Kaw," the Kansas River is 173 miles long from its origin in Junction City to its confluence with the Missouri River. The entire river system has more than 700 miles of blueways and drains almost all of the northern half of the Sunflower State. Canoes or kayaks are the best way to paddle this gorgeous National Water Trail, and you can set up camp on any sandbar.
For more information on outdoor adventure or any holiday to Kansas give us a call on 020 8742 8299 and we will be happy to tailor-make a holiday to suit you!
