Fall is here and its the perfect time to explore the communities of Kansas I-70. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite ways to enjoy all that there is to offer across our state. Fall in Love with Kansas I-70…
Goodland
October and November bring many fun things to do in Goodland! For the complete calendar of events, click here.
Starting off with the Trunk or Treat on Main Street event Saturday, October 28th, 3pm to 5pm. Enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe, family-friendly environment. Make sure to sign up for the costume contest!
Colby
The Fall brings many things to Colby. Along with the changing leaves and Fall harvest, we invite you to visit our community.
We have many Halloween celebrations going on, Art Walks, and Fun Chamber Events. Our Prairie Museum of Art & History has a lot of fun and educational things on their calendar.
Oakley
Make a stop that’s LARGER THAN LIFE at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center! From 1867-1868 the Kansas Pacific Railroad was being built in the heart of buffalo country. From points west of Hays, Kansas, fresh meat was hazardous to obtain due to hostile Indians. The railroad employed hunters to provide fresh buffalo meat for the crews. “Buffalo Bill” was one of the buffalo hunters. This was the inspiration for the Buffalo Bill bronze sculpture, located just west of 2nd St. on U.S. Highway 83. The twice life-size bronze sculpture, by Charlie and Pat Norton of Leoti, KS, voted one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas Art,” and one of the largest in the world, commemorates the 1868 contest between William F. Cody and William Comstock and “The Birthplace of the Legend” of Buffalo Bill.
The student run Palace Community Theatre offers a free movie and popcorn.
WaKeeney
Cedar Bluff State Park has a well-earned reputation as Northwest Kansas’s top fishing spot for walleye, crappie, wipers, and several species of bass. The grasses, trees, and deep-water environments allow these species to flourish and grow big, which makes Trego County a “must experience” for fishing enthusiasts around the nation.
The folks from the television series Fishing University (found on the Outdoor Channel and Fishing Network) decided to record their experience fishing Cedar Bluff to give their viewers an insider’s glimpse into the opportunities they’ll find when trolling the Trego County Lake. Hosts Charlie Ingram and Ray Braizer teamed up with local guide Steve Hausler, biologist Keith Harmoney, and game warden Klint VonFeldt, of the Hays Bass Anglers Association, to hit the water and hook the “big one.”
The episode featuring Cedar Bluff State Park is set to air on the Outdoor Channel and ESPN early 2024. You can find out more on the official Fishing University website or check your local television listings for more information.
Hays
Hays’ Sternberg Museum of Natural History has a new traveling exhibit: Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals. The exhibit features life-size and lifelike animatronic dinosaurs and mammals with realistic movements and sound. In addition to standing face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals, visitors will have the opportunity to have their picture taken in the jaws of a T-Rex and study fossils that are as many as 300 million years old. This exhibit is open through December 21, 2023. Download a free Hays Visitors Guide and map at VisitHays.com.
Russell
Fall in love with Russell County! Journey through the beautiful Smoky Hills on the Post Rock Scenic Byway (Exit 206) that winds around Wilson Lake, the clearest lake in Kansas.
Don’t forget to continue to Lucas and experience the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas!
Salina
FALL in love with Salina all over again this autumn! Our rejuvenated downtown beckons, brimming with quaint shops, incredible food, wonderful family fun and cultural experiences. Enjoy the great outdoors among the collection of large murals and unique sculptures throughout downtown. More than a dozen large scale murals by regional and international artists wait to impress. Artists have loaned more than twenty works for SculptureTour Salina 2023, and you can vote for your favorite until December 31, 2023. Live music is often on tap in the downtown plazas and on City Lights Stage, plus theater, concerts and more! Check out all the entertainment you could wish for at SalinaAE.com.
Abilene
It’s the GREAT PUMPKIN, Charlie Brown!
Visit Abilene, Kansas named Best Small Town to Visit by TravelAwaits.
This Halloween season, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad will present “The Great Pumpkin Express,” a train ride for the whole family that seeks to find that eternally elusive Great Pumpkin! The train will visit the punkin’ patch, where kids get a trick-or-treat bag and hear a special reading of Schulz’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Trick-or-treating, a costume contest and more at the depot and in Old Abilene Town! Trains leave Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the following days: October 28 & 29.
Learn more at www.ASVRR.org/specialtrains.
Junction City
The first two weekends in November, enjoy Jersey Boys-The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons performing at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. Visit their website for showtimes and ticket information.
Manhattan
Fall in Manhattan brings tons of fun starting with sunflower fields and ending with pumpkin patches. Sunflower season in Manhattan is typically from mid-August through mid-September. Manhattan has two spots where you can visit beautiful sunflower fields. Check out A & H Farm or Britt’s Farm. A&H Farm kicks off their fall season with a sunflower field and then several weeks of fall festivities including a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hayrides and more.
Britt’s Farm
Britt’s Farm features 30 acres of sunflowers and fall festivities like a pumpkin patch, corn mazes, super slides, corn pit, 3 jumping pillows and more.
A&H Farm Super Slide
Find more fall festivities at Lazy T Ranch like corn mazes, hay bale maze as well as special days featuring pony rides and hayrack rides. Be sure to check our calendar for the exact dates of all the festivities happening in Manhattan.
Lazy T Ranch Pony Rides
Topeka
Prepare for an exciting adventure with Curious George!
Join us at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, where you’ll be immersed in the “Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!” exhibition. Encourage your kids to let their imaginations soar as they delve into early science, math, and engineering through engaging hands-on activities. Don’t miss this amazing chance to fuel their curiosity!
Lecompton
Visit us at the Territorial Capital Museum, starting Nov. 1st, to experience Christmas Through the Ages. Over 225 Christmas trees decorated with ornaments, lights, garland spanning from 1865 to modern day. Exhibit ends Dec. 31st. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am – 4pm and 1 – 5pm on Sundays.
Lawrence
Come to Lawrence this fall to see what makes Northeast Kansas “For the Spirited.” To celebrate Homecoming Weekend, visit Downtown Lawrence’s iconic Massachusetts Street on October 27 for the Rock Chalk Block Party. With free admission, activities for all ages, a KU pep rally, and a performance by Michael Ray, this is one event you don’t want to miss!
Don’t forget to stop in Lawrence at one of the local breweries participating in the METAL Prairie Pour Tour! This fun passport takes you to breweries, wineries, & distilleries in Manhattan, Emporia, Topeka, & Lawrence. Drink craft beverages, explore Kansas, and win cool prizes!
Leavenworth
November in Leavenworth always brings one of the largest Veterans Day Parades in Kansas to town. November 11, Leavenworth commemorates Veterans Day with the oldest and largest parade west of the Mississippi River. Join us as we pay tribute and honor all US Armed Forces members both past and present for all they have done to continue to ensure our freedoms in the United States.
Bonner Springs
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or just a quaint getaway, Bonner Springs has options for everyone! Located just west of the metro area in Wyandotte County, Bonner Springs has that “small town” feel but is within 25 minutes of all of the action in the KC Metro area. Bonner Springs is home to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Azura Amphitheater, and the National Agricultural Hall of Fame. We’re often called the “playground of Kansas City” for our abundance of activities.
This fall, come visit Bonner Springs for a day trip and explore our historic downtown with shopping and delicious foods from several businesses. If you’re looking for something for an evening out, check out the Olde Mill Properties. The Olde Mill is a former grain elevator that now hosts a variety of small businesses including a coffee and cocktails shop, ice cream parlor, BBQ joint, brewery and hobby shop with a golf simulator and old-fashioned arcade. The Olde Mill is also home to the Fuel House, an automotive country club that houses some stunning cars and motorcycles for car enthusiasts across the metro!
Shawnee
Celebrate Veteran’s Day with a very special evening at Shawnee Town 1929 Museum!
Join our guided tours on Saturday, November 11 through 1927 downtown Shawnee, where everyone is talking about support for the Great War veterans. Must pre-register for your $10 timed tour ticket. Visit ShawneeTown.org for information!
Kansas City Kansas
Let your tastebuds lead the way on the most epic taco experience Kansas City has to offer. The KCK Taco Trail will take you to authentic taquerias, mouth-watering meat markets, homey Tex-Mex eateries and everything in between. No downloading an app or purchasing a passport required! Simply sign up, eat tacos, check in and redeem your rewards.
