Need a getaway? These 4 small cities are worth the road trip from Wichita this summer
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It’s summer vacation, but when balancing work responsibilities and the day-to-day bustle, planning a vacation might become more work than leisure.
Planning a trip can become more of a headache when you factor in a possible busy travel season and passport delays for international travel reaching three months. Across the U.S., auto club AAA reports road trips for Memorial Day were expected to be up 6%, and the holiday weekend that typically kicks off summer was anticipated to bring pre-pandemic levels of travel.
Thankfully, there are some spots right here in Kansas with food, history, museums and more that offer fun for the whole family.
If you want a quick getaway, but don’t want to spend more than a few hours behind the wheel, here are some small cities less than a three-hour drive from Wichita that are worth checking out.
Abilene, Kansas
The hometown of President Dwight Eisenhower, Abilene is a great place to visit if you’re into history. It’s located less than two hours from Wichita, and in a good location to make a quick day trip.
The city was founded in 1858, but didn’t see much growth until 1867, when the Kansas Pacific Railroad was built through the city. The most popular attraction is the Dwight D. Eisenhower library, museum and childhood home. There, you can dive into the life of the former president through several exhibits.
Other popular attractions include:
The Seelye Mansion, circa 1905
Abilene was recently named the best U.S. small town to visit by travel magazine Travel Awaits.
Lindsborg, Kansas
Located less than two hours from Wichita and nicknamed “Little Sweden,” Lindsborg was settled by Swedish immigrants in 1869. Still boasting the culture, the city is a popular spot for tourists.
Some popular attractions in the city include:
Hemslöjd gift shop
Just outside Lindsborg is Coronado Heights Castle, which is believed to have been used as a lookout point by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his men. Spanish armor chain mail has been found on the property, as well as Spanish coins, a bridle and lead bars, according to Lindsborg’s website.
The castle is located just 3 miles northwest of Lindsborg off Highway 4.
Travel Awaits recently named Lindsborg the fifth best small town in the U.S. to visit.
Wamego, Kansas
If you’re a fan of the classic film ‘Wizard of Oz,’ Wamego is for you.
The city was incorporated in 1868 following the building of the Kansas Pacific Railroad. It was used as a rail yard for a period of time, but had 28 businesses in 1874.
Located almost two and a half hours from Wichita, Wamego is home to the Wizard of Oz Museum, displaying artifacts from the classic movie, including the original production notes, according to Visit Wamego’s website.
Visitors can also view props from the Broadway production Wicked.
Other attractions in Wamego include:
Atchison, Kansas
The birthplace of Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Atchison is a city rich in history.
Located just under three hours from Wichita, Atchison is the home of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum. Visitors there get to see an aircraft identical to the one Earhart flew her last flight in 1937 around the world, along with other historical artifacts and exhibits.
Earhart set off in June 1937 and was last heard from in July 2 that year. She was declared legally dead Jan. 5, 1939, and has never been found.
If you visit Atchison on the third week of July, you can attend a festival in Earhart’s honor for week-long family entertainment commemorating her accomplishments.
Atchison is also a popular spot for anyone interested in the paranormal. The city hosts seasonal haunted events, and has plenty of haunted places to explore.
Other attractions in Atchison include:
