Cruise through epic landscapes, peruse indie shops in enchanting downtowns, and enjoy the pastoral views at a tucked-away spa. As you drive along Interstate-70, Kansas’ main west-east stretch, pull off at these nearby attractions and prepare to have any preconceived freeway notions shattered.

  1. Exit 17 - Goodland
  2. Exit 70 - Oakley
  3. Exit 145 - Ellis
  4. Exit 159 - Hays
  5. Exit 206 - Wilson
  6. Exit 252 - Salina
  7. Exit 275 - Abilene
  8. Exit 307 - Flint Hills
  9. Exit 362B - Topeka
  10. Exit 202 - Lawrence

Exit 17 - Goodland

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The tallest sunflowers in Kansas loom in Goodland. Resting against an 80-foot-tall steel easel, the Giant van Gogh depicts Vincent’s Three Sunflowers in a Vase on a grand scale (768 square feet).

Goodland Van Gough Big Easel

Big Easel

Take a selfie with the oversized Van Gogh Sunflower painting sitting on a huge easel in Goodland, Kansas.

Exit 70 - Oakley

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Vi Fick used thousands of locally found fish bones, shells, fossils and shark teeth to create the folk art on display at Oakley’s Fick Fossil and History Museum.

Fick Fossil and History Museum

Fick Fossil and History Museum

The Fick Fossil & History Museum is home to many world-class fossils including the bones of the oldest documented mosasaur skull in the world, a Tylosaurus Proriger, a 30-foot marine reptile found in the Horse Thief…

Exit 145 - Ellis

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A pioneer of the automobile industry, Walter Chrysler helped build his family’s white clapboard home before he became a self-taught engineer. Discover more about the Kansas native at the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum in Ellis.

Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home & Museum

Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home & Museum

Walter P. Chrysler, auto giant and founder of the Chrysler Corporation, helped his father, Henry, and brother build the small clad house at 102 W. 10th Street in 1889. The surrounding white picket fence holds safe the…

Exit 159 - Hays

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Venture off the beaten path and into paradise at Rock Haven Spa south of Hays. All spa packages include a bathing ritual complete with whirlpool access, a steam shower, snacks and bubbly.

Rock Haven Spa, Hays

Rock Haven Spa

Midland Railroad Hotel is a perfect stopover on your next business or leisure trip. The Midland is a historic hotel established in 1899. Guest rooms have Mission-style furnishings, affording the guests comfortable…

Exit 206 - Wilson

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A hotel for rail passengers a century ago, Midland Railroad Hotel and Restaurant is just the ticket for a fun overnight in Wilson. Try chicken-fried steak in the Sample Room Tavern, or opt for saucy barbecue and whiskey at The Barn, Kansas Libations Club.

Front view of Midland Railroad Hotel

Midland Railroad Hotel

Midland Railroad Hotel is a perfect stopover on your next business or leisure trip. The Midland is a historic hotel established in 1899. Guest rooms have Mission-style furnishings, affording the guests comfortable…

Exit 252 - Salina

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You don’t have to be a huge auto buff to appreciate the sparkling cars and fun activities at The Garage museum in Salina. Rare restorations rotate regularly, but visitors can always expect interactive elements.

Row of classic cars at the Garage Museum in Salina

The Garage

40,000 sq feet of rotating automobiles from all over the United States. Take a look at complete Kustom creations from the brightest automotive artists nationwide. Practice on our welding and paint simulators. Have a…

Exit 275 - Abilene

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At the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, learn about the Abilene native who led the D-Day operation in World War II and later became the nation’s 34th president.

Exit 307 - Flint Hills

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Home to some of the most beautiful views in Kansas (and the Flint Hills), Konza Prairie in Manhattan features miles of native plants and gently rolling scenery with panoramic vistas. Hike gravel nature trails, then view a Kansas sunset from atop a limestone ledge.

A young couple looks at the scenery of the Flint Hills Konza Prairie near Manhattan, KS

Konza Prairie Biological Station

8,600 acres of quiet, rolling hills marked with flint and limestone dominate the landscapes around Manhattan KS. Kansas State University Division of Biology manages the land that is owned by the Nature Conservancy…

Exit 362B - Topeka

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During free tours inside Topeka’s State Capitol, look up for a dazzling view of the inner dome, featuring 256 glass panels and a 900-pound chandelier. One of the many striking murals commemorates the Brown v. Board of Education U.S. Supreme Court case.

Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center

Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center

The Kansas State Capitol recently completed a 13-year, top to bottom restoration of the building that restored the original architect's vision by uncovering beautiful murals, preserving original features, renovating…

Exit 202 - Lawrence

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Lawrence’s Mass Street is an institution in itself, bringing University of Kansas students and locals together for retail therapy. Here’s a hat trick of options: Score vinyl at Love Garden Sounds, stock up on art supplies at Wonder Fair, and find a good read at Raven Book Store. Bonus for feline-lovers: Each of these shops has a resident cat (or two).

Young women walk out of Wonder Fair on Mass Street in Downtown Lawrence, KS

Wonder Fair

All customers are required to wear masks and are asked to sanitize hands-on entry or wear gloves while shopping. We limit our capacity in the store to 15 people at a time. Our hours are currently Mon 10am-8pm Tues…

3 DELICIOUS DETOURS

1. BON BON!

Lawrence

While “bonbon” typically refers to candy, you’ll want to fill up on this restaurant’s savory dishes first: a world tour of shiitake fried rice, schnitzel, Parisian gnocchi and more. Sweets include banoffee (caramel and banana) tarts and strawberry mochi doughnuts.
 

2. RENAISSANCE CAFE

Assaria

Housed in Assaria’s former high school, this fine-dining landmark leans on area farms whenever possible. Savor the large antipasti platter (cured meats, cheeses and relishes) from one of the tables overlooking the school’s gymnasium.
 

3. THE WHITE LINEN

Topeka

This intimate establishment offers expertly paired wines with each dish, and a five-course tasting menu features French-inspired cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, such as a spinach salad with pickled strawberries, in the spring.

Continue your quest for Sunflower State treasures with the .