As we look to celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, many of us ask, "What should we do for the long weekend?" Well, luckily for you, I've found some events that will be happening around the state, along with some recommendations on where to find fun and excitement this upcoming weekend! A lot is happening this weekend, so take advantage of your opportunity to get out and see something new in Kansas!

Events

Prairiefire Summer Music Series
Jun 01

Prairiefire Summer Music Series

You’re invited to join us for free live music concerts throughout the summer! Enjoy Flashback and some of KC’s greatest bands every Thursday…

Memorial Day Biscuits & Gravy
May 29

Memorial Day Biscuits & Gravy

Breakfast served from 7:30am to 9:30am in the Fairchild-Knox Dairy Barn. Event will include Presentation of the Colors by the local chapters…

Lawrence Busker Festival
May 29

Lawrence Busker Festival

Lawrence Busker Festival - 2023 IT'S ALMOST TIME! MAY 26-29, 2023 The 16th Annual Busker Festival is on! It’s our…

Outdoor Activities

The weather during Memorial Day Weekend in Kansas is (usually) some of the best we get all year. While the potential for rain and thunderstorms is higher in late May, the outside temperatures can comfortably range between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. So if the sun is shining, and there is a slight breeze wherever you are this weekend, feel free to explore these awesome outdoor activities around the state!

State Parks

In a nation of natural treasures, Kansas’ state parks shine like diamonds.

Hiking

Lace up your boots and pick from among thousands of miles of trails in Kansas. 

Fishing

Cast your line at one of the state's 24 major reservoirs, 40 regularly stocked state fishing lakes, or more than 200 community…

Disc Golf

Kansas has 221 disc golf courses ready to welcome you! Many Kansas communities host disc golf courses in their central parks. A…

Gravel Cycling

The gravel scene in Kansas is everything you’re looking for – a top destination for gravel enthusiasts of all kinds…

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in the flatlands? You’ll be amazed by the terrain opportunities in Kansas! Whether you’re an…

Road Trip Ideas!

In Kansas, we have a lot of road miles. In fact, we have over 286,000 miles of roadways; that's the 5th most of any state, despite only being the 15th largest in terms of land area. Needless to say, we also have a lot of Byways & Highways for you to enjoy a road trip this weekend!

Frontier Military Historic Byway

I'd recommend trying out the Frontier Military Historic Byway. Not only is this our longest byway in the state, but it also takes you through places like Fort Leavenworth and Fort Scott, which are great places to visit during Memorial Day.
 

Glacial Hills Scenic Byway

Additionally, the Frontier Military Byway is adjacent to the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway, which runs up through Atchison and to the Nebraska border in the Northeast region of the state. Both of these byways are excellent drives that really let you see the amazing greenery of the far eastern edge of Kansas.
 

Western Vistas Historic Byway

But those aren't the only two forts you should visit! If you are into Rodeos, head towards the Western Vistas Historic Byway and visit the community of Wallace, which is home to the historic Fort Wallace. This weekend, Fort Wallace will be hosting the 69th Annual Fort Wallace Memorial Weekend Rodeo during Saturday, May 27th, and Sunday, May 28th, 
 

Highway 56

Yet another great place to visit this Memorial Day Weekend is Fort Larned. Located on Highway 56, old Fort Larned is now on a road that follows much of the old Santa Fe Trail in Kansas. The fort will be hosting events all weekend long and isn't far from other great places to visit, like Great Bend or the wild west town of Dodge City. Should you decide to make the ultimate Highway 56 Road Trip, then go all the way out toward the Cimarron National Grasslands. You will not be disappointed!

Byways

Kansas has twelve byways, nine scenic, two of which are National Scenic Byways and three historic byways. 

Highways

Want to make your trip a journey rather than just a race to the destination? The highways across Kansas are packed with fun things to do, unique…

Frontier Military

Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.  Originally built to move…

Fort Leavenworth

Founded in 1827, Fort Leavenworth, known as the “Post that opened the West”, is the oldest fort west of the…

Fort Scott

If you’re looking for a unique getaway with hometown hospitality, Fort Scott, Kansas is the place for you! 

Glacial Hills

The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers. 

Atchison

Beautiful, historic Atchison is located on the banks of the Missouri River in the northeast corner of Kansas. Atchison is unique…

Great Bend

Shop, Stay, Play, Grow and EXPLORE Great Bend! Located in the very center of our beautiful state, Great Bend has something for…

Larned

Explore Larned and the historic Fort Larned!

Western Vistas

Visit a rugged landscape on the culturally and visually fascinating route known as the Western Vistas Historic Byway. 

Wallace

Visit the rich history of Wallace and Fort Wallace Kansas!

Highway 56

US Highway 56 in Kansas follows much of the old Santa Fe Trail, which spans from Kansas City in the east to…

Dodge City

Head ‘em up and move ‘em out!  Grab your hat and boots for a western adventure in Dodge City.