Traveling Through Eastern Kansas
Explore Eastern Kansas with Harvest Hosts, featuring destinations like Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita, plus unique stays at local farms and wineries.
Kansas is a state with many different and diverse regions. From the tallgrass prairie to the Flint Hills and from rolling hills to rugged mountains, RV camping in Kansas has something to offer for everyone. One of the most popular regions in the state is Eastern Kansas, which boasts some of the most fertile agricultural land in America. This area also features some of the best scenery in all of Kansas. If you're looking for an adventure that's just outside of your comfort zone, then head to Eastern Kansas with your Harvest Hosts membership in hand!Learn about places to go, things to do, and Host Locations to stay at in:
- Kansas City, KS
- Topeka, KS
- Wichita, KS
Kansas City
Some people may be unaware that Kansas City actually lies on the border of Kansas and Missouri, splitting the city in half between the two states. Ironically, Kansas City in Missouri is more popular than the same-name city in Kansas. However, there is still plenty to do in Kansas City, Kansas. Within this town, the Missouri River intersects with the Kaw River, leading to ample water activities, and the downtown area is a cultural melting pot offering unique cuisines from almost all over the world.
Things to Do
While there are many things to do in Kansas City, Kansas, the two below options are some of the most popular. However, there are also plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and recreation in and all around the city.
Kansas Speedway
Opened in 2001, the Kansas City Speedway hosts two NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year, along with nearly 200 other events. Not a NASCAR fan? The location also hosts the annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue, which is the largest BBQ competition in the world.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
The official Lewis and Clark trail itself stretches 4900 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Astoria, Oregon. However, in 1804, Lewis and Clark camped at the confluence at what is known today as Kaw Point Park. Because of this, Kaw Point Park is a popular site in Kansas City, Kansas.
Harvest Hosts Locations
These two Harvest Hosts locations are each located within close proximity to Kansas City, making for optimum places to stay while exploring the area.
Happy Valley Farm - De Soto, KS
Spike and Patty Durkin purchased what would become Happy Valley Farm in 1996. In the spring of 2004, they planted their first berry crops and began selling their fruits at a local farmer’s market. After two years, they switched gears to being a You-Pick farm, and the rest is history! Their on-site farm store is open year round, and there, visitors can purchase assorted produce, honey, jams, and other products. This Harvest Hosts location offers four pet-friendly spaces for RVs under thirty-five feet in length. ![visit eastern kansas]
Rhythmic Medicine - Overland Park, KS
Rhythmic Medicine owner Janalea Hoffman is a pioneer in the field of Music Therapy. She is a musician, author, and speaker, and her assorted classes have helped countless individuals to become less stressed and more centered. Harvest Hosts members can visit this ocation and take classes to learn more about Janalea's approach and courses. This Harvest Hosts location offers three pet-friendly spaces for RVs under forty-four feet in length.
Topeka
As the capital city of Kansas, Topeka is rich with history and offers almost endless things to do. Families, couples, and individuals alike should add this city to their list of places to visit. In addition to learning about its history, visitors should also visit the Children’s Discovery Museum and the Evel Knievel Museum while exploring this city.
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to see and do in Topeka, and the two listed below are considered some of the most noteworthy.
Kansas Museum of History
Get ready to learn all about history pertaining to Kansas at the Kansas Museum of History. Here, you can see exhibits featuring information on early people, trains, planes, the Civil War, fast food, and more. This is one of the best places to learn all about the history of the region and all the phases it has been through.
Brown v. Board National Historic Site
This national historic site commemorates the groundbreaking Supreme Court case that helped to end segregation in American schools. Visitors can explore various exhibits and galleries pertaining to the case, learning about this crucial turning point in American history.
Harvest Hosts Locations
These two Harvest Hosts locations are each located within close proximity to Topeka, making for optimum places to stay while exploring the area.
Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery - Lawrence, KS
Owners Bryan Zesiger and Gina Montalbano met and realized they shared a love of wine, life, community, and the planet around them. As their relationship grew, so did their dream of opening their own winery together. Today, they produce thirteen wines, including a variety of reds, whites, and blends. This Harvest Hosts location offers five pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.
Wyldewood Cellars - Paxico, KS
Siblings Dr. John Brewer and Merry Bauman decided to attempt to make their old family farm profitable by turning it into a vineyard. In 1995, they began producing their elderberry wine. By 2015, they had received over 500 International awards and titles for their wines! They are now the largest and most-awarded winery in all of Kansas. This Harvest Hosts location offers ten pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.
Wichita
Wichita, Kansas is known as “the Heart of the Country,” not just for its location, but for the Wichita citizens' genuine kindness and generosity. No matter what season you choose to visit, there are almost endless things to do in this vibrant city!
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to see and do in Wichita, but the four listed below are considered some of the most noteworthy attractions that keep the tourists returning.
Public Art
Artists of Wichita have painted murals and created sculptures that are highlighted throughout the city. While you’re visiting, keep your eyes open in alleyways, on doors, on walls, and many other places for some of this revered art.
Botanica Wichita
Established in 1987, this gorgeous botanical region features four gardens, a horticultural library, and thirty themed gardens and exhibits. No matter what season you visit, you’re in for a treat. Different flowers and plants bloom and thrive seasonally, and they have regular events based around the seasons.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Get ready to experience the largest dinosaur theme park in the country. Here, they feature over forty life-sized, moving, and realistic-looking dinosaurs. The area encompasses over ten acres of walking trails, games, events, and shows. This is a great place for families, couples, and people of all ages to enjoy, with the only real requirement being an interest in dinosaurs.
Old Cowtown Museum
Did you know that Wichita was originally a booming cattle town? At this interactive museum, you’ll be transported right back to 1860. Here, you can expect to see blacksmiths working and drinking ice-cold sarsaparillas, and, if you're lucky, you may even see a reenacted gun fight!
Harvest Hosts Locations
These two Harvest Hosts locations are each located within close proximity to Wichita, making for optimum places to stay while exploring the area.
Wyldewood Cellars - Peck, KS
This is one of the sister retail stores to the Wyldewood Cellars near Topeka (listed above). This secondary locations and Harvest Hosts site offers six pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.
Bliss Climbing and Fitness - Wichita, KS
Bliss is owned and operated by avid climber Dr. David Kortje. No matter your experience level, you are welcome here. Follow your bliss in this climbing gym with the beautiful forty-foot walls, stacked with routes for climbers of all abilities. This Harvest Hosts location offers two pet-friendly spaces for RVs under thirty feet in length.
Other Harvest Hosts Locations in Kansas
These additional Harvest Hosts locations can be found in Eastern Kansas, but are not located nearby one of the major cities. Still, any of these make an excellent stopping point when traveling through this spectacular region of the country.
Circle's Pecans and Country Store - McCune, KS
From a small roadside stand to a full retail store, Circle’s Pecans is a local staple. Here, visitors can enjoy the e incredibleat-in deli, as well as fabulous products such as homemade pies, jams, honey, and more. Past Harvest Hitss members have especially enjoyed the take-and-bake pies, which allowed them to enjoy some warm, fresh pie right in their RVs! This Harvest Hosts location offers three pet-friendly spaces for RVs under forty-four feet in length.
Mulberry Pond Pumpkin Patch - Hiawatha, KS
Owners Meryl and Staci Charles purchased Mulberry Pond in February of 2008. Their first crop was pumpkins, and they continued to expand their pumpkin patch every year since. In 2019, they added their famous field of sunflowers and have since expanded to include tons of fun fall activities. Today, locals look forward to their yearly pumpkin patch, wagon rides, laser tag, corn maze, pedal boats, and more! This Harvest Hosts location offers two pet-friendly spaces for RVs under thirty-five feet in length.
Wish List Farm - Cuba, KS
Owners Jed and Tranda Strand may be newer to Harvest Hosts, but they are certainly not new to farming. At Wish List Farm, they feature their own products, such as free-range chickens and eggs, produce, and tons of other local goods. This Harvest Hosts location offers one pet-friendly space for RVs under thirty feet in length.
Rowantree Farm - Abilene, KS
Rowantree Farm is a sustainable farm that’s registered with the state of Kansas as an agritourism business. They produce and sell sheep and goat fiber yarns and products, farm-raised lamb and beef, and farm-fresh eggs. This unique Harvest Hosts location offers two pet-friendly spaces for RVs under forty-four feet in length.
Carriage Crossing - Yoder, KS
Carriage Crossing is a restaurant, bakery, and gift shop with some of the yummiest souvenirs on our list. Here, sandwiches are served on homemade bread, while the fried chicken is hand-breaded, and the desserts are made fresh daily. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making this a perfect stop after a long day of traveling. This Harvest Hosts location offers five pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.
Strataca - Kansas Underground Salt Museum - Hutchinson, KS
Get ready to visit one of the most unique Harvest Hosts locations! Strataca is a working salt mine that offers underground tours to the public. Visitors can embark on a Salt Safari or train ride adventure, and they occasionally host murder mysteries and sell apparel. This Harvest Hosts location offers four pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size. Eastern Kansas is a place where you can get back to nature, explore the great outdoors, and enjoy all of the wonderful things that mother nature has to offer. If you're looking for an adventure that's just outside your comfort zone this summer, make sure to check out our blog post on how to experience Eastern Kansas. You surely won't regret it!