START: Kansas City, Kansas
Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
Both sides of the border in Kansas City are known for their BBQ. Missouri has fan favorites like Arthur Bryant’s and Gates, but the Kansas-side of town has our favorite spot: Joe’s Kansas City. Formerly known as “Oklahoma Joe’s” and inconspicuously housed inside of a gas station, Joe’s is the pinnacle of Kansas City BBQ. We recommend getting the Z-Man sandwich with extra pickles. There’s a vegetarian version, too!
Hour 2: Kansas City to Topeka
Kansas State Capital
As the second-tallest building in Kansas, the state capital rises up from the plains in a colossal fashion and defines Topeka’s skyline. Pop in for a quick free tour of the building on weekdays and learn all about Kansas history.
Hour 3: Topeka to Wamego
Oz Museum
While the state capital taught you about factual Kansas history, this next stop will teach you about the state’s most famous fictional history. The Oz Museum commemorates the book, movie and pop-pop-culture zeitgeist that is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Look out for other Oz-themed places in Wamego, including Toto’s Tacoz and Oz Winery.
Hour 4: Wamego to Salina
Blue Skye Brewery & Eats
When driving down I-70, Salina might not look like more than a few gas stations, but drive 5 minutes south of the interstate and you’ll find a quaint little main drag. Along that stretch, Blue Skye Brewery & Eats is a fixture. The hip brewpub serves up everything from pizza to burgers alongside their impressive menu of freshly brewed beers.
Hour 5: Salina to Wilson
World’s Largest Czech Egg
Who would have thought the world’s largest Czech egg would exist in the middle of Kansas? Done up in a traditional Czech pattern, this huge egg stands at 20 feet tall! All are welcome to take a couple-minute break from driving through Kansas to see this free attraction.
Hour 6: Wilson to Hays
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Smack dab in the middle of Kansas is one of the best natural history museums around. Stop in to learn about dinosaurs that were once native to the area, see geological specimens unlike any other you’ve seen before, and discover the 100,000+ piece botanical collection, all under one roof.