Another week, another adventure for the Mobile Visitor Center! We kicked things off at the "mothership"—the Curtis Building in Topeka—where we restocked, swapped stories, and set out on the next leg of our journey.

First Stop: Kansas State Parks!

Our trek continued with a scenic stop at Kaw River State Park, where the autumn colors were just starting to camp out. The trees were showing off, and it was, quite literally, a tent-sational sight.

Kaw River State Park

Next up, we hiked at Perry State Park, another gem in the Kansas park lineup. The weather was perfect—just right for setting up a hammock and kicking back by the lake. Even on a weekday, the lake was buzzing with people soaking in the great outdoors. No "roughing it" here, just pure camping bliss.

Perry State Park

Must-See Kansas Landmarks

We also made a few quick stops for photo ops—because, well, what’s a road trip without some interesting Kansas landmarks? We hit the Kansa Indians Historical Marker, the cement teepee in Lawrence, and the National Farmers Memorial just outside the National Ag Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs.

MVC at the Kansas Indian Historical Marker and Tee Pee in Lawrence

MVC at the National Ag HOF in Bonner Springs

To the Ren Fest!

Then, we journeyed back in time to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival on Saturday morning, parking our trusty steed (the truck) outside Queen’s Gate. Verily, the line to enter the grounds didst stretch far and wide, providing us ample time to converse with the townsfolk and bestow upon them treasures of Kansas. By the stroke of noon, we had likely spoken with a thousand souls—perhaps aided by the sweltering heat that threatened to break a record from the 1880s. ’Twas the prize wheel, however, that became the true draw of the afternoon, where brave festival-goers sought their fortune with a spin, walking away with travel guides, maps, and recipe cards full of Kansas-grown delights.

Dragon at KC Ren Fest

Ah, the Ren Fest! Where else canst thou witness a vampire exchanging pleasantries with a young wizard whilst a pirate maiden makes merry nearby? 'Tis a wondrous sight—a delightful microcosm of how life should be: no judgments, just kindred spirits living their best lives, one turkey leg at a time.

Pirate Show at the KC Ren Fest

Sunday brought cooler breezes and even more festival-goers. Though we did not count them all, it seemed we spoke to as many people as the day before. One memorable guest? A woman who adventures across Kansas with a band of puppets stopped by for photos and a chat. It was truly a puppet-filled, picture-perfect moment.

Music at the KC Ren Fest

Next, we shall journey to Pittsburg to join the Gorillas in their Homecoming revelry. Afterward, we'll venture to Olathe for the Kansas Tourism Conference, where we shall proudly display our noble chariot. Then, onward to Ellsworth for their Fall Festival to continue spreading the word about Kansas Tourism and Love Kansas.

Stay tuned, fair travelers—our road is long, and the adventure continues! rom over!