The Sunflower State has a seemingly endless expanse of plains and prairie. With vast, open skies and an abundance of farmland harvesting crops like wheat, this middle-of-the-country state is something to experience year-round. In the winter, bundle up to take in the spectacular breadth of space. Go hunting, take a candlelight tour, or visit a local art gallery. Kansas will not disappoint you with these 14 best winter activities.
If it's too cold to go outside to play, come join the fun at Laugh Out Loud in Lawrence. A great place for parents and grandparents to bring children, of all ages, to play in a parent-supervised environment and enjoy a variety of physical and educational activities. Kids can jump, climb, play, dance, build, create and expand their physical and imaginative play and get worn out. You can bring your own snacks, or purchase reasonably-priced refreshments on site, and as the sign says-don't forget your socks!
Winter months are the best times to view bald eagles in Kansas. A great place to spot America's national bird is at the Chaplin Nature Center in Arkansas City. Learn about the bald eagle's winter migration to this rural Kansas site along the Arkansas River. September through May monthly programs are ongoing, like the opportunity to build an owl nest to attract screech owls to your backyard, or take a field trip to many interesting places in the 230-acre preserve, and even participate in a night hike to look and listen for nocturnal creatures.
Timber Creek Wildlife Adventures is a great place for hunters and fishermen. The farm and ranch is family owned and operated, and located in the southern part of the historic Flint Hills near Atlanta. Guided tours provide a vast countryside for sportsman to hunt deer, turkey, quail, dove and squirrel on 1,900 acres of rolling hills, creek bottoms and fields. Guided fishing tours offer fisherman the opportunity to fish a watershed lake and many farm ponds. The Bunkhouse and RV-camping sites are also available throughout the season.
Make sure to set aside some time to visit Elkhart, Kansas and take the Sea of Glass Auto Tour, through the Cimarron National Grassland. The self-guided automobile tour is a scenic drive through portions of the historic Santa Fe Trail marked by limestone posts and visible wagon wheel ruts. At the Cimarron Recreation Area, visitors can use picnic areas, and set out on hiking and horseback trails which access fishing ponds. Besides the rich history of this river valley, the vistas are breathtaking and the sunsets are stunning.
In the northwest part of Kansas, hunters will enjoy spending time at the Saline River Hunting Lodge in WaKeeney this winter. This hunting lodge offers a world-class trailing expedition with acres of land to hunt a trophy deer, or wild quail and pheasant. Looking for a little different hunt? Try hunting a coyote. Then relax and spend the night at the Saline River Hunting Lodge Bed & Breakfast. There is even a stable for your horses.
Let the cold weather bring out your creative side with a trip to, On the Pot, in Salina. The brainchild of two entrepreneur sisters who decided to switch professions and see what magic unfolds. This place offers kids and adults time to pull up a chair, check into their artistic sides and have a blast. Besides painting, pottery visitors can also learn the craft of glass fusing.
This winter, fully immerse yourself in the American West and the winter holidays at the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper in Benton. More than a meal, visitors will spend four hours of entertainment and an all-you-can-eat meal without spending a fortune. Entertainment includes a stage show featuring the world-famous Prairie Rose Rangers, wagon rides, free movies, popcorn, and much more. The shows are family-friendly, and perfect for young and older crowds. This is the very best in Western hospitality.
Over 100 costumed re-enactors will interpret important events in their nation's history in December during the annual Fort Scott Candlelight Tour in historic Fort Scott, Kansas. The history of Fort Scott is one of conflicts, the Native American removal, westward expansion, the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. Relive 19th century history as Fort Scott comes to life by candlelight and commemorates the National Park System turning 100 years-old.
If watching the latest movie is a favorite winter pastime, the best place to watch the newest movies in Kansas is at the oldest theater: The Plaza Cinema in Ottawa. It is said to be the oldest operating cinema in America today. A movie ticket will also give you entrance to The Plaza Cinema Museum inside the theater. The museum has an impressive collection of movie props, costumes, scripts, posters, and signed memorabilia. Come early and stay late.
Winter's holiday season would not be complete without viewing holiday lights. The Trail of Lights in Great Bend will not disappoint visitors. Shining bright light displays are scattered throughout the city. Visitors will love the Twelve Days of Christmas at Veteran's Park, Wild Lights at Brit Spaugh Park, and the Lafayette Lights at Jack Kilby Square. But don't leave until you've ice skated and visited Santa's House.