Small City with Big Adventures: A Full Itinerary

Launch into an outer space experience, an underground museum or water activities on and in the Arkansas River. You can discover how to have the best time in the air, underground or in water.

Takeoff into Cosmosphere International SciED Center & Space Museum

Cosmosphere holds the largest collection of U.S. and former Soviet space artifacts. Experience exhibits with one-of-a-kind artifacts and replicas. Cosmosphere provides interactive shows and a two-story dome theater. This STEM education center started in 1962 when Patty Carey, Cosmosphere founder, opened a planetarium at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. 

Explore the underground at Strataca the Kansas Underground Salt Museum

Journey 150 miles of tunnels, 650 feet underground. Strataca, the underground attraction includes a ride through historical mines and a mining gallery. You will see why it is considered an 8 Wonders of Kansas. 

Water adventures await at Arkanoe, LLC

Hit the water with a kayak, canoe or tube when you take on the Arkansas River at Arkanoe, LLC. Rentals start as low as $25, and if you have equipment allow the shuttle service to assist you. For less of an adventure, have fun in the sun sunbathing and swimming. 

On the next day, let the great outdoors do the talking at a state park, an animal-filled zoo or at the annual Kansas State Fair. 

Take on trails at Sand Hills State Park

Get those steps in at Sand Hills State Park by walking 14 miles on eight different trails. This is one of three state parks in South Central Kansas. There are plenty of activities such as hiking, hunting and horseback riding. Take some beautiful photos and smell the flowers. If you want to learn more about all three state parks, check out our blog. 

Monkey around at the Hutchinson Zoo

First opening in 1986, at the Hutchinson Zoo feed the llamas, take a train ride and stop by the gift shop before you head out. By day bring the whole family and by night enjoy zoo paint and sip nights if you are of age. 

Dive into a Kansas tradition at the Kansas State Fair

When September rolls around, do not miss the Kansas State Fair. This 10-day shindig has been a traditional celebration for over 100 years. First held in 1913, this event is filled with food, rides, performances and much more. 

You may be tired from all the thrill of the past few days. How about a more relaxed approach to Hutchinson? Take on art and history, and let’s see where you can dine and book a hotel during your stay. 

Venture beauty at the Hutchinson Art Center

Downtown Hutchinson has all things shopping, dining and things to do. While exploring the downtown area, you can find the Hutchinson Art Center which showcases North American art from the 20 and 21 centuries. Exhibits change monthly so you can come back again and again for a new experience. 

Expand your Hutchinson knowledge at the Reno County Museum 

Discover the history of Hutchinson and surrounding areas in Reno County. With multiple galleries, walk through time to witness important artifacts and people. This free attraction is open Tuesday through Saturday. 

Stay and dine

Airport Steakhouse & Bar has the best steaks in the Hutchinson Regional Airport, an aviation center. Are you dining during the Kansas State Fair? Enjoy a hamburger topped with homemade chili, served on an iced cinnamon roll bun. You can also devour barbecue from Roy’s Hickory Pit BBQ. Hutchinson is full of dining delights. Learn more about the best barbecue in South Central. 

By now, you will have become a Hutchinson fanatic. If you weren’t able to do everything on the itinerary, hopefully, you will come back to explore some more. During your stay, be sure to book your hotel at Fairfield by Mariott, Hampton Inn or Comfort Inn & Suites. Learn more about things to do in Hutchinson on their website.