Picture this: It’s dawn on the Kansas frontier, and passengers are boarding a stagecoach on the Santa Fe Trail. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site sets the scene for imagining life during pioneer days in 1860. Engaging living-history demonstrations, friendly farm animals and stagecoach rides re-create the past.
 

Mahaffie Stagecoach (Kansas Tourism)

For a trip down memory lane, visit the Kansas City Automotive Museum. See some of the 100 vehicles on rotating display, and take advantage of the audio tour to learn the stories that lie under the hood.

Displays at the Museum of Deaf History, Arts and Culture shift visitors’ perspectives on what it means to be hard of hearing via compelling life stories and artwork. Diverse habitats engage the senses at Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center. From dawn to dusk, trek 3 miles of trails along a creek, through a forest and into open prairie.

At dinnertime, tamales and fried plantains transport diners to Mexico’s coasts, courtesy of El Rincón Jarocho. Traditional micheladas—prepared with beer, tomato juice and zesty spices—cap off a day of inspired exploring.

Mark Your Calendar

The Kidtopia area at October’s Olathe Arts Festival is a haven for creatives, with face painting, jewelry making and a tie-dye workshop.

Uncover more great getaways in the 2025 Official Kansas Travel Guide.