Do you like to travel but hate the cost of all those entry fees? Even if you don’t have a state park pass for Kansas, these places are great spots to enjoy the sights anyways. These locations are free to visit, not counting the cost of gas or road snacks. Entry fees shouldn’t stop you from enjoying somewhere naturally beautiful! As long as you don’t leave anything behind, there’s always fun to be had at these beautiful Kansas natural wonders.
- Four State Lookout - White Cloud
Kansas Byways Facebook After climbing the steps, take a moment to really enjoy a lookout over not only Kansas but two or three other states as well! Though they’ve never confirmed that you can see Iowa from here, we’d like to think you can on really clear days.
- Alcove Springs - Blue Rapids
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails It may not be a rushing and roaring waterfall, but you’re bound to enjoy the history and peaceful calm of the area. A trickling waterfall at a natural spring is the perfect spot to stretch your legs on a road trip.
- Rock City - Minneapolis
valoisem/Flickr Though it’s nothing like the music, this large area is covered with these concretions, left behind after a much larger rock eroded away. Now, these big spheres are here to climb and take photos with and they’re great for making memories.
- Chisholm Creek Park - Wichita
Dylan Kelly/AllTrails In a small patch of Wichita, a beautiful section of the restored prairie is alive and well. This great trail includes all sorts of beautiful areas - you won’t want to miss the tunnel of trees!
- Monument Rocks - Gove County
Patrick Emerson/Flick A classic and one of Kansas’s favorite attractions, these natural chalk formations are fragile yet beautiful. Though found on private land, it’s free to visit anytime during the daylight. Just remember to take only photos and leave no trace behind.
- Arikaree Breaks - St Francis
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr This stunning beauty is hiding way out in the northwest corner of the state. North of St Francis, you’ll find a an oasis with nothing but stunning scenery.
- Baker Wetlands - Lawrence
Patrick Emerson/Flickr Speaking of scenery, a little-known area by Lawrence is the Baker Wetlands. This stunning landscape is right off the road, and also completely free.
- Mushroom Rock State Park - Brookville
Lane Pearman/Flickr Though we have our share of fancy rocks here in Kansas, Mushroom State Park is by far the most unique. Where else in Kansas would you find giant natural rocks this shape? It’s a great stop for photos and a unique stamp on any road map.
- Pillsbury Crossing - Manhattan
Vincent Parson/sFlickr As far as beauty goes, Kansas has it in spades. Out at Pillsbury Crossing, a beautiful waterfall happens to also be part of a historic wagon crossing. Though the water isn’t usually too deep, make sure to tread carefully if you dip your toes in.
Kansas is a natural beauty all on its own, and every open area always provides a great opportunity to take it all in. Natural wonders like Kansas are meant to be cherished and explored. Make sure to never leave behind any trash or trace you were visiting!
Kansas Byways Facebook
After climbing the steps, take a moment to really enjoy a lookout over not only Kansas but two or three other states as well! Though they’ve never confirmed that you can see Iowa from here, we’d like to think you can on really clear days.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
It may not be a rushing and roaring waterfall, but you’re bound to enjoy the history and peaceful calm of the area. A trickling waterfall at a natural spring is the perfect spot to stretch your legs on a road trip.
valoisem/Flickr
Though it’s nothing like the music, this large area is covered with these concretions, left behind after a much larger rock eroded away. Now, these big spheres are here to climb and take photos with and they’re great for making memories.
Dylan Kelly/AllTrails
In a small patch of Wichita, a beautiful section of the restored prairie is alive and well. This great trail includes all sorts of beautiful areas - you won’t want to miss the tunnel of trees!
Patrick Emerson/Flick
A classic and one of Kansas’s favorite attractions, these natural chalk formations are fragile yet beautiful. Though found on private land, it’s free to visit anytime during the daylight. Just remember to take only photos and leave no trace behind.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
This stunning beauty is hiding way out in the northwest corner of the state. North of St Francis, you’ll find a an oasis with nothing but stunning scenery.
Patrick Emerson/Flickr
Speaking of scenery, a little-known area by Lawrence is the Baker Wetlands. This stunning landscape is right off the road, and also completely free.
Lane Pearman/Flickr
Though we have our share of fancy rocks here in Kansas, Mushroom State Park is by far the most unique. Where else in Kansas would you find giant natural rocks this shape? It’s a great stop for photos and a unique stamp on any road map.
Vincent Parson/sFlickr
As far as beauty goes, Kansas has it in spades. Out at Pillsbury Crossing, a beautiful waterfall happens to also be part of a historic wagon crossing. Though the water isn’t usually too deep, make sure to tread carefully if you dip your toes in.
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Address: Four State Lookout, 3rd St, White Cloud, KS 66094, USAAddress: 1728-1764 E River Rd, Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USAAddress: Rock City Park, 1051 Ivy Rd, Minneapolis, KS 67467, USAAddress: Chisholm Creek Park, Wichita, KS 67220, USAAddress: Monument Rocks Natural Landmark, Scott City, KS 67871, USAAddress: Saint Francis, St Francis, KS 67756, USAAddress: Baker Wetlands, Wakarusa, KS 66046, USAAddress: Mushroom Rock State Park, Ave K, Brookville, KS 67425, USAAddress: Pillsbury Crossing, KS 66502, USA
