5 Days in Kansas: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary Across the Sunflower State

So, picture this—you’ve got 5 days in Kansas, a tank full of gas, and nothing but wide-open roads ahead. Sounds kinda random, right? But trust me, Kansas is packed with cool little surprises, from wild rock formations to wineries you would not expect out here. I did this exact trip myself, and it was such a good time—you’ll hit all the best spots up north without ever feeling rushed.

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Road Tripping for 5 Days in Kansas: On Your Mark

Get ready, because this Kansas itinerary is packed full to the brim. Below is an outline of the trip I went on, but if you want to go at a more relaxed pace (or add Wichita to your itinerary), you could easily stretch this out into 7-9 days.

As mentioned, this road trip starts in northwest Kansas at some key spots (namely, Castle Rock and Shiloh Vineyard & Winery), and it moves eastward until you eventually reach Kansas City. By the end of the trip, you’ll have hit every major attraction in the top half of Kansas.

Start in northwestern Kansas. Explore for one day.
Explore Oakley and Wilson for one day.
Explore Lucas, Salina, and Topeka for one day.
Explore Atchison and Lawrence for one day.
Drive to Kansas City. Tour for one day.

A dusty, unpaved rural road curves into the distance under a bright blue sky, with dry grass and faint tire tracks along its edges. A faded road sign stands on the left, and rolling hills stretch out across the horizon.

Are you planning a trip to Kansas City soon?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more!

Popular tours/activities in Kansas City:

J Rieger Distillery Tour
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Union Station

Top places to stay in Kansas City:

Luxury: Loews Kansas City Hotel
Mid-Range: Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza
Budget: Holiday Inn Express Kansas City

You might also like these Global Debauchery posts:

Northwest Kansas Road Trip: from Badlands to Goodland

Since we’re tackling a pretty big chunk of land, there are a few ways to go about your travels in northwestern Kansas. Your exact route (starting point and so on) will depend on whether you fly in or if you’re continuing a road trip from another state. Or if you live in Kansas and are starting there.

Consequently, I flew in, and went from the airport straight to WaKeeney. (Okay, I detoured for lunch. So sue me.) After, I hit the Castle Rock Badlands, stayed overnight in Goodland (gotta go somewhere good after somewhere bad, dontcha know), and swung through the Arikaree Breaks.

View from an airplane window showing the wing extending over a glowing cityscape at sunset. The sky fades from deep blue to warm orange, casting soft light across the aircraft wing.

The Arikaree breaks - arid badlands terrain with steep, eroded cliffs and rugged gullies under a vibrant blue sky. Dry grasses, yucca, and desert shrubs fill the foreground, with a dramatic shadow cast by the photographer.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kansas Tourism, FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Where To Stay in Goodland, Northwest Kansas

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Goodland is top of the line as far as Holiday Inns—or really any hotels—go. It’s quiet, clean, and surprisingly gorgeous. Also, you might want to think about lingering a bit in the morning before continuing on the road. The breakfast here is really good and super fresh.

A modern Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel with a clean, geometric design features red, tan, and stone-accented exterior walls. The building is lit softly at dusk, with ample parking space and a covered entrance welcoming guests.

The interior of a Holiday Inn Express breakfast and lounge area features modern decor with a mix of booth seating, round tables, and vibrant turquoise chairs. Warm wood accents on the ceiling and light-colored floors create a clean, inviting space for dining and relaxing.

A bright and modern hotel room features two queen beds with crisp white linens, a wood-accented headboard, and a sleek workspace with a mounted flat-screen TV. A green accent wall and large window with blackout shade bring in natural light, while a cozy blue sofa adds extra comfort.

An indoor hotel pool with crystal-clear blue water is surrounded by clean tile flooring, lounge chairs, and large windows letting in soft evening light. The well-lit space has a calm, modern feel, ideal for relaxation or a quick swim.

PHOTO CREDITS: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Goodland VIA HOTELS.COM

Must-Sees in Northwest Kansas

For my fellow libation lovers out there, Shiloh Vineyard & Winery is a great way to start your 5 days in Kansas on a high note.

There’s plenty to see in the region, but these are my top recommendations:

Shiloh Vineyard & Winery	Castle Rock Badlands
Giant Van Gogh Painting	Arikaree Breaks

The sun sets behind a towering rock formation, casting a golden glow across the landscape and creating a vivid lens flare. The silhouette of the rock contrasts sharply against the soft gradient sky and sunlit prairie below.

A towering easel holds an oversized outdoor reproduction of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors set against a flawless deep blue sky. The artwork, mounted high on sturdy metal beams, creates a dramatic and whimsical celebration of art in public space.

A bottle of Shiloh Vineyard Blackberry Wine sits on a red countertop between two branded wine glasses etched with “Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.” The cozy tasting room in the background features wooden wine racks, a chalkboard sign, and rustic décor.

Golden sunlight casts long shadows over dry grass and sagebrush in a hilly, open landscape. The bright sun sits high in a deep blue sky, with a subtle lens flare adding to the dramatic desert scene.

Day 2 of 5 Days in Kansas: Oakley & Wilson

Where To Stay in Wilson

Since this Kansas road trip is moving east, I’d suggest Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson for a good night’s rest. It’s a historic brick building seated right next to the World War I Monument. (Seriously—it’s just a one-minute walk.) It’s beautifully vintage, keeping all its historic charm with wooden furnishings and Persian carpeting, while still having some nice modern updates like free wifi.

A historic stone building with a striking copper mansard roof is warmly lit against a deep blue night sky, with the full moon visible in the background. Large arched windows reveal a cozy, welcoming interior, while several cars are parked along the quiet street in front.

An overhead view of a warmly lit wooden staircase features ornate patterned carpet runners and a classic wooden banister. The polished wood floors below are accented with richly colored rugs, a vintage lamp, and a wooden rocking chair, creating a cozy, historic atmosphere.

A warm and inviting hotel room features a wooden slatted king-size bed with crisp white linens and four plush pillows. The space is accented with rich wood trim, yellow walls, a cozy armchair with matching ottoman, and a small vanity sink area in the corner, blending vintage charm with comfort.

A cozy, traditional bar with rich wood accents and cushioned wooden barstools is warmly lit by hanging pendant lights. Shelves behind the bar are stocked with various bottles of liquor and glassware, creating a classic, inviting atmosphere for guests.

PHOTO CREDITS: Midland Railroad Hotel VIA HOTELS.COM

Must-Sees in Oakley & Wilson

There’s a lot to see in these parts, but for your five days in Kansas, you don’t want to miss the Monument Rocks and the Rock Town Trail at Wilson Lake. Ad Astra Missile Silo Base also has a pretty cool tour—just be sure to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling with 6 or more people.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park	Monument Rocks
Wilson Lake	Ad Astra Missile Silo Base

Expansive view of a rugged badlands landscape with tall, weathered rock spires and eroded formations stretching into the distance. Warm sunlight casts shadows across the textured cliffs, highlighting bands of orange and tan sediment.

A massive rock formation with a natural arch stands dramatically in the Kansas plains, lit by golden sunlight streaming through the opening. Rays of light fan across a deep blue sky, casting long shadows on the barren ground below.

Sunset over a calm lake with golden light reflecting off the water, bordered by a sandy shoreline and tall, dry grasses in the foreground. A tree-covered hill silhouettes against the fading orange and blue sky.

Two women smile for a selfie inside a metallic, curved tunnel lined with evenly spaced bolts and black square attachments. The brightly lit interior creates a futuristic or industrial vibe, and one woman holds a coffee cup while the other extends her arm for the photo.

PHOTO CREDIT: Lane Pearman, FLICKR, CC BY 2.0; Fishdecoy, CC BY-SA 3.0

Central Kansas Road Trip – Lucas, Salina, Topeka

For this leg of the trip, we’re traveling from northwest through central Kansas. We’ll stop in Lucas, Salina, and Topeka, all in one day. (Quick tip: squeeze in the Ad Astra tour in the morning of Day 3 so you have time for everything.)

Where To Stay in Topeka

During your 5 days in Kansas, be sure to try at least one night at Cyrus Hotel in Topeka. This downtown boutique hotel is a nice blend of modern design with Midwestern charm. It’s in a great location near Evergy Plaza and the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District, topped off with a friendly atmosphere and some slick city views.

Modern hotel bar with a sleek, moody interior featuring a central island bar surrounded by teal bar stools, dim pendant lighting, and a mix of high-top tables with orange cushioned chairs along the right wall. Herringbone wood flooring and brass accents add a polished touch to the sophisticated ambiance.

Exterior view of the Cyrus Hotel, a modern mid-rise building with a bold red and gray facade, large windows, and a bright red "CYRUS" sign on the rooftop. The hotel stands against a backdrop of blue skies and neighboring historic and modern buildings in a downtown area.

Colorful hotel lobby featuring modern furniture with blue and rust-colored armchairs arranged around a rug and small tables. Exposed brick and striped accent walls frame contemporary art and a grid of framed prints, with warm overhead lighting enhancing the welcoming ambiance.

Stylish hotel room with a king-sized bed featuring crisp white linens, a tan suede headboard, and dark moody walls. Above the bed, eclectic framed art and a portrait add character, while warm lighting from a floor lamp and bedside fixtures creates a cozy, intimate ambiance.

PHOTO CREDITS: Cyrus Hotel VIA HOTELS.COM

Must-Sees in Central Kansas

Most of my recommended must-sees are in Lucas. It’s just a bit north of Wilson and a serious hotspot for the interesting and unusual. Bonus points to the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things for having a name so long, it doesn’t fit in my must-see chart. Boo!

For dinner, I’d highly recommend Saltwell Farm Kitchen in Overbrook, just 30 minutes out of Topeka. They’ve got an 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings that’ll blow your mind.

World’s Largest Travel Plate	Garden of Eden
Bowl Plaza	Grassroots Art Center
Garden of Isis	Sculpture & Mural Tour in Salina

A whimsical, yellow-brick building with an unusual sculpted structure on top, including a winged creature and curling streetlights. Artistic elements like a wavy, textured wall with red and tan stripes add to the eclectic, imaginative design under a bright blue sky.

Colorful mosaic art decorates the entrance of a building labeled “Bowl Plaza,” featuring a curved concrete bench and circular tile designs on the ground and walls, which make the entrance look like a toilet bowl. Bright tiles and repurposed materials create a whimsical, artistic vibe under a vivid blue sky.

A large, colorful mosaic sculpture in the shape of a toilet tank lid stands in a grassy field, featuring vibrant scenes and text representing Lucas, Kansas. It reads “Lucas, Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas” and includes illustrations of local landmarks, immigrant ancestors, wheat harvests, and artistic pride.

A towering mural painted across several grain silos depicts children holding hands, rendered in soft, lifelike tones. The artwork contrasts beautifully against the deep blue sky, transforming the industrial structure into a striking public art installation.

Road Trip in Kansas, Day 4: East into Atchison & Lawrence

Where To Stay in Lawrence, East Kansas

My schedule was pretty fast-paced, so I pushed straight to Kansas City for this leg of the trip. But if you want to take it easy, I’d suggest spending a night in StoneHill Lawrence. It’s got a smooth, contemporary look with up-to-date amenities. It’s a bit out of the way than more centrally-located hotels, but trust me, you’ll be glad to have the extra bit of quiet after a long day on the road.

Evening exterior view of Stone Hill Hotel, a modern multi-story building with glowing accent lighting along the roofline and a covered entrance. In the foreground, a large illuminated sign displays the hotel’s name, Stone Hill Hotel, against a twilight sky.

Indoor hotel pool area with clear blue water, surrounded by safety railings and beige tile flooring. Lounge chairs and small tables line the poolside under bright ceiling lights, with a view into an adjacent fitness room through glass walls.

Contemporary hotel lounge and bar area with high vaulted ceilings, exposed steel beams, and large windows showcasing a dusk sky. The space features a sleek bar with cushioned stools, modern light fixtures, and clusters of neutral-toned tables and chairs arranged for relaxed socializing.

Spacious hotel suite with a dining area set for four, featuring turquoise dishware on a wooden table. The open layout includes a cozy living space with a sofa and TV, natural light from a large window, and a separate bedroom with a king bed and red accent blanket.

PHOTO CREDITS: StoneHill Lawrence VIA HOTELS.COM

Must-Sees in Atchison & Lawrence

One of the highlights of Lawrence is the art scene in general, but the Lied Center of Kansas and Mass Street are two you want to check off your bucket list. For more juicy details, read about how a virtual Lawrence, KS press trip was a savior to my mental health early on during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Atchison is a certified ghost town; perfect for getting your spook on.

Haunted Atchison Tour	Mass Street
Lied Center of Kansas	Lawrence Art Center
Watkins Museum of History

A grand red-brick Victorian mansion with multiple chimneys, ornate turrets, and decorative trim sits atop a grassy hill. Skeleton horses pulling a hearse and other Halloween-themed decorations add a playful, spooky touch to the historic setting.

A charming downtown street with historic brick and stucco buildings lit by golden hour sunlight. Trees line the sidewalk, and parked cars and pedestrians add life to the colorful, small-town scene.

A striking red-brick Romanesque-style building with ornate arched windows and pointed roof spires, framed by leafless trees. A sign near the entrance reads “Watkins,” identifying it as the Watkins Museum of History.

A charming white Victorian-style house with a steep gable roof, decorative trim, and a second-story balcony stands under a vivid blue sky. A brick path leads to a front porch lined with columns and a small chalkboard sign marking the main entrance.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jesperdo, FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0; BotMultichillT, CC BY-SA 3.0

Finish off Your 5-Day Road Trip in Kansas City

Where To Stay in Kansas City

I stayed at the Kansas City Holiday Inn Express, which was pretty decent for the price. But if you want to gift yourself with a bit of luxury after a long road trip, I’d recommend the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Sit back with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and stylish décor that reflects the city’s rich history, particularly when it comes to early airplane design.

Striking hotel bar with a dramatic circular layout, featuring tiered liquor bottle displays on both sides and a bold central chandelier made of cascading glass rods. The modern interior is accented by sleek black finishes, tall ceilings, and ambient lighting that highlights the upscale atmosphere.

Nighttime view of a modern downtown hotel complex illuminated with blue accent lighting, featuring multiple levels and a tall tower with rows of glowing windows. The street below is quiet, with a skybridge connecting buildings and a backdrop of city lights in the distance.

Sleek indoor hotel pool area with a lap-style swimming pool, surrounded by lounge chairs, small tables, and modern decor. The space features high ceilings, soft lighting, and wall art with bright circular frames, creating a clean and relaxing atmosphere.

Corner hotel room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of a downtown cityscape, including the historic President Hotel sign and modern skyscrapers. The room features a plush king bed, a sleek TV stand, and contemporary decor in neutral tones with geometric carpet patterns.

PHOTO CREDITS: Loews Kansas City Hotel VIA HOTELS.COM

Must-Sees in Kansas City

Now, don’t call me a lush just because I’m recommending two alcohol-related tours on one 5 day road trip itinerary. The J Rieger Distillery Tour in Kansas City, Missouri is seriously good, and it’s totally different from Shiloh anyway cuz it’s beer instead of wine.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art	J Rieger Distillery Tour
Kauffman Legacy Park	Union Station

A bronze statue of a dancing girl balances gracefully among blooming tulips and flowering trees. Bright red, yellow, and white flowers surround the sculpture, creating a vibrant springtime garden scene.

Wooden barrels stamped with “J. Rieger & Co. Rye Whiskey” are stacked inside a distillery, with polished metal pipes and brewing equipment visible in the background. The barrels are marked with lot and barrel numbers, emphasizing the craftsmanship of the aging process.

A giant shuttlecock sculpture stands on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, reflected in a still pool of water. Autumn trees and nearby buildings frame the playful artwork against an overcast sky.

An ornate clock hangs beneath a grand stone arch inside Union Station in Kansas City. The warm lighting highlights the detailed carvings and richly decorated ceiling panels above.

PHOTO CREDIT: Laura Gilchrist, FLICKR, CC BY 2.0; Thomas Hawk, FLICKR, CC BY-NC 2.0; Marlon Reyes, Unsplash

Road Trip through Kansas and Beyond

If you want to explore more of this fantastic state, don’t hesitate to slap Wichita onto your road trip itinerary, too, if you have time. It’s a sweet, artistic hotspot a bit further south where you can experience some seriously good eats.

For even more inspiration, check out my guide to weird towns in Kansas that will surprise you, a list of unique things to do in Kansas beyond the usual road trip stops, and an adventure into the Badlands of Kansas for landscapes you won’t believe are in the Midwest.

And if you’re interested in more U.S. travel suggestions, take a trip down Wisconsin’s Great River Road or go on a boozy tour through Missouri.