What’s the ultimate American road trip? A Route 66 road trip, of course! This legendary highway, spanning eight states and nearly 2,500 miles, is packed with history, quirky roadside attractions, and stories that refuse to fade. If you’re ready to hit the open road, here’s everything you need to know before you chase the magic of the Mother Road.
Last September, I finally checked a dream trip off my bucket list: driving all 2,448 miles of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. While I’d tackled smaller stretches of the route over the years, this was my first time going all in, start to finish. Carving out three weeks for such a trip isn’t easy for most Americans, myself included, but the stars aligned, and I hit the road with my newly retired, 70-something-year-old dad for what turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Whether you’re planning to take on the entire route or just a section, Route 66 offers something truly special — a blend of history, nostalgia, and quirky roadside surprises that you won’t find anywhere else. The Mother Road may no longer be the bustling artery it once was, but its charm is undeniable. Before you set out to experience this American icon, here’s what you need to know to make the most of the journey.
Have You Driven Route 66?
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Pack a Map or an App
Navigating Route 66 isn’t as straightforward as plugging it into your GPS and hitting “go.” Since the ghost highway was decommissioned in 1985, drivers must piece together the route like a treasure map. To stay on track, you’ll need some solid navigation tools.
The Route 66 Navigation app became my digital sherpa, while McClanahan’s guidebook served as the wise historian I needed when the app inevitably decided to take a coffee break in the middle of nowhere.
Route 66 is constantly evolving. And, with the centennial celebration just around the corner in 2026, some landmarks are getting fresh makeovers while others fade away. No single map or guide will cover everything, so having at least two resources in your arsenal is the best way to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Drive When the Sun’s Up
Route 66 truly comes alive during daylight hours. From shifting landscapes to crumbling mid-century motels to quirky roadside attractions, the magic of the Mother Road is easiest to spot when the sun is in the sky. Daytime driving makes it easier to take in the sights and helps you avoid missing blink-and-you’ll-miss-them gems tucked along the route.
Back in its prime, Route 66 was a neon wonderland, with glowing signs lighting up the night like a technicolor dream. Many iconic lights have gone dark these days, but their weathered charm still shines brighter during the day.
Don’t Rush Through the Midwest
With the rugged landscapes and iconic landmarks of the West calling your name, it’s tempting to press the pedal to the metal in Chicago like you’re racing to the finish line. But don’t let the Midwest be just a blur in your rearview mirror. This stretch of Route 66 is packed with charming small towns, lovingly restored roadside treasures, and enough history to keep you intrigued for days.
Driving 200 miles in Illinois is nothing like cruising 200 miles in New Mexico. The Land of Lincoln has preserved much of the original route, adding historic signs, way stations, and quirky roadside attractions to make the journey unforgettable. You could easily spend four or five days exploring Illinois, soaking up its character and history — and still wish you had more time.
New Mexico, on the other hand, is a different story. Much of the route there has been absorbed by I-40, turning a scenic journey into a highway dash. At 75 mph, staring at the back of a semi, those 200 miles will vanish in just under three hours — along with many of the stops that make Route 66 so special. So, take your time in the Midwest. You’ll thank yourself later!
Respect the Signs
On Route 66, “No Trespassing” and “Keep Out” signs aren’t just suggestions — they’re rules to live by. That charming old gift shop? It might be someone’s home. The crumbling motel that’s begging you to explore? It could be unsafe or the unexpected residence of a very territorial raccoon. Even if it looks like no one is around, you should expect that structures with signs are being monitored.
In Grants, New Mexico, a man yelled at me for taking pictures from the sidewalk of a once famous, now rundown hotel listed in every Route 66 guidebook. In Missouri, as I stood on the curb of a public road photographing an old teepee-shaped gift shop with an open sign out front, a woman emerged yelling at me to get away from her property. As I climbed back into the car after photographing an old hotel from the public side of a no-trespassing sign, a pickup truck with a community watch decal appeared and watched us drive away. Expect the unexpected and tread lightly.
Connect with the Locals
Although Route 66 is no longer an official road, it’s a living, breathing storybook — and the locals are its best storytellers. Strike up a conversation, and you might uncover nuggets about the highway’s glory days, tips on hidden gems, or updates on preservation projects you’d never find in a guidebook.
If you’re lucky, you might meet someone who inspired one of the characters in Pixar’s Cars or get the scoop on a soon-to-open roadside attraction that will become the next must-see stop. Whether it’s a diner owner reminiscing about the golden age of road trips or a preservationist sharing their passion, the people you meet along the way can turn your Route 66 journey into something truly unforgettable.
A Route 66 Road Trip Requires Endurance
Tackling all 2,448 miles of Route 66 isn’t exactly a casual Sunday drive. The journey demands stamina, especially if you stick to the original road instead of the interstates. Even as a seasoned road trip enthusiast — with my dad taking the wheel for most of the driving — I was completely wiped out by the time we reached Santa Monica.
If carving out three weeks for the entire trip feels impossible, don’t sweat it. Breaking the journey into smaller sections over time is a great way to soak it all in without burning out. After all, Route 66 isn’t just about the miles — it’s about the experience.
A Road Trip for the Generations
Route 66 sparks nostalgia. It conjures up images of kids packed into station wagons, off to see the Grand Canyon or Disneyland during the golden age of family road trips. Traveling the route with someone who remembers America before the Interstate Highway System adds an entirely new layer to the experience.
During our 2,448-mile journey through eight states, my dad vividly remembered watching America’s highways evolve. He recalled the first stretch of Eisenhower’s interstate highway project opening along I-70 just west of Topeka when he was a kid. Although it wasn’t part of Route 66, it was fascinating to hear how this concrete web reshaped the country.
He also reminisced about staying at his first Howard Johnson’s, marveling at the 24-hour room service, the standardized menu, and the novelty of a motel swimming pool. Stories like these didn’t just bring the history of the road to life — they made the journey personal, adding layers of connection to the Mother Road’s past.
You’ll Probably Want to Drive Route 66 Again
Even though Route 66 was officially decommissioned more than 40 years ago, it’s far from frozen in time. Each year, some abandoned buildings crumble further into history, while restoration projects breathe new life into others. With the centennial celebration just around the corner, organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission are working to ensure the Main Street of America continues to captivate travelers for generations to come.
The End of the Trail
Standing at the Santa Monica Pier, watching the sun sink into the Pacific, I realized that Route 66 isn’t just America’s longest decommissioned highway — it’s the country’s greatest storyteller. Whether you’re driving the entire 2,448 miles or just exploring a single section, a Route 66 road trip is an incredible experience. Take your time, soak in the history, and enjoy the experience at your own pace. And, don’t be surprised if you’re already dreaming of a second trip before you’ve even finished unpacking!
Have You Driven Route 66?
Have you driven all or part of the Mother Road? What was your favorite part of the drive? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Sage Scott
After growing up all over the United States and in Europe, Sage Scott writes her travel blog with a midlife traveler’s perspective from America’s Heartland.
If you’re fascinated by eerie landscapes and forgotten history — or if you enjoy exploring places where tumbleweeds are the only sign of life — you’ll love these US ghost towns. Scattered across the country, these abandoned places tell stories of dreams and ambition that crumbled into despair and sometimes disaster.
Think US ghost towns are all dusty remnants of the Gold Rush? Not so fast! Sure, you’ll find plenty of abandoned towns in the western US, but also throughout the rest of the nation. And not all discarded places are the result of not striking it rich. From a town swallowed by flood waters to one that fell victim to a still-burning underground fire, these places are an eerie reminder of American dreams that didn’t quite pan out.
Visiting a ghost town is like stepping into a real-life history lesson, where ambitions collided with harsh realities and sometimes left behind more than just ruins. Whether you’re drawn to their haunting beauty, spooky legends, or just love a good backstory, these ghost towns across the US offer a glimpse into the forgotten corners of American history. And when you visit, be sure to keep an ear out for the whispers of those who once lived there.
Have You Visited a Ghost Town?
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Flagstaff, Maine
In the 1950s, officials intentionally flooded the thriving community of Flagstaff, Maine, to create Flagstaff Lake as part of a hydroelectric project. Ever dreamed of exploring Atlantis? Well, Flagstaff’s the next best thing. When the water is low, you can peek at the town’s ghostly remains hiding beneath the surface, catching glimpses of the foundations, streets, and structures that once thrived here.
Cahawba, Alabama
Cahawba, Alabama, served as the state’s first capital but was abandoned after frequent flooding made it unsustainable. It briefly flourished post-Civil War, drawing freed African Americans seeking new opportunities, but by the early 1900s, most buildings had fallen into decay. Today, visitors can explore the picturesque ruins and St. Luke’s Church, with many claiming that the ghostly echoes of former residents linger amid the remnants.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
An underground coal fire ignited in Centralia, Pennsylvania, in 1962, prompting residents to flee as efforts to contain the blaze failed. The fire spread through the extensive network of coal seams beneath the city, releasing toxic gases and causing the ground to collapse into dangerous sinkholes. As conditions worsened, the government relocated residents in the 1980s, and officials eventually demolished most structures. Today, the eerie landscape, with steam rising from the ground and cracked streets, continues to attract curious visitors despite safety warnings. If you’re brave enough to visit, stick to safe viewing areas.
Elk Falls, Kansas
Known as the “world’s largest living ghost town,” Elk Falls has managed to hold onto its charm despite a dwindling population. Established in the 1870s, the town’s heyday featured a bustling community with stores, a mill, and over 500 residents. Elk Falls faced economic shifts as time passed, and the population steadily declined. Although fewer than 100 people live there today, its historic sites, like the Pratt Truss Bridge and a scenic waterfall, attract visitors year round. The town also hosts a quirky annual outhouse tour, adding a touch of humor to its otherwise haunting appeal.
Virginia City and Nevada City, Montana
Founded in 1863 after gold was discovered in Alder Gulch, Virginia City quickly became Montana’s largest town and even served as the territorial capital from 1865 to 1875. At its peak, this Gold Rush-era city was home to around 10,000 residents, including miners, merchants, and vigilantes who enforced justice in the lawless frontier.
Just a mile away, Nevada City grew as a companion settlement but declined rapidly as gold reserves dwindled. Today, both towns offer well-preserved historic structures, including original saloons, a cemetery, and an opera house, creating a vivid picture of the Old West. Visitors can explore living history events and even pan for gold to experience the Treasure State’s allure.
Custer, Idaho
Tucked away in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Custer ghost town is a relic of the Wild West. Founded in 1879 during Idaho’s gold rush, this 19th-century prospecting town once boomed with miners hoping to strike it rich. By the early 20th century, however, the gold had dried up, and so did the town’s fortunes. Today, Custer stands as a well-preserved time capsule, with restored buildings like a saloon, a blacksmith shop, and a schoolhouse. Visitors can wander through these remnants of Idaho’s mining days, getting a real feel for what life was like when prospecting dreams were all the rage.
St. Elmo, Colorado
Founded in the late 19th century during Colorado’s mining boom, St. Elmo was once a lively town with around 2,000 residents. As mining declined, the city was largely abandoned after the local railroad ceased operations in 1926. Today, St. Elmo is one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns, with over 40 original structures, including a saloon, general store, and old schoolhouse. The town’s rustic atmosphere and rumored hauntings make it a popular spot for history buffs and ghost hunters.
Frisco, Utah
Out in Utah’s west desert, Frisco once thrived as a rowdy silver mining town, complete with saloons, gambling halls, and plenty of gunfights. In its 1870s heyday, the Horn Silver Mine brought in so much wealth that the town had around 6,000 residents, and the streets were alive with miners and merchants. But when the mine collapsed in 1885, the boom went bust. Today, visitors can explore the abandoned mine structures and crumbling buildings, a haunting reminder of just how fast fortunes — and towns — could change in the Old West.
Glenrio, Texas/New Mexico
Glenrio was established as a railroad town in 1903 and later became a key stop along Route 66, serving travelers with motels, diners, and gas stations straddling the Texas-New Mexico state line. The town began to decline after Interstate 40 bypassed it in 1973, leaving its businesses to wither away. Today, Glenrio’s abandoned buildings, including the “First/Last Motel in Texas,” and empty roads offer a nostalgic look back at the heyday of the Mother Road, making it a unique stop for Route 66 enthusiasts.
Related Article: What Three Weeks on Route 66 Taught Me About America’s Ghost Highway
Santa Claus, Arizona
Santa Claus, Arizona, was founded in 1937 as a kitschy tourist stop with a holiday theme in the middle of the desert. Visitors could meet Santa year round, enjoy themed attractions, and mail letters from its post office. However, the novelty wore off, and by the 1970s, the town declined. All businesses closed by 1995, leaving behind faded decorations and derelict buildings. Although most structures were demolished in 2022, the town’s odd history still draws curious travelers.
Goldfield, Nevada
You may be surprised to learn that Goldfield was once the largest city in Nevada. (Wow! Take that, modern-day Las Vegas!) The discovery of gold in 1902 sparked a rush that brought thousands of hopefuls to this desert city. By 1906, it boasted a population of around 20,000, but as the gold dwindled, so did the people. Today, Goldfield is a shadow of its former self, with old buildings standing as monuments to a time when the streets were bustling with dreams of gold.
Rhyolite, Nevada
Founded in 1905 during Nevada’s gold rush, Rhyolite quickly grew into a bustling city, complete with electric lights, a hospital, and even its own stock exchange! But just as fast as it rose, it fell. By 1916, the gold was gone, and so were the people. Now, Rhyolite is one of the West’s most photogenic ghost towns, with crumbling buildings and the remains of its once-grand bank. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and photographers alike, offering a hauntingly beautiful look at the fickle fortunes of mining towns.
Calico, California
Established in 1881 as a bustling silver mining town, Calico had over 500 mines and a population of 1,200 at its peak. But after producing more than $20 million in silver ore over a 12-year span, the silver was gone, and so were most of the people. Enter Walter Knott, founder of Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park near Disneyland. In the 1950s, he restored many of the old buildings, turning Calico into a tourist destination. Today, this ghost town is a fun and quirky mix of history and entertainment, where visitors can explore old mines, pan for gold, and experience what life was like during the Wild West.
Bodie, California
After a rich gold vein was discovered, Bodie boomed, reaching a peak population of around 8,000. However, as mining declined at the turn of the 20th century, residents moved elsewhere. By the 1940s, the town was mostly abandoned. Now a state historic park, Bodie is preserved in a state of “arrested decay,” allowing visitors to explore original buildings, including saloons, homes, and the church. Stories of hauntings and a supposed “Bodie Curse” add to the eerie charm of this once-thriving gold mining town.
Kennecott, Alaska
Located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kennecott was a thriving copper mining town from 1903 until the ore ran out in 1938. The city was left abandoned, but many of its buildings, including the 14-story mill, have been preserved. Visitors can tour the site and learn about its history, mining operations, and the harsh conditions that workers endured.
Each of these ghost towns is a time capsule, brimming with history and unique stories of boom and bust. Whether you’re drawn to ghost stories, historical architecture, or just the spine-tingling stillness, these destinations promise a fascinating journey into America’s forgotten places.
Have You Visited a Ghost Town?
Have you explored any of these ghost towns? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite abandoned spot that’s not on this list? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Sage Scott
After growing up all over the United States and in Europe, Sage Scott writes her travel blog with a midlife traveler’s perspective from America’s Heartland.
Searching for an unexpected adventure in the heart of the Ozarks? Bentonville may be famous as the home of Walmart, but it is so much more. From thrilling outdoor activities to world-class art, there are so many exciting things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Don’t let its reputation as the birthplace of global retail giant Walmart fool you into thinking that Bentonille is all business. Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, it’s a charming town of 50,000 residents filled with outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, cultural experiences, and small-town charm.
With miles of trails to explore, world-class museums, and its impressive food scene, Bentonville is a great, centrally-located destination for travelers looking for both adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re wandering the art-filled streets, biking scenic trails, or enjoying local eateries, Bentonville proves that it’s more than just a corporate hub.
Have You Visited Bentonville?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
Things to Do in Bentonville
Bentonville may be small, but it punches above its weight when it comes to things to do. From museums to biking trails, there’s plenty to experience whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.
Enjoy Amazing Art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Established by Alice Walton, Walmart founder Sam’s only daughter, the Crystal Bridges Museum is Bentonville’s crown jewel. This world-class museum offers free entry to its extensive collection of American art.
Inside a magnificent building designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, you’ll find works of art by Andy Warhol, Normal Rockwell, and Georgia O’Keeffe in addition to many other treasures. In addition to its rotating exhibits, the museum’s stunning architecture and surrounding nature trails make it a must-see for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Hike or Bike the Bentonville Trail System
Ready to stretch your legs? Bentonville’s trail system winds through scenic Ozark woodlands, offering over five miles of paved and gravel paths for walking or biking. The paved trails surrounding Crystal Bridges are home to beautiful sculptures, natural springs, and abundant wildlife. For serious mountain bikers, the Slaughter Pen Bike Trails, offer more than 40 miles of varying difficulty for an adrenaline-pumping ride.
Sage Advice: Don’t have a bike? Spoke Adventures offers mountain bike, city bike, and electric bike rentals.
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House
Just steps from the Crystal Bridges Museum, you’ll the Bachman-Wilson House. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in his iconic Usonian style, this home was relocated from New Jersey to Bentonville and is a seamless blend of modern design and natural beauty. Tours are free but require tickets, so plan ahead to experience this masterpiece up close.
Experience The Momentary, a Contemporary Art Museum
If contemporary art is more your style, then check out The Momentary. Once a 63,00-square-foot cheese factory, this sleek space now hosts visual and performing arts, live events, and food trucks. You can explore exhibitions, grab a drink at the rooftop Tower Bar, and enjoy stunning views of Bentonville’s skyline. With a mix of local and international artists, The Momentary offers a fresh take on art in an industrial-chic setting.
Visit the Walmart Museum
Even if you’re on Team Target, it’s hard not to admire Sam Walton’s hard work and incredible success. The Walmart Museum in Sam Walton’s original five-and-dime store offers a fascinating glimpse into the company’s history and its founder’s frugal, hard-working nature. Highlights include Sam Walton’s red 1979 Ford pickup and preserved office with a clutter of books, yellow legal pads scribbled with notes, and one of Sam’s blue baseball hats. Be sure to grab a scoop of his favorite butter pecan ice cream at the Spark Café on your way out.
Wander the Compton Gardens and Arboretum
Compton Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with six acres of native plants and shaded walking paths. Originally the home of Dr. Neil Compton, an advocate for the protection of the Ozarks, this serene space is perfect for a quiet morning stroll. Visit The Meadow for a burst of wildflowers, especially beautiful during the spring bloom.
Explore the Peel Mansion and Botanical Garden
The Peel Mansion is a magnificent Italianate estate just a short drive from Betntonville’s historic downtown square. Completed in 1875, it was the home of Samuel West Peel, a businessman, attorney, and the first native Arkansan elected to the United States Congress. This beautifully restored historic red brick home features Victorian furnishings and lush gardens. Take a tour to admire the antiques inside or wander the rose garden and admire the towering oak trees outside.
Learn About Native American History
The Museum of Native American History is a must-visit for anyone interested in early American history. With over 10,000 artifacts, including tools, clothing, and pottery, the museum showcases the rich culture of the continent’s first inhabitants. One of the museum’s biggest draws is Tusker, a 12,000-year-old wooly mammoth reconstructed from three mammoth skeletons found in Siberia. Although there is no admission fee to visit the Museum of Native American History, donations are appreciated.
Discover the Intersection of Art and Science at the Scott Family Amazeum
While Bentonville is an art lover’s dream destination, younger members of your travel party may not be as enthusiastic about oil paintings, steel sculptures, and colorful murals. Enter the Scott Family Amazeum, a hands-on children’s museum filled with interactive exhibits. From tinkering with inventions in the 3M Hub to making chocolate in the Hershey’s Lab, this interactive museum will keep the little ones entertained while teaching them valuable lessons about the world around them.
Cheer for the Home Team
Sports lovers will want to drive 20 minutes south of Bentonville to the Arvest Ballpark in Springdale to cheer on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. After moving from Wichita, Kansas, in 2008, where they were known as the Wichita Wranglers, the Naturals became a Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and were crowned the Texas Leagues Champions in 2010.
Best Restaurants in Bentonville
Bentonville may be small, but its food scene is mighty. Whether you’re craving a gourmet meal or just a cozy coffee shop, this town delivers. From trendy brunch spots to creative coffee shops, there’s no shortage of delicious places to try.
Start your day with coffee at Onyx Coffee Lab or grab a quick bite at Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. For a heartier brunch, head to The Buttered Biscuit. In the evening, enjoy dinner at The Hive, and cap off your night with drinks at The Preacher’s Son. Here are a few more of my favorite spots to eat in Bentonville.
Eleven
Located in the Crystal Bridges Museum, Eleven offers farm-to-table meals inspired by the Ozarks. The menu changes with the seasons, but expect dishes like shrimp and grits or fresh salads. Perfect for a post-museum meal, this place balances high-end flavors with a relaxed atmosphere.
Table Mesa Bistro and Bakery
For a fresh take on Southwestern cuisine, head to Table Mesa. With dishes like shrimp quesadillas and bacon-wrapped dates, this fusion restaurant delivers bold flavors in a cozy setting. Don’t miss their specialty margarita like the prickly pear cactus or strawberry basil, perfect for pairing with your meal.
Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co.
If you’re craving Mexican food, Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co. has you covered. Located on the square, this spot serves up creative tacos, tamales, and enchiladas in a laid-back atmosphere. Pair your meal with a craft beer, and don’t forget to snap a pic under the cheeky sign that changes weekly.
Best Hotels in Bentonville
Need a place to stay? Bentonville has no shortage of unique and comfortable options. Whether you prefer boutique hotels or classic chains, you’ll find the perfect accommodation.
Because Bentonville attracts many corporate travelers during the week, hotels are often booked Monday through Wednesday. However, weekend lodging and transportation rates are usually lower, making Bentonville a great weekend destination.
21c Museum Hotel Bentonville
From Chicago to the Carolinas, if there is a 21c Museum Hotel in town, you can bet I’ll recommend it. For the past decade, this regional chain of boutique hotels has converted historic buildings into comfortable accommodations paired with a chef-driven restaurant.
Located just steps from the Bentonville City Square, 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville is one of the best hotels in Bentonville, offering a blend of modern art and luxury accommodations. With its own art gallery and The Hive restaurant on-site, it’s an amazing place to stay — with a side of cultural experience.
The Victoria Bed and Breakfast
Looking for something cozy? The Victoria Bed and Breakfast offers charming Victorian-style accommodations with a personal touch. Positioned on the edge of the Compton Gardens, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a quiet retreat.
Other Hotels in Bentonville
Several nationwide chains also offer accommodations in Bentonville, including:
Have You Visited Bentonville?
What was your favorite thing to do or see in this Northwest Arkansas town? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Sage Scott
After growing up all over the United States and in Europe, Sage Scott writes her travel blog with a midlife traveler’s perspective from America’s Heartland.
Wichita might be the Midwest’s best-kept secret when it comes to weekend getaways. Located roughly halfway between Kansas City and Oklahoma City, this city on the plains is just waiting to be discovered. So grab your walking shoes and let’s check out some of my favorite things to do in Wichita, Kansas.
Wichita is a vibrant city that blends culture, history, and entertainment in all the right ways. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast looking to explore the great outdoors, an art lover eager to admire masterpieces, or a foodie set on sampling the city’s culinary scene, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Wichita. With its welcoming Midwestern charm and a wide range of adventures, Wichita promises an unforgettable weekend no matter where your interests lie.
Have You Visited Wichita, Kansas?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Wichita is a fantastic weekend destination. There’s no shortage of nature-filled fun, from beautiful botanical gardens to unique, up-close wildlife encounters.
Botanica
Start your weekend with a serene stroll through Botanica. This 17-acre oasis allows you to witness Mother Nature’s mood swings through over 30 themed gardens that change with the seasons. Enjoy beds of tulips in the spring, a butterfly house in the summer, and bright holiday lights in the garden’s winter light display. It’s like flipping through her Instagram feed, but with fewer filters and more actual butterflies.
Sedgwick County Zoo
Just a short drive from Botanica, the Sedgwick County Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals and 400 species. Explore the immersive exhibits, like the Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley and the Downing Gorilla Forest, for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the zoo train or take a boat tour for a unique perspective on the animals and their habitats.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
For a more interactive wildlife experience, head to Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Here, you can feed giraffes, rhinos, and lemurs — even swim with penguins. The park offers up-close animal encounters that are both fun and educational, making it a perfect spot for families and animal lovers alike.
Great Plains Nature Center
The Great Plains Nature Center is a natural oasis in the heart of the city. It is one of the biggest parks in Wichita, with a Kansas wildlife exhibit, more than 280 acres of natural habitat, and several miles of paved trails. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, spot native wildlife, or learn about conservation efforts through hands-on exhibits and educational programs. Be sure to check out the park’s immersive indoor exhibits, including aquariums filled with native Kansas fish and other wildlife.
Embrace Wichita’s Culture, Art, and History
Whether you like stunning sculptures or fascinating museums, there are plenty of fun things to do in Wichita if you are an art enthusiast or history buff. Check out these must-visit spots in Wichita’s museum district, the Douglas Design District, and beyond.
Keeper of the Plains
A visit to Wichita isn’t complete without seeing the iconic Keeper of the Plains. Standing 44 feet tall at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, it’s Wichita’s way of saying, “Hey, we can do big statues, too!” While it’s no Statue of Liberty, this American Indian sculpture crafted by Blackbear Bosin does have a much better view of Kansas than Lady Liberty.
Sage Advice: Don’t miss the Ring of Fire lighting ceremony, when a circle of fire pots is illuminated at the base of the statue each night.
Mid-America All-Indian Museum
If the Keeper of the Plains inspires you to admire more of Bosin’s work, head to the Mid-America All-Indian Museum. Inside, you’ll find additional pieces of his impressive art depicting Native American life. You can also learn about the rich history and culture of Native American tribes — and not just the local Wichita people or Kitikiti’sh.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
On the east bank of the Arkansas River, you’ll find the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum. In a native stone castle that once housed the first city hall, there are exhibits that celebrate Wichita’s growth from a trading post to the largest city in Kansas.
Kansas Aviation Museum
At the Kansas Aviation Museum, you’ll see why Wichita is called the Air Capital of the World. Spoiler alert: it’s not because of their superior paper airplane folding skills. Located in the former Wichita Municipal Airport terminal, you’ll find fascinating exhibits and several historic planes, like a bright yellow trainer manufactured for the United States Navy, an open-cockpit crop duster emblazoned with the Texaco logo, and one of the first high-performance small civilian airplanes.
Exploration Place
Exploration Place is Wichita’s premiere science museum. With more than ten hands-on permanent exhibits that range from the wonders of space to the inner workings of the human body, it’s an experience for curious minds. And because you’re in the Air Capital of the World, don’t miss the opportunity to design an airplane seat, test landing gear, or pretend to be a celebrity aboard a luxury jet in the award-winning Design Build Fly exhibit.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House
It’s hard to imagine a more appropriate place to admire legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style design than on an actual prairie in the Sunflower State. Once home to Kansas Governor Henry Allen, the century-old house gives visitors a peek into Wright’s architectural genius through long horizontal lines, nature-inspired stained glass, and golden earth tones.
Wichita Art Museum
Art lovers will find their haven at the Wichita Art Museum, which houses a collection of American art. Don’t miss the stunning Chihuly Bridge, a glass installation that adds a burst of color and creativity to your visit.
Douglas Design District
For a dose of urban culture, explore the Douglas Design District. This downtown area is bursting with vibrant, full-building murals, unique sculptures, and a variety of local shops and galleries. Kelly Ratcliff of Dining Duster enjoyed scouting for murals along Douglas Avenue on a recent trip to Wichita: “With hundreds of options, we could have made a day out of just spotting murals.”
Where to Eat in Wichita
Wichita’s more than 1,200 restaurants, coffee shops, and other delicious eateries, prove that the Midwest is more than corn and cows. Although, to be fair, they do corn and cows pretty darn well, too! Here are a few of my favorite spots I try to visit whenever I’m in Wichita.
Doo-Dah Diner
Before you enjoy the best things to do in Wichita, fuel up with breakfast at Doo-Dah Diner. Named after one of Wichita’s charming nicknames, this cozy spot is famous for its hearty breakfast offerings. Be sure to pair your morning cup of coffee with their banana bread French toast, a local favorite that’s the perfect start to your day.
“If you enjoy southern comfort food, Doo-Dah Diner is the place to go. The bright colors and vintage vibe are a cheerful way to start your day. I recommend the chicken fried steak and biscuits and gravy.”
HomeGrown
With three locations in Wichita, HomeGrown is a delicious daytime eatery serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Enjoy a flaky homemade Pop-Tart (or three) paired with a cup of locally roasted coffee. Or turn a heartier breakfast of cage-free eggs, Yoder bacon, and croissant French toast into a casual brunch by adding a mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Irish Hug.
Old Mill Tasty Shop
One of the oldest restaurants in Downtown Wichita, Old Mill Tasty Shop has been serving locals and visitors for decades. I recommend inquiring about the daily Blue Plate Special and pairing whatever you order with a chocolate malt from the old-fashioned soda fountain.
Prost
As a German American who lived in Germany for three years, I’m always on the hunt for my favorite flavors from the Old World. Featuring everything from Bavarian-style pretzels and schnitzel to saucy currywurst like the kind served in Berlin, Prost is sure to delight your taste buds. And because of Kansas’s large Volga German population, this urban biergarten also serves bierocks. If you’re not familiar with this dish, it’s ground beef, diced onions, and seasoned cabbage baked inside a soft yeast dough.
Elderslie Market & Creamery
For a unique fine dining experience, head just beyond the city limits to Elderslie Market & Creamery. Wind your way past a barn and lush pastures to this farm-to-table restaurant where an exquisite five-course, seasonal prix fix dinner awaits. If someone else is driving, I recommend adding the optional wine pairing.
If you don’t have time for an amazing dinner, you can still grab a quick bite at the Bramble Cafe or pick up artisan cheese and accouterments like salami and crackers at the Elderslie Creamery Market.
Wrapping Up Your Weekend in Wichita
From beautiful gardens and captivating museums to delicious dining spots and vibrant districts, Wichita offers a weekend full of delightful experiences. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover all the fun things to do in Wichita.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Sage Scott
After growing up all over the United States and in Europe, Sage Scott writes her travel blog with a midlife traveler’s perspective from America’s Heartland.
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Who knew that saving the ocean could be as simple as slathering on the right sunscreen? It’s true! Before you take your next beach vacation, read this to select a reef safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the beautiful marine life.
The first time I visited Hawaii, I was obsessed with chasing a gorgeous tropical tan. I thought spending every daylight hour outdoors with minimal sun protection would give me the same golden-brown complexion everyone else seemed to have. Instead, my ridiculously fair skin was horribly sunburned after my first day on the island. A few years later, when I was still in my 30s, I dealt with my first episode of skin cancer. (And, for those counting at home, there have been three more in the two decades that have followed.)
I’m older and wiser now. I accept that my fair skin tone doesn’t tan and that sunscreen is the best way to prevent any more time under my dermatologist’s scalpel. But, my recent trip to Hawaii required me to learn about reef-safe sunscreen. It turns out that many of the ingredients in traditional sunscreens are harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
Do You Have a Favorite Reef Safe Sunscreen?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
What is Reef Safe Sunscreen?
When applying sunscreen to your skin, you expect the sunblock ingredients to protect your skin from the sun. What you may not realize is that the ingredients in most sun-protection brands create a so-called chemical barrier to work. And while they work well for us, they can harm aquatic wildlife.
Sunscreen brands labeled as reef safe don’t rely on chemicals to block out the sun. Instead, they focus on mineral-based ingredients, like some cruelty-free makeup brands. Mineral-based sunscreen creates a physical barrier on your skin to protect it from the sun without any of those harmful chemicals.
Think about the white stripe you might see on a lifeguard’s nose. That’s zinc oxide, a mineral-based sunscreen. According to Michigan State University, it’s an excellent physical sunscreen and one you should look for when buying sunblock.
Back to chemicals in sunscreen — the journal Science reported that one of those chemicals, called oxybenzone, is toxic to coral and sea anemones. And if chemical sunscreens can harm aquatic life, what damage might they cause you and me?
Tropical Destinations with Sun Protection Product Rules
In some locations, selling sun protection products that can harm marine life is against the law. That’s not to say that you will be fined for bringing them with you, but local stores can’t sell these products. So, if you forget your regular sunscreen at home, you’ll only be able to buy certain brands of mineral sunscreen.
These island nations and other tropical destinations currently ask visitors to only bring reef safe sunscreen and ban the sale of it:
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Hawaii
- Key West, Florida
- Palau
- Riviera Maya in Mexico, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel
- Turks and Caicos
- US Virgin Islands
Therefore, if swimming, snorkeling, or other water sports are on your list of things to do in one of these beautiful, tropical locations, make sure you pack a reef safe sunscreen brand.
Chemicals to Avoid in Your Sunscreen
According to the Coral Reef Alliance, Save the Reef, below is a list of sunscreen ingredients you want to avoid. These are the ones that can hurt marine life. The list starts with two chemicals beginning with the letter O.
They are:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
Other sunscreen chemicals to skip:
- Avobenzone
- Benzophenone-1
- Benzophenone-8
- Benzylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Homosalate
- Methylparaben
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
- OD-PABA
- 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
- Parabens
- Propylparaben
- Triclosan
Just Say No to Nanoparticles
In addition to the above ingredients, you also want to avoid nanoparticles. What are nanoparticles? They’re particles in a mineral-based sunscreen that ensure that the product rubs into your skin and doesn’t leave a white film. Sounds great, right?
Wrong. While nanoparticles are small enough that your skin easily absorbs them, marine and aquatic life can absorb them, too, and they can harm sea life. Ideally, you want to choose products that say “non-nano.” You’ll usually find this information listed next to the active ingredients like this: (non-nano).
Finally, you may be aware of sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide or just titanium dioxide in them. Unfortunately, titanium dioxide includes nanoparticles, so stick with non-nano zinc oxide instead.
How to Tell If Sunscreen is Reef Safe
Unfortunately, the term “reef friendly” is not regulated, so don’t just select products with “reef friendly” printed on the label. Instead, check the “active ingredients” label on the back of your sunscreen or personal care product to ensure that reef-harming chemicals are not included.
You’ll want to look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide listed as active ingredients. Be sure they’re “non-nano” or “micro-sized” to avoid harmful nanoparticles. Skip sprays and mists, and choose lotions that are free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and other ingredients on the bulleted list above. Opt for recyclable, reusable, or plant-based packaging to minimize plastic waste. By following these steps, you can enjoy the sun while protecting our delicate reefs and your health.
5 Reef Safe Sunscreen Brands to Try
Ready to make the switch? Here are five reef-friendly sunscreen brands that will safeguard your skin while also protecting our oceans.
1. Stream2Sea
Stream2Sea is a company committed to protecting marine ecosystems through eco-conscious skincare products. Their reef-safe sunscreens are mineral-based, non-toxic, and biodegradable, designed to protect both your skin and the environment.
I like the Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen SPF 30. This mineral-based sunscreen is fragrance-free and non-greasy, perfect for active days. It’s super water-resistant and doesn’t sting my eyes, making it ideal for long beach days and water activities.
Sage Advice: I love that Stream2Sea also has shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, and other biodegradable products that are better for the environment.
2. ThinkSport Sunscreen
Think is dedicated to creating safe, functional, and eco-friendly products — including reef-safe sunscreens. Their sunscreens are mineral-based, free of harmful chemicals, and designed for all ages.
I like to keep a Thinksport Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 in my camera bag. The compact stick is not only easy to cart around all day, but it’s easy to apply and non-greasy.
3. Blue Lizard Reef Safe Sun Protection
I’m not surprised that Blue Lizard is a reef-safe sunscreen. After all, it’s made in Australia, where reef protection is top of mind thanks to the Great Barrier Reef. As a frequent traveler, I love Blue Lizard’s Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen. The 1.7-ounce size makes it easy for me to carry on a plane, giving me everything I need to protect my face in the palm of my hand.
4. First Aid Beauty
Last year, I received First Aid Beauty lotion in a makeup subscription box. When I realized that one of my favorite hand lotion brands also makes reef-safe sunscreen, I had to check it out.
I recently purchased the Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen and love how light this Hawaii-compliant zinc oxide sunscreen is for daily use. I now use it daily under my make-up to help protect the sensitive skin on my face, whether I’m at home in Kansas City or on a tropical beach.
5. Alba Botanica
Alba Botanica is well-known for its plant-based, cruelty-free products. So when I discovered its line of reef-safe sunscreens, I had to give them a try. The Alba Botanica Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a fantastic lightweight, fragrance-free option that is easy for me to tuck in my purse and bring on the plane.
Where to Buy Reef Safe Sunscreen
If you’re like me and the idea of battling crowded store aisles doesn’t appeal to you, then shopping online for reef-safe sunscreen is the way to go. Not only is it a huge time saver, but I’d rather thoroughly check the ingredient lists on my couch than standing in an aisle at the store.
Amazon is a fantastic resource for this. They offer a vast selection of reef-safe sunscreens with detailed descriptions and user reviews. Plus, many listings include the ingredients list, so you can double-check that your sunscreen is truly reef-safe before you buy.
Target and Walmart online stores also have a good range of reef-safe options, and you can often find great deals. If you’re a fan of niche, eco-friendly brands, Thrive Market specializes in sustainable products and frequently features reef-safe sunscreens with natural ingredients.
Sun-Kissed and Ocean-Friendly
Who knew that something as seemingly simple as sunscreen could have such a significant impact on our oceans? If these chemical sunscreens harm marine life, just imagine what they might be doing to our skin! That’s why I’m switching to mineral sunscreen, whether I’m laying on a beach in Hawaii or gardening in my backyard in Kansas City. With ingredients that are kinder to both my skin and the environment, it’s a win-win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reef Safe Sunscreen
Have questions about reef safe sunscreen? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about mineal sunscreen.
Is mineral sunscreen reef safe?
Mineral-based sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide instead of chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate to help you protect your skin. Mineral sunscreens are considered to be reef safe because the ingredients used to make them do not contribute to coral bleaching. The ingredients used in chemical sunscreens are made with ingredients that cause harm to the ocean and its reefs.
Is Neutrogena sunscreen reef safe?
Yes, Neutrogena makes reef safe sunscreen, offering products with zinc-based ingredients for sun lovers of all ages.
Is Alba Botanica sunscreen reef safe?
Yes. Alba Botanica offers mineral-based protection sunscreen products. Additionally, Alba Botanica makes spray sunscreens that are air-powered so you can apply them without worrying about harming the Earth’s ozone layer.
Is Banana Boat sunscreen reef safe?
While Banana Boat does have a line of mineral-based products, some of their sun protection products contain ingredients on the list above of chemicals to avoid including avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. So be sure to read the label and choose wisely when selecting a Banana Boat sunscreen.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen reef safe?
Located in Australia, home of the Great Barrier Reef, Blue Lizard focuses on reef safe products.
Is Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen reef safe?
Although the beautiful tropical island of Hawaii inspires the brand’s name, many of its most widely available products include chemicals you should avoid when visiting Hawaii. They include harmful ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene. Hawaiian Tropic does offer a line of mineral products that are reef safe, but you’ll want to read the label carefully when selecting a sun protection product from this brand.
Is Native sunscreen reef safe?
Native sunscreen is reef safe because it uses mineral-based ingredients. These mineral ingredients are mixed with plant-based ingredients and oils that pose no threat to coral reefs.
Do You Have a Favorite Sunscreen?
What is your favorite type of sun protection? Do you use mineral sunscreen? If so, what is your favorite brand? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Sage Scott
After growing up all over the United States and in Europe, Sage Scott writes her travel blog with a midlife traveler’s perspective from America’s Heartland.
Ready to hit the road from Kansas City to Wichita? Here’s what you need to know when plotting your course between the Sunflower State’s two biggest cities, whether you take the direct route or a more scenic path.
In the northeastern corner of the Sunflower State, spilling over into Missouri, is Kansas City. Known as the Barbeque Capital of the World, this bustling metropolitan area is home to the Kansas City Chiefs, more than 200 fountains, and 2.4 million friendly people.
About 200 miles southwest, near the Oklahoma border, lies Wichita. It’s the birthplace of several famous chains, like Pizza Hut, White Castle, and Freddy’s Frozen Custard, and is nicknamed the Air Capital of the World due to its role in aviation history.
Both Kansas City and Wichita offer a wide range of things to do, but what about traveling between Kansas’s two largest cities? While flying from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport (ICT) is an option, the drive to the airport, security checks, and flight time often make driving a more straightforward choice.
A road trip from Kansas City to Wichita not only connects two major Midwestern cities but also unveils a path filled with scenic beauty and rich history. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice explorer, this guide provides you with all the essentials — the best routes, ideal travel times, and must-visit stops—ensuring that your road trip is as exciting as the destinations themselves.
Have You Traveled Between Kansas City and Wichita?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
Choosing Your Route
When charting your course between Kansas City and Wichita, you have a few options. Do you want to get there as fast as possible, or would you prefer to wander along the scenic route?
Note: The driving distance and times listed assume normal weather and road conditions. Be sure to allow more time during inclement weather, road construction, or if it’s a game day at either the University of Kansas or K-State. You’ll also need to add in time for your planned stops.
Direct Route
About 200 miles and 3 hours (not including stops)
If you are more of a “hurry up and get there” kind of person, the quickest path between Kansas City and Wichita is Interstate 35. It’s not necessarily the most scenic drive, but it gets the job done, moving you between two of the Sunflower State’s biggest metropolitan areas pretty darn efficiently.
This route is mostly along the Kansas Turnpike. Toll fees vary, but if you enter the turnpike at the eastern terminal near Bonner Springs and take it to one of the Wichita exits, expect to pay between $12.50 and $14.00.
The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) offers an electronic transponder called KTAG. Transponders from other states, like BestPass, Pikepass, EZ TAG, and others, also work on the Kansas Turnpike. With one of these devices attached to your front windshield, you can enter and exit the toll road without stopping to pay the toll, and the KTA will charge the debit- or credit card on file.
If you don’t have one of these nifty devices, you can stop for a ticket when you enter the turnpike and pay at a kiosk when you exit. You can also visit the KTA website within ten days of using the toll road and pay your toll online
Stops Along the Direct Route
If you have a full tank of gas, everyone’s gone to the restroom, and you just want to get there, you may not need to stop. But if you do need to fuel up, take a bathroom break, or grab a few snacks, here’s what you need to know.
- Once you’re on the Kansas Turnpike, the only real place to stop is at one of the service plazas every 40 miles or so.
- These travel stops have plenty of pumps, clean restrooms, limited fast-food restaurants, and a few packaged food options. Although they cater to a relatively captive audience, the prices aren’t any higher than off the turnpike, but you do have limited options.
- If you are traveling with a furry friend, stopping at a service plaza is the best option for a quick walk or potty break.
- You can always exit the turnpike, but beware that you may pay slightly more in toll fees than staying on the turnpike.
Scenic Route
About 220 miles and 3 1/2 hours (not including stops)
If you favor a view, take a slight detour along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway. Stretching between Council Grove and Cassoday, the 47-mile-long scenic drive offers incredible views of the native grasses and wildflowers of the tallgrass prairie. While this route adds about 20 miles and 45 minutes to your journey, the opportunity to explore one of the last remaining native landscapes in the country is well worth the extra time. This travel experience allows you to witness vistas that remain largely unchanged from thousands of years ago, a testament to the enduring beauty of a land once home to the Kaw, Osage, and other native tribes.
Stops Along the Scenic Route
As you follow the route from Council Grove to Cassoday, consider these enriching stops:
Kaw Mission State Historic Site. Located in Council Grove, this site offers an immersive exploration of the rich history of the Kaw people, also known as the Kansa tribe. Established in 1850 as a mission school, this historic site along the Santa Fe Trail provides an interactive way to learn about Kansas’s native heritage.
Last Chance Store Museum. This unassuming limestone structure in Council Grove is the oldest commercial building along the historic Santa Fe Trail. It earned its name by being the final stop for travelers to purchase supplies before embarking on the arduous 625-mile journey to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Today, visitors can step into a piece of pioneer history, exploring the store’s preserved structure and imagining the bustling activity of past travelers making their last-minute preparations.
Lower Fox Creek School. Built in the late 19th century, this one-room schoolhouse has been restored to its 1882 appearance, including period furnishings. It gives visitors a glimpse of the educational practices of the past and celebrates the spirit of the early settlers who valued education as a cornerstone of societal development.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Spreading over nearly 11,000 acres, this National Park Service unit is dedicated to preserving one of the last tallgrass prairies in North America. Visitors can hike over 40 miles of nature trails, admire beautiful vistas filled with seasonal wildflowers, and observe a bison herd.
Prather Creek Falls. Also known as Chase Lake Falls, Prather Creek Falls is a picturesque, three-tiered waterfall located at Chase State Fishing Lake near the town of Cottonwood Falls. It may not be the tallest waterfall in the Sunflower State, but its accessibility and beautiful setting make it a favorite spot for enjoying the tranquil sounds of cascading water.
Chase County Courthouse. This beautiful French Renaissance building, constructed from native limestone between 1872 and 1873, is the oldest working courthouse in Kansas. It was designed by John G. Haskell, the first architect of the Kansas Capitol.
Sage Advice: As you drive the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, tune into AM 1680 AM to learn more about the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of the tallgrass prairie.
Historic Route
About 245 miles and 4 1/2 hours (not including stops)
This route will add a sprinkle — or a full cannonball-sized splash — of history to your Kansas City to Wichita road trip. It extends your drive by approximately 45 miles and 60 minutes from the direct route, not counting the time spent at various sites. Along the way, you can experience a stagecoach stop along the Santa Fe Trail, explore a pivotal location for civil rights, and do much more to immerse yourself in Kansas’s rich history.
Stops Along the Historic Route
This route travels west to Topeka from Kansas City and allows you to connect with the scenic route above in Council Grove or jump on the turnpike near Cassoday and speed along to Wichita. Recommended stops include:
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Located in Olathe, the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm is the only remaining working stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Visit for an authentic glimpse into 1860s stagecoach travel, farming life, and frontier living through hands-on experiences and historical reenactments.
Lecompton. This small town was the territorial capital of Kansas from 1855 to 1961 and is known as the birthplace of the Civil War, where slavery began to die. Stretch your legs with this self-guided walking tour (or driving tour) of historic sites like Constitution Hall, colorful murals, and other landmarks.
Kansas State Capitol. In the heart of downtown Topeka, the Kansas Statehouse is the only capitol building in the United States that allows visitors to go to the top of the dome and walk along a balcony for impressive views.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park. Nearly 100 years after the end of the Civil War, Kansas was once again the center of the Civil Rights Movement. The Brown v Board of Education historic site celebrates the Supreme Court’s 1954 decision that struck down racial segregation in public schools as unconstitutional.
Evel Knievel Museum. Although he was born, raised, and buried in Montana, daredevil Evel Knievel’s legacy lives on in Topeka. Housed at the Historic Harley-Davidson of Topeka, the Evel Knievel Museum showcases the most extensive collection of Evel Knievel’s personal memorabilia, including his iconic jump bikes, performance leathers, and interactive exhibits like a virtual reality jump.
Related Article: 48 Hours in Wichita, Kansas
Best Travel Times
Timing is everything when planning a road trip, and the journey from Kansas City to Wichita is no exception. To fully appreciate Kansas’s changing landscapes and open skies, consider embarking during the mild seasons of late spring or early autumn. These periods offer comfortable temperatures and the opportunity to witness nature in bloom or the warm hues of fall foliage, providing a stunning backdrop for your travel.
Morning Departures
Just like there’s no wrong way to eat a Reese’s peanut butter cup, there’s no bad time of day to hit the road from Kansas City to Wichita. However, an early start can significantly enhance your experience. Setting out early helps you avoid traffic and allows you to catch the majestic sunrise over the plains. Plus, you’ll arrive at your planned stops at the optimal times.
Avoiding Traffic
While the roads between Kansas City and Wichita are generally open, steering clear of rush hour can make your journey smoother. Avoid driving in the peak traffic times of 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita to ensure a more relaxed trip.
Weather Considerations
The prairies of Kansas are known for their wide-open spaces, which can mean sudden weather changes, particularly in transitional seasons. By watching the weather forecasts in the days leading up to your trip, you can sidestep any unexpected storms and enjoy clear skies for your adventure.
Safety Tips
When driving across Kansas, it’s essential to be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Be prepared for quick-forming thunderstorms, hail, and even the possibility of a tornado in spring. Expect snow and ice during the winter months. Always check weather forecasts before departure, and be sure you pack safety essentials like a first aid kit and emergency roadside tools.
The Last Mile
From the bustling streets of Kansas City to the pioneering spirit of Wichita, your road trip across Kansas is more than just a journey between two points. It’s a voyage through the heart of America, filled with opportunities to explore, discover, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So take your time, enjoy the views, and discover why there’s no place like Kansas.
Have You Driven from Kansas City to Wichita?
What were the highlights of your trip? Do you have any insider tips or must-see stops to share? Tell me all about it in the comments section below.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Sage Scott
After growing up all over the United States and in Europe, Sage Scott writes her travel blog with a midlife traveler’s perspective from America’s Heartland.
With their dark, seed-studded centers encircled by a fringe of sunny yellow petals, sunflowers spread cheerful goodwill as they follow the sun across the sky. But did you know these surprising facts about sunflowers?
In Kansas, the land where the Wizard of Oz jokes never seem to end, no yellow brick road leads to Oz. But our state is renowned for its breathtaking fields of both cultivated and wild sunflowers. The cheery flower that is our state flower:
- symbolizes happiness and vitality,
- keeps pollinators happy,
- positively contributes to the environment, and provides its seeds for sunflower oil, healthy snacks, and an allergy-free butter.
Take that munchkins!
Ready to view this iconic flower through a new lens? These intriguing facts about sunflowers will reveal their profound impact well beyond the sun-kissed fields of Kansas.
Do You Love Tulips?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
1. Sunflowers Are Native To North America
Sunflowers grow in the center of North America, from the Canadian plains provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to the high plains of the American Midwest. While Kansas is known as the Sunflower State, North Dakota currently produces the most sunflowers in the United States. And the sunny blooms honored in Kansas are considered noxious weeds across the border in Iowa.
2. But They Took a World Tour with Spanish Conquistadors
After being taken from their native North America to Spain, sunflowers quickly captivated European growers for their ornamental and oil-producing value. Revered for their beauty and utility, sunflowers rapidly spread across the continent.
3. The Sunflower is the State Flower of Kansas
Kansas adopted the sunflower as its state flower in 1903. They symbolize the Sunflower State’s wild, natural beauty. Kansas fields bloom with these golden rays every summer, drawing visitors from all over to bask in their splendor and reflecting the state’s agricultural heritage and natural beauty.
4. And the National Flower of Ukraine
Across an ocean from Kansas, the sunflower stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in Ukraine, symbolizing peace and solidarity. Revered in Ukrainian culture, it plays a crucial role in traditional art and folklore, embodying the nation’s strength and the warmth of its people.
5. Crop Sunflowers Are Not The Same As Wild Sunflowers
Whether you associate sunflower fields with Kansas, North Dakota, or a Canadian province, the sunflowers planted as crops differ from wild sunflowers. Cultivated sunflowers are annuals that typically bloom from mid-August through mid-September. Wild sunflowers are perennials that bloom throughout the summer in open fields and along roadsides.
Related Article: A Guide to Kansas Wildflowers by Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
6. Native American Tribes Used Sunflowers In Several Ways
With roughly 1,000 seeds per bloom, one of the most common ways Native Americans used sunflowers was for food. Indigenous people toasted sunflower seeds, eating them as a snack or drying them and grinding them into flour. Sunflower oil was also an essential source of fat for Native Americans since most of their protein sources were low in this vital nutrient.
Sage Advice: Made from roasted sunflower seeds, sunflower seed butter is an alternative to peanut butter or almond butter, perfect for people with nut allergies.
Additionally, indigenous people used sunflowers as medicine. Native Americans applied the sticky juice oozing from a freshly cut sunflower to everything from cuts and scrapes to snake bites, creating a type of wound dressing.
As we use sunflowers for art, fashion, and home decor today, so do Native Americans. They used the golden petals to decorate pottery, dye textiles, and create body paint for religious ceremonies.
7. In Addition To Their Other Benefits, Sunflowers Are Good For The Environment
Sunflowers aren’t just another pretty face or a simple food source. They also help clean up environmental disasters. Fields of sunflowers have successfully removed toxins like lead, arsenic, and uranium from contaminated soil. After devastating nuclear disasters in Chernobyl, Ukraine, and Fukushima, Japan, clean-up crews planted millions of sunflowers to help detoxify the soil.
8. A Beacon for Pollinators
When you plant sunflowers, you also help save bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators. Better yet, bees will carry sunflower pollen back to their hive and infuse its sunny taste in their honey.
9. Sunflowers Aren’t Always Yellow
While yellow sunflowers are most common, there are more than 60 species of sunflowers. In addition to yellow sunflowers, look for petals that range from the cream-colored Italian white sunflower to the deep crimson of the Moulin Rouge sunflower. There are also ombre petals like the Ring of Fire sunflower variety, which is deep red near the center and bright yellow at the tips.
10. Vincent Van Gogh Wasn’t The Only Artist Inspired By Sunflowers
While Vincent van Gogh may be best known for his famous sunflower painting of a ceramic vase bursting with yellow stems, sunflowers have also inspired other artists. In The Painter of Sunflowers, Paul Gauguin captured van Gogh painting his famous still life.
In Muchacha con Girasoles (Girl with Sunflowers), Mexican artist Diego Rivera captured a young woman arranging a bouquet of sunflowers. And while Austrian painter Gustav Klimt is best known for his sensual The Kiss, featuring a couple embracing beneath a sunflower yellow quilt with black, seed-like accents, The Sunflower features a single, tall sunflower stalk surrounded by colorful wildflowers.
Sage Advice: Want to explore an impressive amount of van Gogh masterpieces? The Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands is a can’t miss experience.
11. Sunflowers Can Vary In Height
The fields that attract photographers and Instagrammers in the late summer are planted with sunflower varieties whose stalks reach five to 12 feet in height. However, dwarf sunflowers rarely top three feet, making them perfectfor planting in pots or growing indoors.
Fun Fact: Grown in Germany, the world’s tallest sunflower was over 30 feet tall!
12. Sunflowers Follow The Sun
As the sun moves across the sky each day, the sunflower’s face tracks its progress. Once the flower has fully matured, it remains fixed on the eastern horizon.
Fun Fact: The French word for sunflower is tournesol, which means “turns with the sun.”
13. A Sunflower is Made of Thousands of Tiny Flowers
You may look at the golden flower head and see a single bloom, but a sunflower’s fuzzy, brown center is actually made up of thousands of individual flowers. And if that’s not cool enough, the florets in the dark center of the huge flowers grow in a distinctive spiral pattern known as the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical sequence found throughout nature.
14. Sunflowers Are Symbolic
Few blooms brighten your day quite like these sunny flowers. In addition to bringing cheer, sunflowers symbolize good luck and longevity in many cultures.
What’s Your Favorite Sunflower Fact?
Do you have a fun fact about sunflowers not included above? Share it with me in the comments section below.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Sage Scott
After growing up all over the United States and in Europe, Sage Scott writes her travel blog with a midlife traveler’s perspective from America’s Heartland.
Discover the delightful world of afternoon tea, a cherished ritual that offers much more than just tea and snacks. Explore the history, food, and etiquette that make English tea time a timeless experience as I answer the question, “What is afternoon tea?”
As a German-American who’s never watched an episode of Downton Abbey and needs the subtitles turned on to understand The Crown, I did not grow up around afternoon tea time. But when my cousin married an Englishwoman, I was introduced to this delicious afternoon experience.
Two children and 20 years later, my cousin’s wife is now an American citizen. But that hasn’t stopped her from continuing her beloved tea tradition, and I’m always happy to enjoy the experience with her.
Related Article: How to Speak Yankee – A Guide for People Who Speak King’s English
Do You Love English Tea Time?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
What is Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea involves sipping tea while noshing on dainty finger sandwiches, scones topped with clotted cream and jam, and scrumptious desserts. It’s typically held in the mid- to late-afternoon to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.
"What I love the most about afternoon tea is that it’s an opportunity to slow down and spend quality time with friends. We normally hold them for baby showers, birthdays, and so on."
A Brief History of Afternoon Tea
Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford and lifelong friend of Queen Victoria, is credited with conjuring up this afternoon snack break. Dinner was usually served around 9:00 pm, causing the Duchess to be hangry in the mid-afternoon. Since Mars had not yet invented Snickers bars, the duchess ordered tea, bread, and cakes to her room.
What began as a somewhat solo afternoon snack became more of a tea party when the Duchess started inviting her friends and family to join her. Tea time became more of a social event, and a delicious British tradition was born.
Let’s explore what modern afternoon tea looks like, from the duchess’s private rooms to today’s popular tea rooms.
Sage Advice: If you’re looking for a London themed gift, a themed tin filled with English teas is a great option.
What Time is Afternoon Tea?
In England, tea is typically served around 4:00 pm. However, in the United States, tea time can vary by establishment, and it’s not uncommon for hotels and restaurants to serve tea as early as 2:00 pm.
What Type of Tea is Served at Afternoon Tea?
My English cousin-in-law always orders Earl Grey. And the way the words sound with her beautiful English accent to ears here in Kansas City usually requires one of us Yankees to translate for the server, but that’s another story.
In addition to Earl Grey, other black teas, like Assam or Darjeeling, are also quite popular. Afternoon tea service may also include herbal teas, like chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus.
"The best English tea I’ve ever attended was held on the lawn of the historic Woodlawn Museum in Maine. Fresh flowers on the tables, fresh air, the antique China service and petite, bite-size, desserts — including brownies, butter, cookies, and tarts — made the tea a really special occasion."
What Food is Served at Afternoon Tea?
An afternoon tea menu is light and typically has three components: bite-sized savory snacks, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of sweets.
Everything is commonly served on a three-tiered rack, with savory tea sandwiches and other finger foods on the bottom. Cucumber sandwiches and sausage rolls are traditional fare, but trendier options like fennel and apple salad in Belgian endive cups are increasingly popular.
The middle tier typically includes scones. While I’m a big fan of traditional British scones made with just flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and sugar, some tea menus — especially those in the United States — include a wide variety of scones. Stateside, it’s not uncommon to find sweet varieties, like peach scones with vanilla glaze or brown sugar scones with maple butter, and savory options, like cheese and jalapeno scones and watercress with goat’s cheese, instead of the English classic.
At the top of the tea food pyramid are all of the sweets. Crisp biscuits (as the British refer to cookies in the United Kingdom) and strawberry tarts are popular desserts served at English afternoon tea. One of my favorites, however, is Battenberg Cake. Allegedly created in honor of Queen Victoria’s granddaughter to Prince Louis of Battenberg in the 1880s, this rose pink and lemon yellow checkerboard cake is wrapped with marzipan and is as delicious as it is pretty.
What is the Difference Between High Tea and Afternoon Tea?
Even though high tea might sound more elegant than afternoon tea, that’s not the case. Think of the two tea services like Greenland and Iceland — Greenland sounds lush but is full of ice, and Iceland sounds frigid but is lush. The same dynamic is at play here — the two types of tea are the opposite of what you might expect!
High tea is a big meal traditionally eaten by workers coming home after a long day. It was called high tea because it was eaten at a tall dining table. This meal included lots of filling foods like meat and vegetables and, of course, tea. It wasn’t fancy but more about getting a good, hearty meal after a long day’s work.
On the other hand, afternoon tea is a lighter and more elegant meal. It usually includes lighter fare like finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, sweet treats, and tea. The upper class enjoyed this type of tea in the late afternoon as a way to socialize and enjoy a light bite before dinner.
So, the main differences between high tea and afternoon tea are the time of day, the food served, and the purpose they serve.
Types of Afternoon Tea Services
Now that you understand the difference between high tea and afternoon tea, here are some other types of afternoon tea services to consider.
Cream Tea: Scones + Tea
Cream tea is the simplest type of English tea service with just scones, clotted cream, jam, and tea. It’s a great introduction to the world of tea service.
Light Tea: Scones + Sweets + Tea
This afternoon tea service adds sweet treats to go above and beyond cream tea, but doesn’t include the savory finger foods from full tea. Because why eat sandwiches if you can enjoy petits fours, macarons, and other sweet treats instead?!?
Full Tea: Savory Foods + Scones + Sweets + Tea
Also known as afternoon tea or low tea, full tea adds savory finger foods to the scones, sweets, and tea served at light tea. It is one of the most common types of afternoon tea service at hotels, restaurants, and bakeries.
Royal Tea: Full Tea + Champagne or Sherry
Adding a glass of champagne, sherry, or another adult beverage to the standard fare makes a tea royal versus regular. Day drinking, dainty sandwiches, and fruit tarts? Count me in!
What to Wear to Afternoon Tea
If you’re wondering what to wear to afternoon tea, I have answers! Most restaurants and other establishments serving tea anticipate that their guests will dress in a “smart casual” or “business casual” style. This means that dresses and slacks (including nice jeans) paired with a pretty top are appropriate for women.
For men, nice slacks (including nice jeans) and a collared shirt are appropriate. While men don’t need to wear a jacket or tie, it wouldn’t be over-the-top. Sweat pants, yoga pants, jeans with tears, and tennis shoes are generally inappropriate.
Mastering Tea Time Etiquette
As an English tradition, several etiquette rules may feel foreign to Americans. These include:
- asking for “some tea” and not “a tea,”
- stirring your tea gently up and down rather than in a circular motion, and
- enjoying the three-tiered assortment of treats from the bottom up.
Read this article for all the etiquette you need to know to enjoy tea time like a duchess and not a dork.
Do You Enjoy Tea Time?
Have you experienced a British tea service? What did you like most? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Sage Scott
After growing up all over the United States and in Europe, Sage Scott writes her travel blog with a midlife traveler’s perspective from America’s Heartland.
Rev up your engines and join me on a nostalgic journey as we cruise down iconic Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. From quirky roadside attractions to historical landmarks, Tulsa’s stretch of the Mother Road is brimming with surprises at every turn.
Whether you use a nickname — like the Mother Road or Main Street of America — or refer to it by its given name, Route 66 is arguably the most famous highway in the United States. One of the nation’s first interstate roads, Route 66 arced southward through eight states and crossed three time zones connecting Chicago and Santa Monica.
In Oklahoma, Route 66 enters the Sooner State in its upper northeastern corner near Joplin, Missouri. Stretching more than 400 miles, the route divides the Cherokee Nation from the Osage Reservation as it races through the heavily wooded Ozark mountains toward tallgrass prairies and the Texas Panhandle, connecting Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
But Oklahoma is more than roughly the midpoint of the journey along Route 66. It is also where Oklahoma businessman Cy Avery (also known as the Father of Route 66) conjured up the concept of the Main Street of America.
While many sites along Route 66 have long been abandoned, Tulsa has worked hard to restore historical gems as well as to build new sites that pay homage to the Mother Road. These are the can’t-miss places you’ll want to explore along Route 66 in Tulsa.
Have You Explored Route 66 in Tulsa?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
East Gateway Arch
Route 66 through Tulsa is bookended by gateway arches. Beginning your tour of the Mother Road at the East Gateway Arch has the added benefit of informational signs and a map that provides an overview of the sights.
Sage Advice: Nearly 30 historical markers accompany Route 66 in Tulsa, so be sure to keep an eye out for them as you explore the Mother Road.
Mingo Greenway And Interpretive Plaza
The current alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa is known as 11th Street, but the original Mother Road followed a different path. Look for signs at the intersection of 11th Street and Mingo Road to take a short detour known as the Mingo Greenway, which will take you down the original path of Route 66 and includes a small plaza with a few historical markers and informational plaques.
Route 66 Rising
Rising from the center of the traffic circle where Cyrus Avery’s tourist court and service station once stood (now known as the Avery Traffic Circle) is a large public art piece. While you can’t miss the sculpture at the intersection of E. Admiral Place and S. Mingo Road, finding a spot to get out and take a photo can be a bit more complicated. I had good luck pulling into the lot at Clayton Homes and carefully making my way across two lanes of traffic to the lush center.
Related Article: What Three Weeks on Route 66 Taught Me About America’s Ghost Highway
Desert Hills Motel
With a neon sign featuring a saguaro cactus blinking its location, you’ll find the Desert Hills Motel on East 11th Street. In true Route 66 motel fashion, you can park right in front of your room door and spend the night in a beautifully restored room that delivers a 1950s’ experience with modern conveniences.
Tally’s Good Food Cafe
Nothing pairs with a Route 66 road trip like an old-school diner serving up delicious comfort food surrounded by 1950s memorabilia, so be sure to stop for a bite at Tally’s Good Food Cafe.
With more than 100 dishes on the menu, it can be hard to narrow down your choices, but Tally’s is known for having the best chicken-fried steak along Route 66. Each piece is hand-breaded and served with two sides and a freshly baked dinner roll.
You’ll also discover a long list of burger options, and I highly recommend the deep-fried onion rings as your side dish. And whether you order it for breakfast or as a dessert, don’t leave Tally’s without trying a homemade cinnamon roll.
Golden Driller Statue
While the Golden Driller Statue is a short detour south of Route 66, it is another must-see roadside attraction in Tulsa. Standing 75 feet tall with a tawny arm resting on an oil derrick, this giant outside the Tulsa Expo Center is the sixth-tallest statue in the United States.
Related Article: Route 66 in Illinois
Mother Road Market
About two miles west of Tally’s, another delicious spot for a bite along Route 66 in Tulsa is the Mother Road Market. Just south of the Mother Road on Lewis Avenue, Tulsa’s first food hall brings more than 20 local eateries and breweries under one roof.
Stop by to sample a wide range of dishes from rice bowls to ramen, pastries to pizza, and burgers to beer. And once you’ve satisfied your hunger, play a round of mini-golf on the Route 66-themed course on the back patio and admire the murals painted on the brick building.
Sage Advice: Explore more of the amazing murals that tell T-Town’s story with this guide.
Meadow Gold Sign
Between Peoria and Quaker avenues, the neon Meadow Gold sign sits atop a brick loggia, lending its name to an up-and-coming mixed-use Tulsa neighborhood. The historic sign beckons visitors to informational signs, a Route 66-themed mural, and local shops and restaurants.
Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios
About a block from the Meadow Gold sign, larger-than-life fictional space cowboy Buck Atom marks the spot of one local shop. Celebrate the magic of Mother Road by visiting Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios where you can find t-shirts, toys, stickers, and souvenirs. And for more cosmic fun, stay just around the corner from the shop at Buck’s Cosmic Crash Pad!
Blue Dome District
Located in the original alignment of Route 66, this Tulsa neighborhood is named after Tulsa’s first 24-hour gas station. Although the cerulean-topped landmark is not open to the public, it’s a great spot for photos and a navigational anchor as you explore the district’s restaurants, bars, and shops.
Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza
Located on the east bank of the Arkansas River, the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza pays homage to the Father of Route 66. Walk across the skybridge and read the informational signs before snapping pics of the large sculpture in the center of the plaza. The East Meets West sculpture stands at the symbolic midpoint of the Mother Road, illustrating a common occurrence when horse-drawn wagons from the oil fields and automobiles jockeyed for passing rights on the original narrow bridge that spanned the river.
Avery Park Southwest
As you drive across the Cyrus Avery Memorial Bridge, watch for three 20-foot-tall replica neon motel signs on the southwestern intersection of the road and river. Each sign — Tulsa Auto Court, the Will Rogers Motor Court, and the Oil Capital Motel — represents an era along Route 66 in Tulsa.
Sage Advice: Be sure you hit all of the 66 stops along Route 66 in Oklahoma by collecting stamps in your official Oklahoma Route 66 Passport.
Route 66 Historical Village
Designed to tell the story of Tulsa’s oil and transportation industries, the Route 66 Historical Village is an open-air museum along Southwest Boulevard. Start your visit in the information center inspired by an early Mother Road-era Phillips 66 gas station.
Then head over to the 194-foot-tall oil derrick that marks the spot where oil was first discovered in T-Town on June 25, 1901. Stretched out in the shadow of the oil derrick is a Meteor Frisco 4500. This steam locomotive once traveled through Tulsa, transporting passengers and freight overnight between St. Louis and Oklahoma City.
Fun Fact: Oklahoma City is the only Sooner State town mentioned by name in Nat King Cole’s famous song, “(Get Your Kicks) on Route 66.”
West Gateway Arch
As the East Gateway Arch designated the beginning of Route 66 in Tulsa’s city limits, the West Gateway Arch marks its end on the edge of a strip mall that includes Arnold’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers. Jump out for a final selfie before continuing your westward journey on I-44 or a less-traveled section of Route 66.
From decaying landmarks to lovingly restored gems, these spots along Route 66 in Tulsa teach you more about the road that helped down-on-their-luck Midwesterners flee the devastating Dust Bowl, paved the way for families to road trip to the beach, and continues to capture our attention in the 21st century.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Travel Awaits.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
As an enduring symbol of American democracy, the Washington Monument has stood tall in the nation’s capital for generations. Discover fascinating Washington Monument facts that transcend time and celebrate the spirit of this iconic structure.
Although he lived more than 220 years ago, practically every American from kindergarten on knows that George Washington was:
- a plantation owner at Mount Vernon in northern Virginia,
- a victorious general who led a ragtag group of patriots to victory over England,
- a Founding Father, and
- the first president of the United States.
But do you know these facts about the tallest building in Washington, DC, honoring an American icon, our first president?
Have You Visited the Washington Monument?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
1. The Current Design Was Not the Original Plan for the Washington Monument
After the American Revolution, discussions began about creating a monument to honor General Washington. In fact, Pierre L’Enfant’s original design for Washington, DC, included a prominent space for the capital city’s namesake between the White House and the US Capitol.
When George Washington died in 1799, Congress authorized the construction of a memorial honoring POTUS #1. But bickering over what type of landmark would appropriately honor him and a lack of funding stalled the project. And, when the Jeffersonian Republicans gained power at the turn of the century, they promptly voted to cancel the project (more on that later).
Fast forward a few decades to 1833. The Washington National Monument Society was established and successfully raised a good chunk of change to fund the memorial. The society held a contest to select a designer for the Washington Monument. An architect named Robert Mills from South Carolina won, but his design differs from what you see today when you visit Washington, DC.
Mills’s original design was much more grandiose. It featured an obelisk similar to the one you know and love today but standing on a base of thirty 100-foot columns. Each column, resembling the Roman Pantheon, would dedicate itself to one of the 30 signers of the Declaration of Independence. The monument incorporated George Washington as a statue standing in a chariot pulled by six horses. (That takes the iconic image of General Washington on horseback to a whole new level, right?)
2. The Original Monument Design was $1 Million in 1848
Although the Washington National Monument Society picked Mills’s proposal as the winner of its design competition, critics felt it was over the top and too expensive. After all, $1 million in the 1840s is about $32.5 million in today’s dollars.
So, a simplified version of Mills’s design featuring just the Egyptian obelisk began in 1848. However, when the monument officially opened to the public in 1888, it had incurred a cost of $1.4 million. (Good thing they stopped there!)
While $32.5 million is a lot of money, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, one of the newest in the nation’s capital, totaled about $150 million. And the World War II Memorial cost $175 million to construct.
3. Three Future Presidents Attended the Cornerstone-Laying Ceremony on July 4, 1848
The cornerstone for his monument was laid nearly 50 years after Washington’s death. The stone was embedded with a box that included a portrait of George Washington, a Bible, a city map, and a copy of the United States Constitution. It was inscribed with these words, “4th July, 1848. This Corner-Stone Laid of a Monument, by the People of the United States, to the Memory of George Washington.”
More than 20,000 people covered the grassy expanse of the National Mall on America’s birthday to participate in the event. But a little known Washington Monument fact is that three future presidents were in attendance:
- James Buchanan, POTUS #15
- Abraham Lincoln, POTUS #16
- Andrew Johnson, POTUS #17
4. It Took Years (And Years) to Finish the Washington Monument
After the cornerstone was laid on Independence Day in 1848, it took another four decades to complete the nation’s first Washington, DC, monument.
The first roadblock was in 1858 when funding ran out and the obelisk had reached only a quarter of its planned height. A few years later, the Civil War broke out. One of the most surprising facts about the Washington Monument is that Union soldiers used the grassy area surrounding the partially completed monument to feed cattle to supply troops during America’s bloodiest conflict.
That brings a whole new meaning to appropriating public land!
As America celebrated her 100th birthday, a desire to complete the paused project honoring her first president grew. Many folks thought the lone obelisk without its colonnade resembled a lone stalk of asparagus and should be more grand and impressive to honor a man like George Washington. But, as you know, a single stone structure was ultimately completed after a few modifications were made to ensure the obelisk had classic Egyptian proportions.
With a design decided once and for all, construction resumed in 1879 under the leadership of Lt. Col. Lincoln Casey and the Corps of Engineers. The monument’s exterior was completed in 1884, and a formal dedication was held on the eve of what would have been Washington’s 153rd birthday on February 21, 1885.
5. And It STILL Took Years Before the Monument Was Open to the Public
After its dedication in 1885, more work had to be done before opening the monument to the public. Tasks included the completion of an iron staircase inside the monument to allow folks to visit the observation deck and, ultimately, a public elevator.
At long last, nearly 90 years after Washington’s death, the monument honoring the war hero and first president opened to the public on October 9, 1888.
Pro Tip: From the White House to George Washington University, learn more about the nation’s first president in this interactive Washington, DC, scavenger hunt.
6. The Washington Monument on the National Mall is Not the First Monument Honoring the First US President
Although the Washington Monument on the National Mall is the most recognized monument honoring America’s first president, it’s not the first monument to do so.
While the powers that be in DC spent decades arguing, architect Robert Mills quietly constructed his own Washington monument. On land donated by Col. John Eager Howard in Baltimore, about 40 miles northeast of the National Mall, Mills finished a nearly 200-foot Doric column with panoramic views from the top in 1829.
7. The Washington Monument is Two Different Shades of White
When the Army Corps of Engineers resumed construction after more than two decades, the Maryland quarry’s original stone was no longer available. Builders used stone from a Massachusetts quarry instead, but after adding a few vertical feet, they were displeased with its look. So, the monument was completed with stones from another quarry in Maryland.
At the time, the new stone looked like a decent match. However, environmental elements aged the granite differently, and you’ll notice a visible color difference in the upper two-thirds of the obelisk.
Pro Tip: One of the most remarkable ways to see the monuments and memorials of Washington, DC, is via a guided night tour.
8. The Top of the Washington Monument Weighs More Than a Ton and is Capped with This Surprising Metal
At some point between Mills’s original design for the Washington Monument and the version completed by the Army Corps of Engineers, the tip of the obelisk evolved from a flat top to a pointed capstone. The pyramid-shaped stone at the top of the monument weighs 3,300 pounds and was pulled through one of the observation floor windows and hoisted into place.
But the very tip of the capstone is an approximately nine-inch aluminum piece. You read that correctly — not gold, silver, bronze, or copper. Aluminum. While thicker than the aluminum foil used to wrap up and smoke ribs for a barbeque, that’s a lot of Reynolds Wrap!
Legend has it that aluminum was more precious than silver at the time and predominantly used for jewelry. Still, several sources I reviewed suggested that the two metals were equally priced at $1 per ounce. While aluminum is an everyday metal in our 21st-century lives, the monument topper was the largest piece of aluminum in its day (less than a foot tall). And, before it capped the Washington Monument, it was displayed at Tiffany’s jewelry store in New York.
The more likely reason behind the unusual metal choice was that aluminum was believed to be the best deterrent for lightning strikes. While that may have been the conventional wisdom of engineers in the 1880s, unfortunately, aluminum is a conductor of electricity.
When the engineers returned to the top of the Washington Monument six months after placing the aluminum pyramid at the top, they discovered that it had not only been struck by lightning but had melted about 3/8ths of an inch. So, two aluminum lightning rods were added to the tip of the landmark, and the original aluminum piece became nothing more than a unique decoration.
Each of the four angled sides of the pyramid includes inscriptions recognizing the men who designed and built the monument and marking milestones during the landmark’s construction. On the east face, positioned to face the rising sun each morning, are the Latin words “Laus Deo,” which means “Praise be to God.”
So, it’s no wonder the Washington Monument plays a vital role in Dan Brown’s thriller, The Lost Symbol.
9. When Completed, the Washington Monument Was the World's Tallest Man-Made Structure
(And its size still matters today)
Although the obelisk originally designed by Mills was 600 feet tall, the Washington Monument ultimately built stands at 555 feet, 5-⅛ inches tall. When the exterior was completed in 1884, it was the tallest structure in the world.
But it only held the top spot for a short time. The Eiffel Tower knocked it to second place when it opened as the 1889 World’s Fair entrance in Paris. But the Washington Monument remains the world’s tallest predominantly stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk. And its size will always matter in Washington, DC, because no building in DC is allowed to be taller than the Washington Monument.
Pro Tip: It’s easy to walk a marathon each day that you explore Washington, DC. Give your feet a break by touring the monuments by bike.
10. The Washington Monument Doesn't Just Honor America's First President, It Unites the Nation
As you stroll the monument grounds, you’ll notice 50 American flags encircling the obelisk’s base.
Set inside the east and west interior walls are nearly 200 commemorative stones. Although the United States didn’t have 50 states until 1959, when Hawaii joined the union, all are represented by a memorial stone along with cities, foreign countries, organizations, and individuals.
The memorial stones range in size from small squares a little more than a foot wide to large rectangles that measure six feet by eight feet. They are carved out of a variety of stones, like granite, white marble, limestone, and sandstone, and are accented with materials as unique and varied as each presenting destination or organization. There is jade from Alaska, petrified wood from Arizona, copper from Michigan, and pipestone from Minnesota.
Since the stairs inside the Washington Monument were closed in 1976, the only way to see the memorial stones is via an occasional ranger-led tour. Unfortunately, even those were discontinued after an earthquake impacted the building in 2011. When I visited the District of Columbia in March 2021, a U.S. National Park Service ranger told me that lead had been discovered in the stairwell paint, making it even less likely they would resume any time soon.
Fun Fact: The state of Utah has two memorial stones inside the Washington Monument. It contributed one stone as a US territory using the pre-territorial name of Deseret and another stone after being admitted as the 45th state on January 4, 1896.
11. The Washington Monument is the Only Presidential Monument in Washington That Requires a Ticket
This Washington Monument fact requires you to plan ahead when you visit Washington, DC.
Since the stairs are permanently closed to visitors, the only way to ascend to the top of the Washington Monument is by elevator. There is no cost to ride the elevator, but only a set number of tickets are available daily.
To ensure you can gaze out one of the eight observation windows and see up to 30 miles on a clear day, you may want to splurge the $1.50 per ticket to reserve a spot on your preferred day.
Whether you reserve your ticket in advance or take your chances, be glad that the electric elevator ride has improved over the years. When the original steam-driven elevator was installed, it took about ten minutes to climb the landmark. The contraption was considered so dangerous that only men were allowed to ride it. (Yes, women and children had to climb all 897 stairs. How gallant!)
12. A 5.8-Magnitude Earthquake Damaged the Washington Monument in 2011
When I think of earthquakes, I think of California. And I don’t expect much damage when I think of a 5.8 magnitude in California. But that’s not how things worked out for the Washington Monument in August 2011.
The quake damaged the elevator, broke off stones (hopefully none of those memorial ones), and opened cracks in the monument that were substantial enough for light to shine through. Repairs cost approximately $15 million, but billionaire philanthropist David M. Rubenstein of Bethesda, Maryland, donated half the funds.
Other Facts About the Washington Monument
Additional facts and figures about the Washington Monument in Washington, DC.
Where is the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It’s directly south of the White House and directly east of the Lincoln Memorial.
Who Does the Washington Monument Honor?
The Washington Monument honors General George Washington, a Revolutionary War hero, Founding Father, and the United States’ first president.
How Many Flags are Around the Washington Monument?
There are 50 American flags encircling the Washington Monument, one for each state in the Union.
How Tall is the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument is 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches tall. When it was completed in 1884, the monument was the tallest structure in the world.
When was the Washington Monument Completed?
The Washington Monument was completed in 1884, dedicated in 1885, and opened to the public in 1888. It took approximately 40 years to complete the Washington Monument.
Who Designed the Washington Monument?
The monument was originally designed by Robert Mills, an architect from South Carolina who won a design contest held by the Washington National Monument Society in 1833. While chosen as the winning design, Mills’s original design was deemed too grandiose, and a scaled-back version was approved.
After construction was paused during the Civil War, architect Henry Searle proposed an updated design for the Washington Monument that resulted in the single obelisk you see today.
Who Built the Washington Monument?
From the placement of the cornerstone in 1848 to its grand opening to the public in 1888, it took 40 years to complete the Washington Monument. After several events stalled its progress, Thomas Casey and the US Army Corps of Engineers ultimately completed the Washington Monument.
Was the Washington Monument Built by Slaves?
While several historic buildings — like the White House and the US Capitol Building — were built by enslaved people, the facts surrounding the Washington Monument are a little more hazy.
While there doesn’t appear to be any evidence that enslaved people constructed the obelisk, slave labor was commonly employed at Maryland quarries used to source the monument’s stone blocks.
What is the Washington Monument Made of?
The Washington Monument is constructed of blocks of marble, blue gneiss, and granite.
Why is the Washington Monument Two Colors?
When construction of the Washington Monument began after a 20-year pause, stone blocks from the original quarry in Maryland were no longer available. Stones sourced from a new quarry appeared to match, but the materials have aged differently. Look for a visible difference in color about one-third of the way up the structure.
Can You Go Inside the Washington Monument?
Yes, but a limited number of people can visit per day, and a ticket is required.
Can You Go Up the Washington Monument?
Yes, but a ticket is required, and space is limited.
How Many Steps are in the Washington Monument?
There are just under 900 steps inside the Washington Monument. However, the stairs inside the Washington Monument have been closed to visitors since the 1970s.
Practical Information for Visiting the Washington Monument
What's the Address of the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument is located at 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC.
When is the Washington Monument Open?
The Washington Monument is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except on Christmas Day (December 25th).
Is There a Cost to Visit the Washington Monument?
There is no cost to visit or ascend the Washington Monument, but an entry ticket is required, and a limited number of tickets are available each day.
How to Get Washington Monument Tickets
Information about tickets to the Washington Monument (including advanced ticket reservations) is available on the National Park Service website.
What is the Best Place to Park Near the Washington Monument?
While public transportation is the most convenient way to visit the Washington Monument, limited public parking is available at the Paddle Boat Parking Lot along Maine Ave. SW, and along Ohio Drive, SW, between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials.
Have You Visited the Washington Monument in Washington, DC?
What did you like most about your visit to the Washington Monument? Did you get to visit the observation deck 500 feet above the nation’s capital? Any additional Washington Monument facts to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Looking for more information to plan your Washington DC vacation? Check out my additional recommendations to help you plan your trip to Washington, DC, including what to see and do in Washington DC, the best places to stay in Washington DC, where to eat in Washington DC, and more!
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Who says you have to splurge to enjoy an amazing animal adventure? From the bustling streets of Washington, DC, to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, these free zoos don’t just stretch your budget but also deliver unforgettable experiences.
The first zoos in America were established to care for abandoned pets, tend to orphaned wildlife, and prevent native species from going extinct. And whether they fit neatly into a small parcel of land or spread across hundreds of acres, modern zoos remain focused on rehabilitating injured animals and protecting endangered species.
But zoos also play an important role in educating humans about the fascinating creatures that share our planet and the steps we can take to reduce or eliminate the threats they face in the wild.
Whether you want to watch a turtle sun himself on a log or observe a giant panda devour a bushel of bamboo, these fantastic U.S. zoos let you visit for free.
Note: So as not to suggest any favorites, this list of U.S. zoos with free admission is presented in a follow-the-sun order from the east to the west.
Do You Have a Favorite Free Zoo?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer
1. Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Located on a finger of New Jersey that points across the bay at Delaware, the Cape May County Zoo spreads across 200 acres within the Cape May County Park. When this zoo opened in 1978, it primarily housed barnyard animals and native wildlife. But over the past four decades, the Cape May County Zoo has expanded to include adorable alpacas, giraffes, red pandas, zebras, and many other animals from outside the Garden State — including a flock of flamingos relocated from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.
The Cape May County Zoo is open every day but Christmas from 7:00 am to dusk, and admission to and parking at the zoo are completely free (although donations are encouraged). For a fee, guests can enjoy unique experiences like guided tours and animal encounters with capybaras, giraffes, or camels.
Sage Advice: Regardless of the zoo you visit, you’ll enjoy the best views of the animals at the beginning and end of the day.
2. Salisbury Zoo, Salisbury, Maryland
The Salisbury Zoo was created in the 1950s when unwanted wild animals were released into a 168-acre marshy area owned by the City of Salisbury. Located on the Delmarva peninsula, a strip of land along the Atlantic Ocean named for the three states that occupy it (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia), the little zoo quickly grew from a bottle-fed white-tailed deer fawn to its current state thanks to the support of the local community.
Today, the 12-acre zoo is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including swans, owls, beavers, tamarins, alligators, and tortoises. It is open daily from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Both admission and parking are free, but the Salisbury Zoo is grateful for your tax-deductible cash donations, zoo membership, animal adoptions, and items purchased from their Amazon wish list.
3. Smithsonian's National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
Established in the late 1800s in an attempt to save several native North American species — like deer, foxes, beavers, and bison — from extinction, the National Zoo is now home to approximately 1,800 animals. Remaining true to its original mission, about 20 percent of the animals living at the 163-acre zoo are on the endangered or threatened species lists.
Attracting nearly 2 million visitors from around the world each year, the Smithsonian Zoo is a popular sight in the nation’s capital. While admission to the National Zoo is free, parking is limited (and pricey). Fortunately, there are Metrobus and Metrorail stops within walking distance of the zoo’s main pedestrian entrance. I recommend arriving via the Cleveland Park Metrorail station and leaving through Woodley Park. This makes the walk to and from the zoo entirely downhill!
Sage Advice: The Smithsonian is the largest museum complex in the world, with 19 world-class museums, galleries, gardens, and a zoo. These helpful tips will allow you to navigate it with ease!
4. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois
With a pair of swans gifted from New York’s Central Park 150 years ago, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo has grown to include an array of animals including river otters and African penguins. In fact, more than 200 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds now live at the only privately managed free zoo in the U.S.
While many U.S. zoos with free admission are closed on major holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year. There is no charge to observe the animals or participate in daily activities like seal training or ape care, but there is a fee to board the Lionel train, ride the endangered species carousel, or participate in the penguin encounter.
Sage Advice: In addition to being a zoo with free admission, the Lincoln Park Zoo also offers an amazing ZooLights experience during the holidays.
5. Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison, Wisconsin
Named for Col. William and Anna Vilas’s son who died at a young age, the Henry Vilas Zoo is part of a larger public park that must remain free to the public per the terms of the Vilas family’s generous donation. Now home to 650 animals from five continents, the 28-acre zoo includes a tropical rainforest aviary, primate house, North American prairie exhibit, and more, including a polar bear.
The Henry Vilas Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and there is no fee to visit or park at the Henry Vilas Zoo, but donations are greatly appreciated. Visitors can get up close and personal to some of the animals through one of the zoo’s behind-the-scenes experiences, including special tours and animal feeding opportunities that begin at $25 per person. A portion of the proceeds from the behind-the-scenes tours benefits the Henry Vilas Zoo’s conservation partners like Polar Bears International and the Association of Aquariums and Zoos (AZA), which sponsors the Orangutan SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) project.
6. Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri
Tucked into the southwest corner of Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo began with the World’s Fair Flight Cage when, in 1904, the city hosted both the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and the first Olympics held in the US. The 90-acre zoo is now home to a wide variety of amphibians, fish, birds, mammals, and other beautiful animals that make it one of the best zoos in the Midwest.
Although there is no admission fee to visit the Saint Louis Zoo, the parking fee is currently $15 per vehicle (unless you’re lucky enough to score a spot along the curb). You’ll also need to pay to ride the carousel and to attend special events like the annual Wild Lights exhibit during the holidays.
7. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Saint Paul, Minnesota
In the Twin Cities, the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory was the first zoo established in Minnesota. For more than 100 years, it has been an outdoor haven, featuring a variety of animals and gardens.
There is no fee to park at or visit either the zoo or conservatory, but visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary donation of $4 per adult and $2 per child to help care for the animals and plants on display.
8. David Traylor Zoo, Emporia, Kansas
At just eight acres, the David Traylor Zoo is one of the smallest AZA-accredited zoos in the nation. It primarily features native animals like mule deer, red foxes, and prairie dogs, in addition to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
The zoo is open to the public 7 days a week except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Sage Advice: Although most AZA-accredited zoos don’t offer free admission, you can stretch your travel budget with the AZA’s reciprocal admissions program that grants free or discounted admission to zoo members.
9. Lee Richardson Zoo, Garden City, Kansas
Four hours west of Emporia, the Lee Richardson Zoo is another free admission zoo in the Sunflower State. In addition to spacious habitats housing more than 300 animals, this 50-acre zoo also offers walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
The Lee Richardson Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It offers additional hours seasonally, closing at 7 p.m. from April 1 through Labor Day. While the Lee Richardson Zoo is free to pedestrians, there is a $10 per vehicle fee to drive through. All guests can drive through the park for free on Wild Wednesdays, and vehicle access is always free to zoo members.
10. Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo And Gardens, Hilo, Hawaii
Located on 12 lush acres on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only free U.S. zoo in a natural tropical setting. When you visit, you can observe a giant anteater, tigers, alligators, many tropical birds, and several other creatures. But the most exotic resident might be the boa constrictor. Because snakes are not native to the Aloha State (and they could easily destroy the bird population) it’s illegal to possess a snake in Hawaii, this resident is an especially rare sight for locals.
The Pana’ewa Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. unless otherwise posted. While there is no charge to visit the zoo, visitor donations help the zoo care for the animals, plants, and grounds.
Sage Advice: While it’s an aquarium, rather than a zoo, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, California, operates as a free attraction with a suggested donation of $7 for adults and $3 for children.
What’s Your Favorite Zoo with Free Admission?
Which of these zoos with free admission are your favorite? Is there a zoo missing from this list? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Travel Awaits.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!