Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Updated August 2025
If ever there was a calling to “Go west!” and discover places you’ve never visited, it’s a Kansas road trip on KS I-70 from Abilene to Goodland. The best part for you? You don’t have to do the research – I’ve done it for you. Carve out some vacation time, fuel up the car, and GO.
You don’t have to search for what makes Kansas great. It’s right here in these towns.
ABILENE
The childhood home of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Abilene is one of the most patriotic towns in Kansas. Take a detour off of KS I-70 to discover the heritage of the town, starting at Seelye Mansion, an impressive home built in 1905 that is now listed as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture. After the guided tour, appreciate the town’s history with a train ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, uncover the past at Old Abilene Town, and tour the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum. The fun continues at the Greyhound Hall of Fame, where visitors learn about the sport of dog racing.
Love to shop for antiques? You’re in luck. Abilene is home to an antique mall and numerous boutiques.
The downtown district is home to Little Ike Park, quaint shops, and a host of dining options. Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro serves coffee and breakfast and M&R Grill is known for chicken fried steak and hearty sandwiches. Leave room for dessert to enjoy the chocolates you purchase from Russell Stover’s retail store. Get a full itinerary of this trip here.
SALINA
Salina is one cool place. Festivals, food, and fantastic artwork make it worthy of a stop along KS I-70. With so much to do, I recommend an overnight stay. Begin your day of exploring by checking out SculptureTour Salina, Mural at the Mill, and head indoors at Salina Art Center. Just when you think you’ve seen all of downtown, Rebecca Jane‘s offers the best boutique shopping in town.
If visiting during the Smoky Hill River Festival, you’re bound to discover more artwork, live music, and concessions food.
Eat as the locals do at the historic Cozy Inn for slider burgers or stop by Blue Skye Brewery & Eats for non-traditional pizza and craft beer. Another tasty dining option is La Casita. Go for the Chile Relleños. Before heading home from Salina, make sure to order a cup of joe and a pastry from Moka’s Coffee. Get a full itinerary of this trip here.
RUSSELL + SURROUNDING AREA
What a place! Before exiting to Russell, visit Wilson to check out the World’s Largest Czech Egg and then make the short drive on K-232 along Post Rock Scenic Byway to Wilson Lake for an epic view. I recommend continuing the journey into Lucas, Kansas. The town’s residents have made this artsy town exactly what they intended it to be, a place where creativity flourishes. Don’t miss Bowl Plaza, Grassroots Arts Center, The Garden of Eden and Cabin, and Miller’s Park for eye-opening displays.
Drive 40 minutes west to Russell, Senator Bob Dole’s hometown. The agriculture and petroleum-producing town has a lot to offer visitors. Check out casual dining at Waudby’s Sports Bar & Grill, go mural hunting, tour restored limestone homes, and visit Memorial Park. Get a full itinerary of this trip here.
HAYS
A one-time frontier town that is now a modern college town, Hays guarantees visitors an entertaining stay. Discover the history of Wild Bill Hickock, walk The Bricks of Downtown Hays to trace the history of old buildings on a self-guided walking tour, and track down all of the Pete Felten limestone sculptures around town. Keep your eyes peeled for shops and boutiques while walking the area.
Science lovers appreciate touring the KSU Agricultural Research Center and Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Each one is worth your time and makes for a memorable experience.
Shop and dine in downtown Hays surrounded by restored historic buildings, public art, and towering limestone churches. Enjoy breakfast at Breathe Coffee House, sip a mid-day glass of wine with cheese at The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market, and then top off the day with dinner at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing Co. Staying overnight? Consider Trio Tap House or Las Hefas as top-notch dining options. Don’t forget to make time to visit the Ellis County Historical Museum before leaving town. Get a full itinerary of this trip here.
WAKEENEY
WaKeeney reminds me of Mayberry, a quintessential All-American place beaming with hometown pride. Also known as The Christmas City of the High Plains for its North Pole attraction open year-round, WaKeeney rolls out the red carpet for visitors. Travelers enjoy dining at Hometown Bakery and Western Kansas Saloon & Grill when they’re not sipping on a vanilla coke at an old-fashioned soda fountain downtown.
History buffs appreciate the Trego County Courthouse, Kansas Veteran’s Cemetary, and Trego Historical Society Museum.
Keep the good times rolling as you explore Shiloh Vineyard & Winery, stroll the town’s parks, take a dip in the swimming pool, and shop downtown at Studio 128. Don’t leave WaKeeney without shopping for a keepsake Christmas ornament at Gibson’s Healthmart. Get a full itinerary of this trip here.
OAKLEY
Oh my, Oakley is fun. Exit KS I-70 to discover attractions like Buffalo Bill Cultural Center. Buffalo Bill Cody is the town’s claim to fame. Take your photo with the oversized bronze sculpture and learn about the buffalo hunter’s history as well as the region’s many treasures there.
Continue your historical exploration to Fick Fossil & History Museum to view artifacts and artwork. One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, Monument Rocks, gives tourists incredible views of sedimentary rock formed during the Cretaceous period 80 million years ago. Head to Keystone Gallery to hear the stories of fossil hunters, view their findings, and shop the retail store.
Locals love Sunshine Bakery for its fresh donuts and specialty coffee drinks. Buffalo Bill’s Bar and Grill serves pub grub and Oakley Country Club & Golf Course‘s menu includes everything from sandwiches to steaks. Make time to shop downtown for souvenirs or home decor at Everything’s-a-Bloomin‘. Get a full itinerary of this trip here.
COLBY
Are you in search of hometown charm and plenty of fun things to do? Look no further than Colby, Kansas. The western Kansas town’s visitors center should be your first stop to plan the rest of your day. Travel down the road to the Prairie Museum of Art and History, one of Colby’s top attractions, to learn the story of living on the high plains.
Other worthwhile stops in town include the Colby Aquatic Center (kids will love the slides!) and Colby Event Center, a new facility that hosts concerts and sports competitions. If you prefer a low-key afternoon spent shopping and dining, start at Maevis & Magpie before making your way to City Limits Bar & Grill for downhome eats. End your day with a relaxing walk through Fike Park. Get a full itinerary of this trip here.
GOODLAND
Exiting KS I-70 to visit Goodland is a great idea. The town offers magnificent art, museum tours, and an updated downtown scene. Of course, you must visit the World’s Largest Easel Painting, a replica of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” which towers behind the visitors center. If you love art, make your way to the Goodland Carnegie Arts Center, take a stroll downtown to discover massive murals, and appreciate the detail of art deco architecture.
To learn more about the town’s history including America’s first patented helicopter, enjoy free admission at High Plains Museum. For travelers interested in touring a historic home, the Mary Seaman Ennis House transports you back in time to see how residents once lived.
Take a break from tours to support small businesses like Lou Lou’s Boutique. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Good Grounds Coffee Shop & Bistro offers diners light breakfast and lunch options. Crazy R’s Bar & Grill is where the locals go to enjoy a juicy hamburger and freshly made onion rings. While waiting for your meal, take time to walk around the restaurant to appreciate the antiques on display. Get a full itinerary of this trip here.
Kansas I-70 aka “America’s Main Street” is your connection to incredible destinations to explore as you head west on the interstate.
Plan a seven-day trip to visit all of these towns or take a spontaneous detour and explore one of them. No matter how you plan your trip, the journey is definitely worth your time. Grab your keys and take to the road.
After exploring Salina, it was nice to come “home” to modern amenities and comfy beds. We took advantage of the indoor pool and spa for ultimate relaxation. A complimentary full breakfast topped our list of must-have accommodations making Hampton Inn a smart choice for an overnight stay. “Hampton’s On the House” breakfast is served daily from 6 am-10 am.
I purchased a freshly brewed coffee with creamer and a flaky croissant. The place was abuzz with activity, so I took a number and waited for my order. Trendy music played while baristas filled cups with cold-brewed coffees and prepped fruit smoothies. Moka’s Coffee has perfected the cafe formula. Modern atmosphere + Delicious Menu Items = Must-Visit Café. I’ll certainly return for a Mile-High Sandwich for lunch sometime.
SculptureTour Salina encourages you to vote on your favorite sculpture using a ballot deposited into a box at mid-block pedestrian crosswalks. With so many incredible works on display, how do you pick only one? We loved “Butterfly Tree” by Reven Marie Swanson from Colorado. The engineering of the piece kept the butterflies balanced and moving, a design element that made it unique from the others.
All of the sculptures are available for purchase. The sculptures are replenished downtown as each one sells. However, some remain on exhibit like my personal favorite, “Off the Merry-Go-Round” by Jodie Bliss, which was purchased by Homewood Suites. To learn more about SculptureTour Salina and how to cast your vote, visit their 
The collection of fiber artists’ work continued throughout the gallery showcasing thread painting, beadwork, weaving, and quilting techniques. As a frequent museum-goer, I’m used to seeing paintings and drawings. “
We loved the variety of choices on Food Row. The hardest part was deciding what to eat thanks to so many delicious options. The smell of bbq permeated the air. The sizzling sound of paella drew onlookers. The line formed for Tex-Mex. In the end, I decided to order a Walking Taco. It is a snack-sized bag of Doritos filled with taco toppings that you eat with a fork! My boyfriend couldn’t resist ordering an Italian sausage served with peppers and onions. Honestly, this food court rivaled some of the best I’ve seen in quality and selection.
Visual arts are a focus of the festival. A portion of the festival is devoted to artists selling their work and demonstrating it. We enjoyed visiting with a landscape photographer at his vendor tent and talking about the many places he worked. Art installations were added on the festival grounds for people to enjoy. The festival features eight artisans and almost two dozen installations. It truly is an #EpicArtsParty.
The festival’s live music is astounding. At any given time, there were bands playing on various stages around the park. We walked between stages to enjoy the sounds of The Marcus Lewis Band, SunDub, and The Hooten Hallers. All of the bands were talented, but we enjoyed 
We could’ve stayed all day, but we had more of Salina to check out. Our experience at Smoky Hill River Festival was memorable and one that I look forward to repeating next year. Parking was a non-issue, the park’s trees provided ample shape, and the option to bring a cooler of canned drinks was a pleasant surprise. To plan your visit to next year’s festival, check their 
The family-owned restaurant is always bustling with locals and tourists enjoying the sports bar-like atmosphere. The in-house craft beers on tap include standards you would want to see plus specialty beers like Hatch Green Chili Cream Ale or my favorite, Watermelon Crawl.
During our visit, we quickly became friends with a brother and sister duo from the area. Whitty, fun, and super knowledgeable about Salina, we compared travel stories and talked about our love of craft beer. They told us about Blue Skye’s award-winning Bloody Mary bar and brunch menu. So, of course, we returned the next morning to try it. It was fun! The server brings you a glass of ice with a shot of vodka. Your task is to make craft your own Bloody Mary recipe using a variety of tomato-based juices, hot sauces, and add-ins. As you can see in the photo below, we had a blast using the skewers to make a bouquet of tasty treats.
I’d recommend putting Blue Skye at the top of your list of places to eat when in Salina. The locals are welcoming, and the menu exceeds your expectations. Insider Tip: Don’t forget to check out the hallway leading to the bathroom.
All in all, we had a fantastic time in Salina. If it’s been years since you’ve traveled to the area, it’s time for a return visit – so much has been updated! Should you ask yourself, “Where could we visit in Kansas that promises a good time?” Salina is the answer.
Amanda’s is more than just another small town coffee shop. It’s also a retail store that sells antiques, gifts, greeting cards, and farmhouse decor. It was as if we were sitting inside someone’s beautiful home but everything was for sale. We watched as residents came into Amanda’s for their usual morning coffee.
Who was the Seeyle family and why did they build a mansion in Abilene? The father, Dr. A. B. Seelye was a wealthy entrepreneur who made his family’s fortune by pedaling patented medicines.
In the dining room, I sat at the head of the table where the Seelye’s once hosted presidents and state governors. We were surrounded by luxury. The Seeyle’s spared no expense to outfit their home with the best money could buy.
The grounds of the mansion are equally stunning. The gardens feature a goldfish pond, a pedestrian bridge, and water fountain. Open year-round to visitors, it’s transformed during the holidays. At Christmas time, the home is decorated with 80 trees and over 700 nutcrackers. That’s a party I want to attend!
Our train ride, although bumpy and a bit noisy, was worthwhile because it gave us a chance to relive what it must have been like to ride the rails. Operated by volunteers, we listened to the sounds of the excursion train as it traveled about 1o-15 mph. The view of Kansas farm fields was breathtaking.
Then, you’re free to explore the museum’s displays covering the highlights of the racing sport from ancient times to the present. Notable greyhounds made history for their agility and fast running times. Inductees of the Hall of Fame date back to 1963.
Don’t be surprised if you’re approached by a retired racer! During our visit, we met three rehabilitated greyhounds who happened to be visiting the museum with their owner. I had never met greyhounds in person and found them to be quite friendly. Once bred to be hunting dogs to chase hare, fox, and deer, they are graceful and make loving companions. One of the dogs (pictured below) nuzzled up to me to let me know that it was fond of me – such a sweetheart!
The grounds are open to the public to explore on any given day. However, I recommend checking their Facebook page to plan your visit around one of the many events they host from simulated gunfighter shootouts to concerts. Chisholm Trail Days includes pioneer impersonators, a draft horse pull, vendors, and artisans.
While downtown, I encourage you to visit 
Are you considering making 
The mural pictured below, “Rural Free Delivery,” was painted by Kenneth Adams and installed in the Goodland, Kansas, post office in 1937. The painting and others commissioned by The Section for Fine Arts were created to lift the spirits of people who suffered during the Great Depression. It was one of almost 30 murals commissioned in Kansas.
Another downtown structure that deserves your attention is Elliot’s Inc. (1019 Main St.), a building filled with home furnishings. The original color combination and Mid-Century modern styling stopped me in my tracks as I walked along the sidewalk across the street to view its architecture. What do you think of it?
Without a doubt, Goodland has one of the most good-looking courthouses in the state. The same Art Deco design seen on the United Telephone Building is evident in the Sherman County Courthouse. I love the arched windows over the entry doors and the grille pattern on the windows.
Located nearby the courthouse, “They Came to Stay” deserves a visit. The sculpture by Goodland native, Greg Todd, tells the story of homesteaders on the prairie and their determination to settle on the Kansas plains. Remember, settlers to the area didn’t find trees (no timber for building homes), so they were forced to build their homes using sod bricks formed by hand. It was hard work that required true grit.
The two-room shop is stocked with on-trend home decor and gift items. During my visit, a local woman came in to chat and shop for a gift for someone. It’s the kind of place where you’re bound to leave with a full shopping bag. The owner is a sweetheart willing to help you find something perfect for yourself or someone special.
Just beyond the WWII exhibit, I discovered a museum filled with treasures. The largest was a full-size, automated replica of the first patented helicopter in America. Push the button and watch the blades go! Inspired by the Wright brothers, William Purvis and Charles Wilson built the two-story helicopter in Goodland. The 1910 design was an ambitious one.
A 1902 Holsman rope-driven car is the second-largest exhibit in the museum. It was the first automobile driven in Sherman County and was owned by Dr. A.C. Gulick. The car was meticulously restored. A prominent figure in the community at the time, you will still see the name displayed in town, including a city park named after him.
Of the 8,000 objects on display, a few left me thinking about the early days of Goodland. It was the story of two train robbers.
The house dates back to 1907. Widowed and with daughters, Mary Ennis pushed forward with plans to build the home after her husband’s death. They resided there until 1917. Later, the home became a boarding house and then a funeral home. Eventually, Calvin Handy bought the home in 1956 and stayed in the family until Edythe Handy died in 2000. (Fact: Edythe died in the home’s dining room. Ask more about that during your tour.)
The owner, who also doubles as the cook, has filled the restaurant with antiques from floor to ceiling. Nothing is off-limits at the bar and grill. Bicycles dangle above your head. Road signs cover the walls. The bar is an antique salvaged and transported from San Francisco.
“A Little This, A Lotta That” exhibit includes items from Joe and Nellie Kuska. She was a Colby school teacher who devoted her entire life to collecting glass, coins, furniture, toys, dolls, and more.
The exhibit “Over Here Over There” stopped me in my tracks. The case you see below houses uniforms from different military branches worn by Thomas County residents dating back to WWI. Looking closely, you will see a white badge on each uniform identifying the soldier who wore it. Some of the badges also include a photo that personalized the story.
Beyond the museum’s doors is a campus of historical buildings worth checking out. The yellow house pictured below, owned by the Eller family, is significant because it is one of the earliest homes built in Colby in 1903. The family purchased the home three years later.
The one-room schoolhouse, aka Nicol School, serves as a time capsule to an earlier time. Schoolhouses in Thomas County closed when school consolidation took place.
Colby is known for its hardworking farmers, so it was no surprise to find antique farming equipment on site. According to kfb.org, one farmer feeds 168 people. Farmers and ranchers receive only 19 cents of every dollar spent on food eaten at home and away from home. Farm fields as far as the eye can see greet visitors to Colby along KS I-70.
A major reason for my visit to Colby was to step foot inside The Cooper Barn. The largest barn in Kansas stands 66′ wide, 114′ long, and 48′ high. Voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture, I had to look inside. I drew back one of the barn doors. The interior was impeccably clean.
The photo below is of the boutique’s second building, which mostly features kitchen and dining room items. Garden lovers will appreciate the animal statuary and botanical stems. Calligraphy signs are tucked neatly into vignettes. Who doesn’t need a little sign that reads, “If you had to choose between tacos every day or being thin forever, would you choose hard or soft?”
The store has a space devoted to lounging and enjoying confections, ice cream, and cold drinks. Brightly colored booths line the wall, and jars of retro candies tempt shoppers to stock up on their favorites. I bet it also doubles as a great place to keep the kids happy while Mom shops until her heart’s content.
A highlight of the park was capturing photos of its remarkable art installations. I appreciated how a chainsaw artist took what was most likely a dying tree and transformed it into a work of art.
A second masterpiece caught my eye. It was a mini Statue of Liberty similar to the one I had seen in downtown Hays, Kansas. She stood with poise, welcoming park visitors at one corner of the lawn. It is one of the 25 Statue of Liberty replicas in Kansas. The tiny Lady Liberty statues were placed in public spaces by the Boy Scouts of America for their 40th anniversary.
The clock was ticking, and I needed to get back on the road, but my day in Colby was made better by the many cool things to do in town. I can’t wait to return to shop on Main Street and dine at 
Scott, a Kansas native, has completed several murals in the state and his work is commissioned nationwide. Visitors to Hutchinson are bound to stumble upon his large-scale paintings. His contemporary style often includes animals, people, references to the prairie, and history.
Scott’s “Bison Trail” mural (411 S. Main) was completely painted by hand. I appreciated the small brushstrokes that gave the animal’s coat texture. The bison’s piercing blue eye looks down at you from above as if to say, “This is my home where I roam.” The Latin “Ad Astra Per Aspera” translates to “to the stars through difficulties” and adorns the work.
Mural seekers will discover a piece painted with a sun, moon, and stars on the side of 
As you drive down Main Street into the center of town, you will notice numerous murals, including “Community Mural” painted by Shaelee Mendenhall (29 S. Main). The artist added brightly colored landmarks to create a sense of hometown pride. She is the same artist who combined forces with Kylee Baldetti to paint the “Spread the Love” mural series featuring heart-shaped murals in Hutchinson.
Keeping your eyes peeled is key when looking for murals. The Chester I. Lewis Plaza (15 East 1st Ave.) is home to three murals. The first panel (left) is by Brendan Martinez, the middle panel is by Josh Tripoli and Rebekah Lewis, and the last panel (right) is by Jocelyn Woodson. I recommend parking on the street and walking up for a photograph of the murals. What thoughts come to mind when you view them?
The three-fold mural pictured below was finished in 2008 and serves as an anchor piece for the 
A mural by the local non-profit 
Jose Ray painted this whimsical wonder on the side of a building at Avenue A Park in 2013. I love the way her eyes are looking up at the top window. Ray’s works typically include fantastical scenes painted using bright colors. When not painting murals, Ray works as a DJ spinning tunes.
“Farmer Time” (111 W. 2nd Ave.) by Brady Scott beautifies the side of Sandhills Brewing Company. It makes a good-looking backdrop for brewery fans who want to take a photo to document their visit.
“Ad Astra” (Avenue A and Main) painted by David Loewenstein in 2012 shows a night sky full of stars. But if you look closely, the constellations resemble symbols of the Sunflower State. Which ones do you recognize?
A ferris wheel, which I think references the Kansas State Fair, is part of “Ad Astra 2” near the constellations painting. Just below it figures enjoying Hutchinson attractions like the 
The “Rainbow Lion” (2 N. Main) leaves a big impression on downtown passersby. Painted by Jerimiah Tolbert, the colorful cat was commissioned by Bob and Ann Bush in 2018. It’s a stretched canvas print, but it looks like a mural from afar. The artist sells mini prints, coffee mugs, and cards featuring the lion 
I’ve often taken photos of this pheasant in flight mural while visiting downtown Hutchinson. Brady Scott adorned the backside of Sandhills Brewing Company (111 W. 2nd Avenue) with the bird scene. Although referred to as the “Farmers Market Mural,” it suits the building well since the brewery’s interior is decorated with illustrations of feathered friends.
A hub of all things creative in town, the 
Hutchinson, Kansas, is a vibrant community with murals to match. A short drive from Wichita, I encourage you to visit the town and slowly drive up and down its downtown while looking at street art.
This mural round-up only scratches the surface of Hutchinson’s street art collection. To view more of them and locate their whereabouts, visit this 
