Quirky Must-See Attractions for a Family Road Trip Through Kansas

Kansas is seriously underrated as a road trip destination, but America’s heartland has so many interesting and exciting family-friendly attractions you could crisscross the state several times and still not see everything. If you are looking for a trip full of quirky attractions that will keep the family on their toes, head to Southwestern Kansas for your next family trip.

© Eugenia Lazaris

Stop in Liberal for Oz and Pancakes
Liberal, Kansas, is a great stop for families on a road trip through the state. There is plenty to do in this town of approximately 20,000, including visiting Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz, two side-by-side attractions that recreate the iconic The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy’s house is there, along with a movie memorabilia museum and walkable exhibit that takes you through a recreation of this classic story.

While in Liberal, be sure to stop by International Pancake Day Hall of Fame, a little museum commemorating one of the city’s most notable events. Once a year, the city hosts a pancake race, in which female participants race across town carrying a pancake in a pan — the first one to cross the line with their pancake wins. On the same day, a twin race is held across the pond in the British city of Olney, and the city with the fastest time wins the title for the year.

Say “Hi” to La Salsa Muffler Man
Dodge City is on most road trip itineraries through Kansas thanks to its fascinating role in America’s history, but one unexpected site in town is worth a stop in between visits to attractions like Boot Hill Museum and Mueller-Schmidt Stone House of Stone. The La Salsa Muffler Man statue, one of two gifted to the city by late actor Dennis Hopper, is one of those pieces of classic Americana that make for a great photo opp and create a fun memory.

Check Out the World’s Largest Ball of Hair Found in a Cow’s Stomach
Located at Finney County Historical Museum in Garden City, this oddity is as interesting as it is grotesque. While it isn’t something I thought I would enjoy, it turned out to be one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever encountered! While there, be sure to check out the True Crime exhibit, which features an impressive collection of actual evidence from one of the most notable crimes in the state’s history, the murder of the Clutter family by the infamous Fleagle Gang as covered in In Cold Blood. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the evolution of investigative police work.

© Eugenia Lazaris

Visit the Big Well
In the town of Greensburg, you’ll find the biggest hand-dug well in North America. A stop at Big Well Museum is worth it for a trip down into the well itself, as well as to learn the fascinating history of the town, completely destroyed by a tornado in 2007 and rebuilt, better than ever, as a model of sustainability.

Experience the Roadside Art of M.T. Liggett
At M.T. Liggett Art Environment in Mullinville, you’ll find a massive display of some of the most unique and intriguing art imaginable. M.T. Liggett’s career was spent creating politically controversial metal art sure to spark conversation and inspire creativity. Sculptures are displayed on the outskirts of the property along Highway 400, and you can also check out the free visitor center.