Northwest Kansas Itineraries

Here, you will start your journey at Cedar Bluff State Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering hiking, camping, fishing, and biking. Whether you prefer pitching a tent for just $10 a night or staying in a cozy cabin ranging from $35 to $80 depending on the season and amenities, Cedar Bluff provides a great escape into nature. A day pass is $5 if you don’t have a Kansas State Park Passport, granting access to the park’s scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.

Next, drive 33 miles to the rugged Castle Rock Badlands, where you can hike among dramatic chalk rock formations. With awe-inspiring views and a sense of solitude, this destination is perfect for adventurers. However, it’s located on private property, so respect for the land is essential. An AWD vehicle is highly recommended, and rainy conditions can make the dirt roads impassable. From there, head 46 miles to Monument Rocks, home to towering chalk formations that reach up to 70 feet high. Like Castle Rock, this site is also privately owned, and caution is advised during wet weather due to muddy roads.

The final stop on your itinerary is the breathtaking Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, just 15 miles away. This park features stunning spires and cliffs of exposed chalk, some reaching 100 feet tall. As the largest chalk formation expanse in Kansas, it offers a truly unique hiking experience. Stay on designated trails to help preserve this fragile environment. Although camping isn’t allowed here, Lake Scott State Park, just 10 miles to the south, offers camping and cabins for those wishing to extend their adventure.

Begin your adventure at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays, where you can step back in time to explore fossils and ancient dioramas that depict what Kansas may have looked like 65 million years ago. The experience is complemented by the Dr. Howard Reynolds Nature Trails located just west of the museum, offering a chance to enjoy Kansas’ natural beauty on foot.

From Hays, head west for 1.5 hours to the Prairie Museum of Art & History in Colby. Here, you can view a blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including artistic galleries, a historic sod house from the 1880s, and Kansas' largest barn. This museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the state’s cultural and agricultural past while allowing visitors to explore several historic buildings.

Next, journey southwest for about 45 minutes to the Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace, a tribute to the region’s frontier history. While there’s no official entry fee, a $7 donation per adult is encouraged to help maintain the museum’s offerings. Explore the main museum and four additional historic buildings, including an old train depot and a stagecoach station, each offering insights into life on the Great Plains. End your day with a 45-minute drive east to Oakley if you need a hotel, or continue on for two hours back to Hays to complete your loop through Northwest Kansas.