Things to Do Along US-56 in Kansas

US-56 Map & Road Trip Ideas

US Highway 56 in Kansas follows much of the old Santa Fe Trail, which spans from Kansas City in the east to Elkhart in the west. The route contains many points of interest as it weaves through the Northeast, South Central, and Southwest, as well as small portions of the North Central region of the state. The route near Elkhart in the very Southwest corner of the State is home to the Cimarron National Grasslands, which contain over 100,000 acres of beautifully preserved shortgrass prairie, sand sagebrush, bluffs, and trails!

If you continue eastward from the Cimarron National Grasslands, you'll eventually run into historically rich communities like Dodge City, Larned, Great Bend, McPherson, Council Grove, and Burlingame. While on your journey, be sure to get out and enjoy some of the route's amazing food, lodging, natural beauty, and historical sites.

Looking for road conditions for US-56 in Kansas? Our friends over at KanDrive have got you covered. You’ll find information about weather, construction, and accidents on Highway 56 in Kansas.

Kansas US-56 Map

Things to do along the way

Red brick exterior of the McPherson opera house

Points of Interest & Amenities

Hit the road with confidence and convenience on Highway 56 in Kansas with our ultimate guide to the top amenities and stops. From the best rest…

Several drinks sit on a table at Apogee in Olathe

Food & Drink

Savor the best of Kansas cuisine on Highway 56 with our ultimate guide to the top food and beverage stops. From classic diners to farm-to-table…

Lodging & Places to Stay

Plan your next road trip on Highway 56 in Kansas with comfort and convenience with our ultimate guide to the top hotels and lodging options. From…

Communities Along US-56

Hit the road and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Kansas with our ultimate guide to the top cities and towns to visit along Highway…

History & Museums

Discover the fascinating history of Kansas on Highway 56 with our ultimate guide to the top museums and historical places to visit. From…

Parks & Outdoor Adventure

Discover the beauty of Kansas on Highway 56 with our ultimate guide to the top parks, natural scenery, and outdoor activities to explore. From…

Highway 183

Come out and explore the western frontier of Kansas on Highway 183! This route passes through fantastic wildlife centers, museums, and some…

Highway 283

Drive through Highway 283 in Kansas, and you'll be immersed in the state's two Western Regions. You can enjoy the Smoky Valley…

Highway 169

Explore the KC metro area and the region of Southeast Kansas while driving on Highway 169!

Group of yellow-white chalk sediment rock formations tower above the landscape

Highway 83

View the beauty of Western Kansas on Highway 83! This route is home to some of Kansas's most sought-after attractions…

Rebekah Baughman NOTO Arts District Topeka, KS | Mural

Interstate 335

Interstate 335 in Kansas provides travelers an easy route from Topeka to Emporia. Kansas I-335 is on the northeastern edge of…

Interstate 135

Interstate 135 in Kansas connects the towns of Salina and Wichita, making for an easy central Kansas drive. While…

Two people sit at a table in the evening at Revolutsia

Highway 54

Driving on Highway 54 is easily one of the best ways to explore the southern half of Kansas! This route takes you through the amazing…

Interstate 35

Travelers on I-35 in Kansas have found the quickest route from Kansas City to Wichita (or vice versa!) Don’t forget to gaze out the…

Highway 24

US Highway 24 in Kansas stretches across the state's Northeast, North Central, and Northwest regions…

Highway 281

Find yourself near the "middle of it all" on Highway 281 in Kansas as you come near the geographic center of the United…

Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City, KS at sunset

Highway 50

US Highway 50 in Kansas spans from Kansas City in the east to Coolidge in the west and runs through four out of the…

Highway 36

Welcome to Highway 36, running through the 13 northernmost counties in Kansas, stretching from the Missouri River to the foothills of the…

Interstate 70

We have a list of the top things to do along I-70 in Kansas, including where to find great food, overnight lodging…

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US-56 in Kansas Road Trip