Living in Kansas City means you’re perfectly positioned for some amazing weekend getaways. The heart of America offers so many options within driving distance that it’s hard to narrow down where to point your car first. From charming small towns with local festivals to outdoor adventures in state parks, or quick city escapes packed with food and culture – the Midwest has a little bit of everything.
Whether you’re looking to unwind for a couple of days or pack your weekend with activities, these destinations all sit within a reasonable drive from KC. We’ve included something for every type of traveler – nature lovers, history buffs, foodies, and families will all find their perfect weekend escape on this list.
So grab your overnight bag, fill up the tank, and get ready to explore. Here are 18 of the best weekend trips from Kansas City that prove you don’t need to go far to find adventure.
Branson, Missouri
Branson sits in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, about 4 hours south of Kansas City. This family-friendly destination packs more than 100 live shows into its famous Theater District, earning it the nickname “Live Entertainment Capital of the Midwest.” Along the main strip, you’ll find everything from country music performances to acrobatic shows, while the surrounding hills hold treasures like Silver Dollar City theme park, where 1880s craftsmanship meets modern-day roller coasters. The 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake wraps around the city’s edges, offering plenty of spots for boating and fishing against a backdrop of limestone bluffs. In recent years, Branson’s downtown has grown beyond its country music roots, with new restaurants and shops popping up along the historic Main Street, making it an ideal weekend escape for both entertainment seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Omaha, Nebraska
Located three hours north of Kansas City sits Nebraska’s largest city, Omaha. Like many metropolitan areas in the Midwest, Omaha has its collection of museums, restaurants, and cultural spots. But unlike its neighbors, it feels like a place that perfectly balances its cowtown roots with modern urban life. Just walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Market district, where 100-year-old warehouses now house art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its position along the Missouri River and role as a major railroad hub, Omaha became a melting pot of European immigrants, and you’ll find their influence in the city’s German bakeries, Czech festivals, and Irish pubs that dot the downtown area.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Hit the water and make memories at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri’s most popular lake destination. With over 1,100 miles of shoreline, you’ll find endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Rent a pontoon boat for a relaxing day on the water, or get your adrenaline pumping with jet skiing and wakeboarding. For a break from the lake, check out the local wineries, golf courses, and caves. When the sun sets, head to the Bagnell Dam Strip, where you can grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this classic Midwest getaway.
St. Louis, Missouri
About four hours east of Kansas City sits Missouri’s second-largest city, St. Louis. Like many cities along the Mississippi River, St. Louis has its share of breweries, barbecue joints, and blues music venues. But unlike the others, it feels like a perfect blend of Midwest charm and big-city energy. Just look up at the iconic Gateway Arch, standing proudly as America’s tallest monument, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of St. Louis’s position as a historic gateway to the American West, the city developed a unique cultural mix, and you’ll find everything from old French colonial architecture to busy Italian neighborhoods in The Hill district.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Many travelers head to Oklahoma City for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, but this capital city offers much more than just cowboys and rodeos. The Bricktown district has become the entertainment hub of OKC, with water taxis cruising down canals past restaurants and shops housed in former warehouses. Sports fans can catch an NBA Thunder game at the Paycom Center, while history buffs will appreciate the moving Oklahoma City National Memorial. The city’s food scene has grown beyond traditional BBQ joints, though you’ll still find plenty of those, with new restaurants and food halls popping up across downtown and the Plaza District.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Many travelers head to Tulsa for the Art Deco architecture that dots its downtown, but this Oklahoma city offers much more than historic buildings. The city’s rich oil heritage can be explored at the Philbrook Museum of Art, housed in an Italian Renaissance mansion, while the nearby Gathering Place park provides 66 acres of outdoor activities and green spaces. In recent years, Tulsa’s food scene has grown to include both upscale restaurants and casual food halls, and the Brady Arts District buzzes with local galleries, music venues, and craft breweries. Whether you’re interested in catching a show at the historic Cain’s Ballroom or taking a stroll through the Woody Guthrie Center, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill a weekend in Tulsa.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines may be Iowa’s capital city, but it feels more like a friendly small town that just happens to have big-city amenities. Located about 3 hours north of Kansas City, this riverside destination offers visitors the beautiful Pappajohn Sculpture Park, where 28 contemporary art pieces dot the downtown green space, and the famous Iowa State Capitol, with its gleaming golden dome that you can spot from miles away.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Many tourists visit Eureka Springs for its charming Victorian architecture, but this small Ozark town offers much more than just historic buildings. The winding mountain streets are lined with local art galleries, unique shops, and cozy bed & breakfasts housed in 19th-century structures. Located just a few hours from Kansas City, the town serves as both a cultural hub and an outdoor adventure base – visitors can explore nearby Beaver Lake for fishing and boating, or venture into the surrounding hills for hiking and mountain biking. While the town’s famous Passion Play draws crowds during summer months, Eureka Springs maintains its appeal year-round with food festivals, gallery walks, and ghost tours through its supposedly haunted historic district.
Wichita, Kansas
Just three hours southwest of Kansas City, Wichita stands as Kansas’s largest city and serves up a mix of urban amenities and heartland charm. While many visitors come for the Keeper of the Plains sculpture and its nightly fire show, the city offers plenty more to explore, from the hands-on Museum of World Treasures to the winding paths of the Arkansas River. The Old Town district packs local restaurants and shops into historic brick buildings, while the Botanica Gardens provide 18 acres of peaceful green space. Whether you’re catching a show at the restored Orpheum Theatre or sampling craft beers at one of the local breweries, Wichita makes for an easy weekend escape that won’t break the bank.
Topeka, Kansas
Many visitors come to Topeka for the grand Kansas State Capitol building, but Kansas’s capital city offers much more than just government landmarks. The city’s Ward-Meade Park features a restored Victorian mansion and working blacksmith shop, while the NOTO Arts District buzzes with local galleries and unique shops. Families flock to the Gage Park Mini-Train and Zoo, and history buffs can explore the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. While Topeka might seem like a typical Midwestern capital at first glance, its mix of cultural attractions and family-friendly activities makes it worth more than just a quick drive-through on I-70.
Manhattan, Kansas
Many visitors head to Manhattan, Kansas for Kansas State University’s lively game days, but this college town offers much more than just sports. The Flint Hills Discovery Center showcases the region’s natural prairie landscapes and cultural heritage, while hiking trails at Konza Prairie let you experience the tallgrass firsthand. Downtown Manhattan’s mix of local restaurants and shops gives the area a welcoming small-town feel, and spots like Tuttle Creek State Park provide options for boating, fishing, and camping. Whether you come for a football weekend or just want to explore, Manhattan packs plenty of activities into its modest size.
Columbia, Missouri
Looking for a perfect college town getaway? Just two hours east of Kansas City, Columbia brings together Midwest charm and youthful energy as home to the University of Missouri. The historic downtown district, known as “The District,” is where local shops and farm-to-table restaurants line streets filled with students and locals alike. Nature lovers can explore the MKT Trail, an old railroad line turned hiking path that connects to Missouri’s famous Katy Trail, while sports fans can catch the Mizzou Tigers playing SEC football at Memorial Stadium. Between gallery hopping at spots like Sager Braudis Gallery and catching live music at The Blue Note, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill a weekend in this laid-back college town.
Lawrence, Kansas
Looking for a taste of college-town charm? Just 45 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence feels like stepping into a perfect blend of Midwest hospitality and youthful energy. Home to the University of Kansas, Massachusetts Street (or “Mass Street” to locals) buzzes with indie bookstores, craft breweries, and local music venues that have launched careers of bands like Kansas. Beyond the entertainment, you can explore the Natural History Museum, catch a Jayhawks basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse, or wander through the peaceful Baker Wetlands. The town’s Civil War history comes alive at sites like the Watkins Museum, where you can learn why Lawrence earned its reputation as a free-state stronghold.
Table Rock Lake, Missouri
Escape the city heat at Table Rock Lake, one of Missouri’s most popular summer destinations. This 43,000-acre lake offers endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming in its clear waters. Set up camp at one of the lakeside resorts where you can rent a pontoon boat for the day, or try your luck catching bass and crappie from the shore. For a change of pace, explore the hiking trails that wind through the surrounding Ozark hills, offering views of the lake from above. When you’re ready to refuel, stop by one of the waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh catfish while watching boats glide across the water.
Jefferson City, Missouri
Ever wondered what life is like in Missouri’s capital city? Jefferson City sits along the Missouri River, about two hours east of Kansas City, offering visitors a mix of history and small-town charm. Home to the domed State Capitol building and the decommissioned Missouri State Penitentiary, this political hub gives you a peek into both government and prison life from the past. You can join guided tours of the century-old prison cells, walk through the Capitol’s art-filled halls, or bike along the Katy Trail State Park, which follows the river’s path through town. The city’s downtown area, with its brick buildings and local restaurants, makes for an easy afternoon of exploring on foot.
This is interesting:
Did you know that Jefferson City became Missouri’s capital in 1826 because it was conveniently located in the center of the state, even though it was basically just wilderness at the time? The city was named after Thomas Jefferson, and city planners deliberately modeled the layout of streets and the Capitol building’s hilltop location after Washington D.C., making it a mini version of our nation’s capital.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Many travelers come to Bentonville for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, but this Northwest Arkansas town offers much more than just world-class artwork. The area has become a major destination for mountain biking, with over 130 miles of trails winding through the Ozark hills. While the Walmart Museum draws visitors curious about the retail giant’s humble beginnings, the downtown square has evolved into a food lover’s paradise with locally-owned restaurants and an emerging craft beer scene. Whether you’re hitting the trails, exploring art galleries, or sampling local flavors at the 8th Street Market, Bentonville provides plenty of activities to fill a weekend getaway.
Arkansas Hot Springs, Arkansas
I first visited Hot Springs, Arkansas on a long weekend escape from Kansas City’s winter chill. Tucked into the Ouachita Mountains, this historic spa town sits about 6 hours southeast of KC, making it an ideal weekend destination. The heart of Hot Springs is Bathhouse Row, a collection of preserved 1920s bathhouses lining Central Avenue, with the most famous being the elegant Buckstaff still offering traditional thermal mineral baths. The surrounding Ouachita National Forest creates a natural playground for hiking and biking, while Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine provide spots for boating and fishing. You can spend your days soaking in the healing waters, exploring the charming downtown shops, or trying your luck at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort – all while basking in the laid-back Southern atmosphere that makes Hot Springs feel worlds away from city life.
Lincoln, Nebraska
While Nebraska’s capital city might not top most people’s travel lists, Lincoln has quietly grown into one of the Midwest’s most enjoyable weekend escapes. Just under 3 hours from KC, this college town combines the energy of University of Nebraska football seasons with an unexpectedly good food scene and plenty of family-friendly attractions. The historic Haymarket District feels like stepping into an old railway town, with its brick warehouses now housing local restaurants and shops. Between catching a Huskers game at Memorial Stadium, exploring the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Natural History, and sampling the growing craft brewery scene, you’ll find Lincoln offers enough to fill a laid-back weekend without the big-city hassles.
