The cities and towns in Kansas boast fresh air, open plains, and plentiful attractions and festivals ideal for your next summer vacation. Book a Kansas vacation rental in one of these 10 cities to make a splash in the Arkansas River; see battlefields and re-enactments; and embark on walking trails where the prairie pioneers once settled. When planning your itinerary, start with this list of top cities in the great state of Kansas.
1. Hutchinson
A vacation rental in Hutchinson during the summer months offers you plenty of opportunities to mingle and shop with the locals at the Reno’s County Farmer’s Market on the weekends, or tap your toes to the sounds of the Hutchinson Municipal Band Concerts in the downtown area each Tuesday evening in May, June, and July. This historic town that is most famous for its salt mines originating from the 1800s, features outdoor adventures when touring the Dillon Nature Center, complete with roaming wildlife. Entertain the kids at the Cosmosphere Science Museum, or make a splash at the Salt City Splash Aquatic Center.
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2. Wamego
If you’re looking for a unique vacation destination for the summer, take a trip that leads you to the yellow brick road in this small Kansas town. Wamego hosts the Oz Museum that features a large collection of memorabilia, costumes, props, and items from the set of the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz”. After exploring the museum, treat the kids to a day on the trails and playgrounds of the Wamego City Park before retreating back to your cozy Kansas vacation rental.
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3. Manhattan
If you love to be outdoors, then Manhattan is the ideal destination for your summer getaway. Opt for a hayride and Chuckwagon lunch at the Lazy T Ranch, or explore the Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park that is home to a ziplining excursion. Soak up the history of the city with a tour of the Riley Country Historical Museum or the Flint Hills Discovery Center when you need to cool off from the Kansas summer heat.
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4. Salina
Cater to the art enthusiasts in your crew with a summer vacation in Salina, home to the First Friday Live Art Walk throughout May, June, and July in Old town Salinas. The nature enthusiasts also get a treat when joining in the Salina Sculpture Walk tour, or exploring the 700 acres of green space in the city, perfect for bike rides or hikes with the family. Treat the kids to a day at the Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park, or soak up the sun when viewing exotic animals at the Rolling Hills Zoo.
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5. Topeka
A Midwest summer vacation offers warm temperatures, but when you book a vacation rental in Topeka, you can also feel the cool breeze when exploring the trails that were once occupied by prairie pioneers with a stop in at the Ward-Meade Historic Site. Give the kids an educational opportunity during the summer months when touring the Old Prairie Town and the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka, and then explore the wide open spaces while the sun is shining with a bike ride through town with rentals from Capps Bike Shop. Topeka is also home to the Evel Knievel Museum for the thrill seekers to enjoy.
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6. Colby
Opt for a down-home summer vacation when attending the Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass Festival held each year in July at the Colby Convention and Visitor’s Center in Colby. This festival features live music by world-renowned Bluegrass musicians, food vendors, and activities for the kids. See what this city has to offer when stopping in at the Prairie Museum of Art and History for a tour or the Southwind Antique Mall.
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7. Lawrence
With a cozy vacation rental in Lawrence, you can enjoy the hospitality of this Midwest city on your summer vacation while enjoying some family-friendly activities and the sunshine at the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center, that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Make a splash in the afternoon and then head over to the Black Box Theater for live theatrical performances. Lawrence also features the historic Black Jack Battlefield Park, where you can get in a daily walk while viewing the interactive exhibits that display the state’s historical facts.
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8. Dodge City
Make your way to the wild west for an adventurous summer vacation. Home to the Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City offers plenty of historical attractions that include tours of the former Dodge jail and gunfire re-enactments by local groups during the summer months. Get in some exercise with a hike or biking trip on the Dodge City Trail, and the then enjoy some adult-only time when trying your luck at the Boothill Casino.
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9. Wichita
Plan your next summer trip in a big city that offers a small-town feel. Wichita is chock full of water-filled attractions on the Arkansas River, as well as a treat for the golfers at the Sierra Hills Golf Club. Enjoy the sun when tubing or canoeing down the river with rentals from the Shady Creek Marina, or opt for indoor entertainment when exploring the 33 museums in the city. Summertime is the perfect time to take a leisurely walk through the Botanic, which features 18 acres of blooming flowers, river views, and landscaped gardens. Time your trip for the first week of June and rock out to the live music and visual arts shows happening at the Riverfest Festival.
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10. Lindsborg
Soak up the culture during your summer vacation when making Lindsborg your destination. This quaint town features Swedish sculptures at the Red Barn Studio art gallery, as well as the famous Wild Dala Horse Herd monument on display in the downtown area. Step back into time and beat the Midwest summer heat when shopping the historic district and antique shops such as Reminiscent Antiques and Collectibles. Coronado Heights Park is a sight to see when you want to watch the sun rise or set while exploring the unique rock formations on display.
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