Romantic Getaways in Kansas

Named after the Kansas River which flows through it, Kansas boasts of a wide range of attractions, of which some are sure to appeal to couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

10 miles south of Junction City is the Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area which is a good choice for couples who wish to escape the dead monotony of the city for the thrills of wildlife and outdoor sports. The 99-acre lake is surrounded by 180 acres of public hunting land which harbors good numbers of fowl and wildlife. The lake also serves as a stopover area for migrating waterfowl in the fall and spring. Several food plots are maintained each year to provide winter food for birds and other wildlife. The lake is an excellent clear lake along which you can romance your sweetheart or go fishing. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, walleye, saugeye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie. The lake and public hunting area are open year round. Picnic tables, fireplace grills and camping areas are available for public use and can make for a romantic getaway in the wild.  

Ancient Trees of the Cross Timbers Trail

Kansas is popular as the place of the Yellow Brick Road but here is another trail that can carry you and your partner to a magical land of nature’s beauty.  The Ancient Trees of the Cross Timbers Trails trail wanders through remnants of an ancient forest of post oaks, blackjack oaks, and native flora. Interpretive signs along the trail relate the ancient oak trees to a point in U.S, and Kansas history which is how you may be able to make out that one tree on the trail is older than the United States.

Kansas City

The third largest city of the state of Kansas has several attractions too woo couples on a romantic vacation. One of the top attractions in Kansas City is Cabela’s - a complex of specialty stores and museums; here you can shop or check out amazing taxidermy displays and live aquariums with huge fish caught around the state. Bring back the childlike fun in your relationship with a visit to Legoland Discovery, or the Schlitterbahn Water Park which has something to appeal to everyone from slides to crazy rivers, wave pools, kiddie splash, hot tubs, and swim up bars. If you are a history buff, you might wish to check out the Grinter Place where you will learn about Moses and Annie Grinter, their connection to the Delaware Tribe, and the history of the house that was built in 1857.  The Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center is another must-see the museum contains a church, tea room and plenty of display rooms that take you on a historical journey of the eastern Europeans that settled in Kansas City, Kansas in an area referred to as "Strawberry Hill". The original clothing, old pictures, crafts are all on display and displayed artfully throughout the rooms of this wonderful piece of history. For couples who are adventure lovers, the Richard Petty Driving Experience could be a great way to spend an afternoon or perhaps they could head for the Kansas Speedway to experience some thrills.

Osawatomie

This small town in Kansas contains a number of historical gems which are sure to appeal to people interested in the past. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Asylum Bridge was built in 1905 by the Kansas City Bridge company of Kansas City, Missouri. The bin-connected reverse Parker truss structure is 219 feet long and 16.5 feet wide and originally has gas lights at each end. The John Brown Memorial Park & Museum is another place you may wish to check out; located in beautiful John Brown Park, John Brown State Historic Site is closely associated with the proslavery and free-state struggle of the Kansas Territorial period. The museum houses the log cabin Rev. Samuel Adair and his family lived in when they moved to Kansas. Through artifacts and interpretation visitors learn about the struggles of these early pioneers. Other historical places of interest in this small town are the Old Stone Church, Osawatomie History and Railroad Museum and the Mills House.

Cedar Bluff State Park

The over 14,000 acres of water and wildlife area make the Cedar Bluff State Park an excellent base camp for hunters, anglers and year-round explorers but also a romantic getaway for couples interested in camping and wildlife. The 150-foot tall, cedar covered limestone bluffs provide a stunning, rustic setting for park visitors. Fishermen are drawn to Cedar Bluff's excellent angling opportunities, especially wipers, white bass, and catfish as well as rainbow trout stocked in the spring and fall.  Besides fishing, boating and skiing are popular as well as a variety of other outdoor sports.  The park has different kinds of camping grounds built to suit nearly any taste. The Bluffton Area, located on the lake's north shore, is the most developed and receives extensive use. The Page Creek Area, on the south shore, offers beautiful primitive camping as well as a generous helping of utility sites. However for couples who do not wish such hard work, there are primitive and modern cabins for rent. Five rental cabins are available in a variety of styles and amenities. The area around the park offers excellent wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. But don’t leave without visiting the Threshing Machine Canyon - One of the best-kept secrets in the state that lies near the park. This is the site of an 1850s Native American attack on a wagon train bearing a threshing machine and is located in the wildlife area. In the historic canyon, you will find carvings dating back to the mid-1800s.

Wichita

The city of Wichita, Kansas has plenty of romantic and fun activities for couples to enjoy. The Wichita Art Museum, located on 1400 West Museum Boulevard, has a rich history as it has been around since 1915. In order to better understand the unique Kansas topography and its influence on life here, head to the Great Plains Nature Center during your trip to Wichita. The center provides an experience that is both romantic and educational. One of their most popular exhibits is "Prairies of the World." Be sure to get a souvenir of your special day together at the Owl's Nest Gift Shop, located on the premises. After a day of hectic sightseeing, it is time to chill out with a beer and what better place to do this in Wichita than the River City Brewing Company. Even though the place has only been around since 1993, it has quickly gained an excellent reputation as being one of the hottest hang-out spots in all of Wichita. The beers are phenomenal, and there are even dart boards and pool tables to keep you entertained with. Above the restaurant and brewery there is a great hang-out spot called Loft 150, which has an open-air patio where you can go to relax and unwind with your beloved.

Finally sign off your romantic getaway by heading for a classic drive in movie. The Starlite Drive-In, located on 3900 South Hydraulic Street in Wichita, offers double and even some triple-feature shows. Although there are droves of drive-in theaters across the country that are going out of business, the Starlite has remained a very popular destination for locals and tourists and is especially favored by couples for that wonderful feeling of romance.