Hunter KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hunter, Kansas.
1. Ringneck Ranch Inc.
HUNTING AND LODGING RETREAT
Ringneck Ranch Inc. is a premier upland bird hunting lodge situated in Hunter, Kansas. The ranch offers guided pheasant and quail hunts, with comfortable accommodations and an on-site dining facility specializing in homemade meals. Visitors appreciate the personal service, beautiful landscapes, and opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
2. Garden of Eden
VISIONARY FOLK ART SITE
Garden of Eden in Lucas, Kansas, is a renowned folk art installation created by Samuel P. Dinsmoor in the early 20th century. The site features intricate concrete sculptures depicting religious and political themes, along with the artist's unusual concrete house. It attracts art lovers and curious visitors interested in outsider art and unique Americana.
3. Grassroots Art Center
SHOWCASE OF LOCAL ART
The Grassroots Art Center is dedicated to celebrating self-taught artists and unusual art forms from across Kansas. Visitors can explore a fascinating collection of sculptures, paintings, and folk art inside a historic building. The center is a must-see destination for those seeking creative inspiration in the region.
4. Bowl Plaza
WHIMSICAL PUBLIC RESTROOM
Bowl Plaza is an award-winning public restroom celebrated for its creative mosaic art and quirky design. Shaped like a giant toilet, both the interior and exterior are adorned with intricate tile mosaics created by local artists. Tourists visit not only for the restroom but also to admire the unique blend of humor and craftsmanship.
5. Wilson Reservoir, State Park and Wildlife Area
SCENIC RECREATION SPOT
Wilson Reservoir, State Park and Wildlife Area is known for its clear blue waters and rugged shoreline, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and birdwatching in a picturesque setting. The park also features camping facilities and scenic overlooks perfect for families and adventure seekers.
6. Brandt's Meat Market
LOCAL MEAT SPECIALTY SHOP
Brandt's Meat Market in Lucas is a well-known family-owned shop offering house-made sausages and smoked meats. The market has a loyal following, with visitors stopping by to sample traditional Kansas flavors. It's a favorite spot for both locals and travelers seeking authentic regional products.
7. Coronado Heights
HISTORIC HILLTOP CASTLE
Coronado Heights is a scenic bluff capped by a stone castle built during the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project. The site offers panoramic views of the Smoky Hills and opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and photography. It is also steeped in local legend, believed to be a lookout for early Spanish explorers.
8. Santa Fe Trail Center
FRONTIER HISTORY MUSEUM
The Santa Fe Trail Center is a museum dedicated to interpreting the history and heritage of the Santa Fe Trail and the region's pioneer past. Exhibits include artifacts, dioramas, and outdoor structures recreating frontier life. The museum is certified as an official stop on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.
9. Kansas Originals Market & Gallery
ARTISAN CRAFTS AND GIFTS
Kansas Originals Market & Gallery showcases handmade art, crafts, foods, and gifts made by local and regional artisans. The market serves as a hub for Kansas culture, featuring everything from pottery and quilts to specialty foods and jewelry. It is a popular retail stop for visitors seeking unique souvenirs.
10. Switchgrass Disc Golf Course
OUTDOOR SPORTS VENUE
Switchgrass Disc Golf Course is a renowned course set among the rolling hills near Wilson Reservoir, providing both challenge and natural beauty. The course appeals to both casual players and seasoned disc golfers. Its location makes it an excellent addition to a day of outdoor recreation.
11. Lucas Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Shop
LOCAL SOUVENIRS AND ART
The Lucas Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Shop offers locally produced crafts, artwork, and souvenirs reflective of the area's creative spirit. Shoppers can find unique gifts and keepsakes while learning about local events and attractions. The shop serves as a welcoming stop in this renowned art town.
12. Post Rock Scenic Byway
SCENIC DRIVE EXPERIENCE
The Post Rock Scenic Byway is a picturesque driving route that weaves through the Smoky Hills, highlighting the region's unique limestone fenceposts and rural vistas. Travelers enjoy rolling prairies, historical markers, and views of traditional stonework. It's an ideal way to explore the quiet beauty of north-central Kansas.
13. K-18 Café
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER
K-18 Café is a beloved diner known for its home-style cooking and welcoming small-town atmosphere. Visitors rave about the hearty breakfasts, daily specials, and pies baked fresh on-site. The café is a favorite local gathering spot on the road through rural Kansas.
14. Midland Railroad Hotel Restaurant
HISTORIC HOTEL DINING
The Midland Railroad Hotel Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience inside a beautifully restored historic hotel. Guests enjoy traditional American cuisine in a charming, vintage setting that recalls the railroad era. The restaurant is known for its hospitality and is a highlight of a visit to Wilson.
15. World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things
QUIRKY ROADSIDE MUSEUM
This museum in Lucas holds a whimsical collection of miniature replicas of record-setting roadside attractions from around the world. Visitors are delighted by the creative displays and the imaginative take on American roadside culture. It's a fun and unique stop that complements the town's artistic reputation.