7 Things To Do in Northeast Kansas: Cool, Quirky and Unexpected

Thinking about a trip to Kansas and not sure where to begin? Start your adventure in Northeast Kansas! This often-overlooked region is filled with cool, quirky, and unexpectedly delightful stops—from one-of-a-kind museums and road-trip-worthy stops to scenic landscapes, and vibrant art scenes.

Sure, Kansas may be known for its endless wheat fields (after all, it leads the nation in wheat production), but you won’t find much of that here. The northeastern corner of the state breaks the stereotype with its lush rolling hills, tallgrass prairies, and tree-lined valleys. It’s arguably the most beautiful region in Kansas—and definitely the most surprising.

Here you’ll find vibrant cities like Topeka, Lawrence, and Atchison, all bursting with historic architecture, cultural attractions, and unique things to do. Whether you’re into civil rights history, quirky roadside stops, or simply exploring off the beaten path, Northeast Kansas delivers.

In this guide, you’ll discover seven of the best things to do in Northeast Kansas—from quirky attractions and hidden gems to whimsical murals and scenic drives. Get ready to uncover the places most travelers overlook—and the unique experiences that make journeying through this part of Kansas truly unforgettable.

If you’re ready to see a side of Kansas you never expected—these are the top places you won’t want to miss.

Top Things To Do in Northeast Kansas

1. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Wamego

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Kansas? The Wizard of Oz, of course! And in the heart of northeast Kansas, there’s a small town that fully embraces its ties to the beloved story.

Welcome to Wamego—the unofficial home of all things Oz. This charming town is where you’ll find the Oz Museum, which houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of Wizard of Oz memorabilia. From rare first-edition books by L. Frank Baum to vintage movie posters and playbills, there are more than 2,000 artifacts on display.

Your magical journey begins in Auntie Em’s Gift Shop, where everything is presented in sepia tones—just like the opening scenes of the movie. Then, just like Dorothy, you’ll enter a vibrant technicolor world and follow the yellow brick road through immersive exhibits and fascinating displays that bring the story and film history to life.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! After exploring the museum, grab a bite at Toto’s Tacoz (yes, that’s how they spell it) for some quirky Oz-themed eats, then head over to Oz Winery to sip locally crafted wines with names like Ding Dong the Wine Is Red and Squished Witch.

From whimsical photo ops to nostalgic treasures, Wamego is a must for Wizard of Oz fans of all ages. After all, there’s truly no place like it—and no trip to Kansas is complete without a little Oz magic.

2. Take a tour of the most haunted city in Kansas 🕯️

Just 60 miles north of Kansas City, nestled along the scenic Missouri River, lies Atchison—a town steeped in 19th-century charm and shadowed by a spine-tingling reputation. With its well-preserved Victorian architecture and quiet streets, Atchison may look like a picture-perfect river town… but don’t be fooled.

Atchison is considered one of the most haunted cities in America. Behind the elegant facades of these historic homes lie chilling tales of tragedy, restless spirits, and unexplained paranormal encounters.

If you love ghost stories, haunted places, or anything that sends a shiver down your spine, Atchison belongs on your travel list!

The best way to dive into the town’s eerie lore is aboard the Haunted Atchison Trolley Tour. This guided tour takes you through the town’s most famously haunted spots—including the notorious Sallie House. Legend has it a young girl named Sallie died during a botched operation in the home. And her spirit never left.

From strange sounds to full-on ghost sightings, locals and visitors alike have reported all kinds of paranormal activity. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories you’ll hear about on the haunted trolley tour are guaranteed to captivate.

3. Visit Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

While you’re exploring Atchison, another can’t-miss attraction is the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum—a fascinating tribute to one of the most legendary women in aviation history.

You probably already know who Amelia Earhart is, but did you know she was a Kansas native? That’s right—Amelia grew up right here in Atchison, and the town proudly celebrates her life and legacy.

The museum offers an inspiring, interactive journey through Earhart’s life—from her childhood dreams to her record-breaking accomplishments in the sky. One of the biggest highlights at the museum is Muriel, the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E plane—the same model aircraft Amelia piloted on her final flight around the globe.

Visitors can also experience a Virtual Reality Flight Experience, a thrilling simulation that lets you fly across the Atlantic and get a sense of what Amelia’s groundbreaking solo voyage in 1932 may have felt like.

🛩️ Want the full scoop? Check out this complete guide to visiting the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum and start planning your trip today.

4. Climb to the top of the tallest capitol building in the U.S.

Here’s a hidden gem in northeast Kansas hiding in plain sight. The tallest capitol building in the United States is in Topeka—and unlike other state capitols, you can actually climb to the top of its dome!

That’s right, the Kansas State Capitol stands even taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. It also offers one of the most unique experiences in the Midwest. If you’re up for the challenge, you can climb 296 winding steps (with no elevator!) to reach an open-air observation deck perched beneath the iconic copper dome.

The final stretch of the climb isn’t for the faint of heart—the last staircase is a narrow, suspended spiral that will get your adrenaline pumping. But the reward? Panoramic views of Topeka and serious bragging rights for conquering the tallest capitol building in the country.

Located in Kansas’ vibrant capital city, this unexpected adventure is one of the coolest and most underrated things to do in Kansas! Think you have what it takes to reach the top? Here’s everything you need to know about the Capitol Dome Tour including how to make it happen.

👉 Planning to visit Topeka? Read this Topeka, Kansas Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Restaurants & Hotels to make sure you don’t miss all the fun things to do on your trip!

5. Stay on a real Kansas longhorn ranch—like a scene straight out of Yellowstone

Ever dreamed of experiencing authentic ranch life? At Circle S Ranch, you can do just that—and it just might be one of the coolest, most unexpected things to do in Kansas.

Located just outside of Lawrence, this 800-acre working cattle ranch has been in the same family since 1860, passed down for five generations. Much like the storyline in Yellowstone, the owners have had to get creative to keep the ranch going—transforming a slice of rural Kansas heritage into an unforgettable guest experience.

In 1998, they built a charming country inn, opening the gates for guests to stay and get a taste of life on the range. Choose from one of twelve uniquely themed rooms—like the cozy Cowboy Room or tranquil Garden Room—then wake up to rolling hills, wide open skies, and the sounds of longhorns calling.

Wander the scenic property, visit the horses, pigs, and pony, or—if you’re lucky—hop on a side-by-side and ride out to hand-feed the longhorn cattle. It’s the kind of down-to-earth, soul-filling adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come.

If you’re looking for a romantic rural escape, a rustic getaway with heart, or just something totally different for your Kansas itinerary, Circle S Ranch delivers the real deal. Book your stay at Circle S Ranch & Country Inn here.

6. Savor the best fresh-pressed apple cider in the Midwest at Louisburg Cider Mill

If you’re visiting northeast Kansas in the fall—or honestly, any time of year—you need to make a beeline to Louisburg Cider Mill, a beloved family-run business that’s been pressing fresh apples since 1977. This charming spot is famous for making what many say is the best apple cider in the entire Midwest!

All of the apples used to make their signature cider come from local orchards across Kansas and Missouri, including Louisburg’s own 80-acre farm. The apples are pressed right onsite, so when they say fresh, they mean it.

Step inside the country store and you’ll immediately be welcomed by the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and apples—that’s the cider donuts calling your name. These pillowy, spiced donuts are made fresh daily and make the perfect companion to a cold (or hot!) cup of cider.

Whether you’re road-tripping through northeast Kansas, planning a fall getaway, or simply chasing cozy countryside vibes, Louisburg Cider Mill is an absolute must-stop.

7. Sip a piece of history at Free State Brewing Company in Lawrence

If you’re cruising along I-70 through northeast Kansas, don’t miss the chance to detour into Lawrence—home of the University of Kansas and the birthplace of the state’s modern craft beer scene.

In 1989, Free State Brewing Company became the first legal brewery to open in Kansas since Prohibition, making it a must-visit for beer lovers and history buffs. Housed in a beautiful two-story limestone building on Massachusetts Street, this pioneering brewery helped kickstart Kansas’s craft beer movement.

The 14-barrel brewpub pours four flagship beers year-round, including the smooth Free State Lager, the malty Ad Astra Red Ale, Copperhead Pale Ale, and a rich Oatmeal Stout. You’ll also find a rotating selection of seasonal and specialty brews like porters, IPAs, and sours that highlight their continued creativity and passion for brewing.

Whether you’re stopping for a pint or staying for a meal, Free State Brewing is one of the coolest hidden gems in northeast Kansas—and a great excuse to explore the vibrant college town of Lawrence.