Kansas is often called the heart of America, and it's not just because of its central location. This beloved state has so much to offer retired travelers. Not only is its population relatively small at just under 3 million, making it easy and enjoyable to travel around, but it is also brimming with charm, history and natural beauty. From natural wonders like the world's largest tallgrass prairie to historic towns and forts and the world's second largest space museum, discover the top travel destinations for retirees in the state of Kansas.
Monumental rocks
Monument Rocks is the first trip to Kansas destination that retirees won't want to miss. This historic natural area is believed to have formed around 80 million years ago. Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, Monument Rocks is located in northwest Kansas.
What makes this spectacle so fascinating is that the spectacular chalk formations that make it up are surrounded by flat, arid land. This makes the monument even more impressive; There's a reason it was designated Kansas' first National Natural Landmark in 1968. A number of rock formations make up the monument, some of which are up to 70 feet tall. If you look closely, you may even see fossils of shells or other forms of marine life.
Touring Monument Rocks is free and is accessible via a gravel road.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
If you want to see the Sunflower State in all its glory, look no further than Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. An ideal destination for retirees, this nature reserve is made up of more than 10,000 acres of vast grasslands. It's also the largest tallgrass prairie in the entire world, which means this may be your only chance to see it.
There are a number of trails and hiking trails that run through the reserve and, due to the low altitude of the area, they are all relatively peaceful. Some of the most popular hikes include the Legacy Ranch Trail and the Fox Creek Trail.
As you wander through Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, keep an eye out for the hundreds of diverse plants and animals that call it home. There are over 150 species of birds here, making it a great place for bird watching.
Lindsborg
Did you know that Kansas is home to its own Little Sweden? It's true ! Lindsborg was founded by Swedish immigrants in the late 19th century and since then it has retained much of its Scandinavian charm. If you are a retiree looking to learn more about Scandinavian culture, be sure to visit the town of Lindsborg while in Kansas.
The city's population increases when it hosts festivals, such as the Svensk Hyllningsfest, which takes place every other October. Other attractions to check out include the Swedish Pavilion, Coronado Heights, Old Mill Museum, Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery, and Hoglund Dugout. There are also several Swedish restaurants and cafes throughout the city, such as Happy Swede Restaurant and Crown and Rye.
Museum of Oz
Perhaps the first thing that comes to people's minds when they think of Kansas is the Wizard of Oz. So it's no surprise that the state is home to its own Museum of Oz. Located in the small town of Wamego, this museum is dedicated solely to this famous film. Museum visitors can walk the yellow brick road and go behind the scenes of the film. For example, retirees can marvel at the artifacts, books, production notes, photos and props on display throughout the attraction. The Oz Museum also shows the original silent film on repeat.
If you're a fan of cinema or pop culture in general, be sure to visit the Oz Museum while you're in Kansas. The museum is open year-round except Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Wichita
With a population of nearly 400,000 inhabitants, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas (although it is not the capital, it is Topeka). The city is still relatively small compared to major U.S. cities, making it a relaxing and easy-to-explore destination for retirees.
The city is nicknamed the Air Capital of the World due to its past and present involvement in the aviation industry. In the 1920s, the city's 16 aircraft manufacturers rolled 120 planes off the production lines each week. Even today, aircraft manufacturing continues to be a significant part of Wichita's economy.
While in Wichita, don't miss your chance to visit its many exciting attractions, like the Sedgwick County Zoo, home to more than 2,500 animals, Botanica, an 18-acre landscaped garden, the Original Pizza Hut, the Arkansas River Trail and the shops of the Delano neighborhood.
Fort Scott National Historic Site
The next Kansas travel destination that retired history buffs should consider visiting is the Fort Scott National Historic Site. This historic site is an ode to Kansas of the past, specifically mid-19th century Kansas when it was a frontier land. Meanwhile, settlers continued to head toward Kansas; however, the United States needed a military presence to keep America's borders secure. This is how Fort Scott was built. It was built in 1842 and became an important landmark during major historical events like the American Civil War and Bleeding Kansas.
Although it is no longer an active military fort, it has been preserved and is now open to the public. Visitors can sign up for a guided tour to learn all about the history of the area. There are over 11 historically accurate buildings and 30 furnished rooms to explore. You will be instantly transported into 19th century life.
Dodge City
If you plan to visit western Kansas during your trip, you may want to make time for Dodge City. This Wild West town has a fascinating history that has been well preserved. Fort Dodge was built in the 19th century to protect settlers heading to the Santa Fe Trail or settling permanently in Kansas. The region was the heart of the Wild West and even gave rise to the famous phrase “Get out of Dodge.”
Even today, when you arrive in Dodge City, you will feel like you have entered cowboy country. You can still walk the same streets that key Western figures like Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp once walked. Tours of Fort Dodge are also offered, as well as the Boot Hill Museum, which hosts gunfight reenactments and wagon dinners for guests.
Cosmosphere
Located in the town of Hutchinson, about two and a half hours southwest of Topeka is the Cosmosphere. Also known as the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, this educational attraction is the second largest space museum in the world. So, you will find tons of fascinating and interactive exhibits here. For example, the museum is home to the Carey Digital Dome Theater, where films about space exploration are projected on a two-story dome screen.
There is also a space museum hall, which houses the largest collection of Russian and American space objects in the world (visitors can even touch a real spaceship!), and a world-class planetarium. The Kansas Cosmosphere is open Wednesday through Sunday each week.
What's not to like about Kansas? It is an exciting travel destination for people of all ages, including retirees, and this is due to its diversity. In just one Midwestern state, you can step back in time to the Wild West in Dodge City, explore bustling Wichita, learn about a cinematic treasure at the Oz Museum, immerse yourself in Scandinavian culture in Lindsborg, and marvel in front of nature. at Monument Rocks or Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
