The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving from Blue Springs, Missouri to Hays, Kansas
Are you in the mood for an adventure? Do you feel like hitting the open road? If so, you're in luck! The drive from Blue Springs, Missouri to Hays, Kansas is one of the most scenic routes in the Midwest, with plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a change of scenery, this route has something for everyone. So buckle up, roll down your windows, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
In this article, we'll be highlighting some of the best places to see when driving from Blue Springs, Missouri to Hays, Kansas. From breathtaking natural wonders to quirky roadside attractions, we've got you covered. So without further ado, let's hit the road!
Natural Wonders
1. Onondaga Cave State Park
The first stop on our road trip is Onondaga Cave State Park. Located just a short detour off the main route, this state park is home to one of the most impressive caves in the Midwest. The Onondaga Cave itself is over seven miles long and features a wide variety of stunning rock formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave, which lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers about a mile of the cave's interior. In addition to the cave, the park also offers hiking trails, fishing, and camping.
2. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The next stop on our road trip is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. This massive nature reserve is home to one of the last remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie in the world. The preserve covers over 11,000 acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and coyotes. Visitors to the preserve can explore the prairie on foot or by car, and there are several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. In addition to the prairie, the preserve also features several historic buildings and exhibits that illustrate the pioneer history of the region.
3. Monument Rocks
Our third stop on the road trip is Monument Rocks. Located in Gove County, these towering chalk formations are a sight to behold. The rocks were formed over 80 million years ago when the region was covered by an inland sea. Over time, the sea receded, leaving behind the rock formations we see today. Visitors can explore the area on foot and get up close and personal with the rocks. The site is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset, when the rocks take on a warm, golden hue.
Historical Landmarks
4. Fort Larned National Historic Site
The next stop on our road trip is the Fort Larned National Historic Site. This fort, which was used by the US Army from 1859 to 1878, played a major role in the settlement of the western United States. Visitors to the site can explore the fort's various buildings, including the barracks, officers' quarters, and hospital. There are also several exhibits on display that highlight the fort's history and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
5. Boot Hill Museum
Our final stop on the road trip is the Boot Hill Museum. Located in Dodge City, this museum offers a glimpse into the Wild West of the late 1800s. The museum features a recreated Old West town, complete with saloons, a jailhouse, and a church. Visitors can explore the town on foot and interact with costumed interpreters who bring the era to life. The museum also features several exhibits on the history of the Wild West, including the famous gunfighters and lawmen who called Dodge City home.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the top places to see when driving from Blue Springs, Missouri to Hays, Kansas. From natural wonders to historical landmarks, this road trip has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Grab your keys and hit the road – adventure awaits!