Unleash your inner cowgirl or cowboy in the southern and western reaches of the state. This is a land where buffalo roam, ranchers ride horseback, and spurs are always on trend. The below experiences are listed from west to east for a ready-made road trip itinerary.

Corner Kick

In Kansas’ extreme southwest corner, hikers stand atop Point of Rocks in Cimarron National Grassland to witness human history. A well-worn path cutting through the prairie near Elkhart is a remnant of thousands of covered wagons that traveled along the Santa Fe Trail. Drive the 30-mile Sea of Grass Tour that passes original trail ruts and prairie-dog towns across the 108,000-acre grassland.

Deep Dive

The aptly named Historic Adobe Museum—built from adobe blocks in the 1930s—digs into High Plains stories from the early days of nomadic Indians to the Santa Fe Trail era of the 1800s. The Ulysses attraction features a re-created Native American encampment along the banks of the Cimarron River, a sod house, and a loaded-up Santa Fe-bound wagon.

Bison Roundup

Bounce over sandy hills and breathe in the herby scent of crushed sagebrush on open-air wagon tours of Sandsage Bison Range Wildlife Area near Garden City. Schedule a tour to see the herd of 50-some bison, and consider visiting in spring for a chance to see newborn calves.

Rootin’ Shootin’

Long before Gunsmoke fame, Dodge City defined the Old West, triggered by a stream of Santa Fe Trail voyagers. Witness scenes from the town’s heyday during summer gunfights at Boot Hill Museum, then feel the ground rumble during simulated buffalo stampedes.

Spirited Sips

Atop Dodge City’s original Boot Hill Cemetery, Boot Hill Distillery crafts vodka, gin, and a variety of strong, smooth whiskeys from grain harvested on the owners’ farms. Sip a classic Brown Derby cocktail in the tasting room or on the patio.

Little Hike On The Prairie

White rock formations and cottonwood trees surround Big Basin Prairie Preserve near Ashland. A 3.4-mile out-and-back trail follows a gravel path through the prairie, past the rim of the mile-wide Big Basin sinkhole, and to a summit with views of the Gypsum Hills and free-roaming bison.

Saloon Shenanigans

Swing through the small town of Sun City and play your favorite jukebox tune at Buster’s Saloon, an iconic cowpoke bar and grill. It’s known for cold beer served in frosted fishbowl glasses, burgers, and barbecue—the smoker is usually going with tender pulled-pork or another meaty treat.

Giddy Up!

Russet rock formations and soil lend an otherworldly vibe to the terrain of the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway. Bring your own horse for jaunts with Gypsum Hills Trail Rides, which cover rugged land once roamed by Native peoples. You may spot deer, wild turkey, and wily coyotes on treks near Medicine Lodge.

3 Delicious Detours

Bob’s Drive-in

Meade

Fill up on giant breakfast burritos (served all day) or the cowboy burger topped with barbecue sauce, an onion ring, and jalapeño peppers. Stay for a round of pool, best enjoyed between slurps of a peanut butter malt.
 

Cattleman’s Cafe

Hays, Liberal, Sublette

Steaks—thick-cut and charbroiled, or chicken-fried—star at all three family-owned locations. Don’t skimp on the sides: buttery green beans, fried okra, and mashed potatoes honor the recipes of the owners’ great-grandparents.
 

Food Trucks

Liberal

More than a dozen food trucks park around Liberal—many of them dishing Latin American fare with carhop-style service in parking lots. Nibble tortas from El Chaparrito, barbacoa tacos from Antojitos Originales Chilangolandia, and birria ramen from Don Taco, for starters.

Uncover more unexpected experiences in the free Kansas Official Travel Guide.