Ten Road Trips to Take from Kansas City
If you’re based in Kansas City, one of the best perks is how many great destinations are just a short drive away. No flights, no complicated planning - just fill up your tank, queue up a podcast, and go.
Here are 10 road trip destinations from KC to try in 2026, all under four hours away (listed from closest to farthest). These are perfect for long weekends, spontaneous getaways, and when you just need a change of scenery.
1. Excelsior Springs, Missouri 💧
Drive time: About 40 minutes
A true hidden gem near KC, Excelsior Springs is a historic spa town that feels like a mini retreat without the long drive. The downtown is historic and the mineral spa history is fascinating. It’s an easy day trip, but I recommend staying overnight at The Elms Hotel and Spa. It feels like a luxurious trip back in time (in all the best ways!)
Visit in the summer to get the most use out of the pool, but the colder months are great if you want a cozy stay at The Elms!
2. Seneca, Kansas 🌻
Drive time: 1.5–2 hours
Seneca feels like a Hallmark movie small-town - it’s picturesque, charming, and the perfect escape if you want to truly slow down. Their Main Street is full of local businesses and cafés and you will spend hours just chatting with the locals. There are multiple museums highlighting local history, a movie theater showing new releases, a local watering hole, and plenty to do. It was one of my favorite getaways last year! We stayed at The Bricks but also recommend Suite on Main.
There are activities happening year round in Seneca so watch their event calendar to plan your visit! We were there in December and it was perfect, but I’d love to go back for some of their October events.
4. Hermann, Missouri 🍷
Drive time: Just under 3 hours
Missouri wine country at its best, Hermann is charming, scenic, and ideal for a relaxed weekend. This is actually the oldest viticulture region in the US (yes, older than Napa!) and the wine here will surprise you in the best way. Take the train if you want a car-free stay and book tickets on the trolley to get around to the wineries. Stay at Vinchester Inn - it’s the best!
Summer can be crowded in Hermann so I recommend going in the fall or winter for cozy vibes without the crowds.
4. Wichita, Kansas 🌇
Drive time: 3 hours
Wichita surprises first-timers with its food scene, walkable areas, and laid-back energy. I was absolutely blown away by this city and can’t wait to visit again this year! For first time visitors, I recommend Lottē (seasonal menu and the best meal I’d had in months), Tanginika Wildlife Park, and Cocoa Dulce. Stay at Hotel at Old Town to be right in the center of the action.
Visit in the summer so you can take advantage of their outdoor activities! See a game, kayak in the river, or just enjoy the walkability of downtown Wichita.
5. Innsbrook, Missouri 🌲
Drive time: 3 hours
Innsbrook is the perfect blend of lake life and country club amenities. You can spend your day surrounded by nature in your lake-side cabin or hit the club house for a round of tennis, a dip in the pool, or a delicious meal. With houses that can fit large groups and A-frames for a cozy stay for two, this resort has something fore everyone. Book your stay here!
Summer is great for time spent on the lake, but fall is the best season to go if you want to cozy up with a book and soak up the beauty of the changing leaves.
6. Branson, Missouri 🎢
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Branson blends entertainment with Ozark scenery and lake life. It’s the Vegas of Missouri (although a bit less seedy)! Between the live shows and attractions, Table Rock Lake views, and world class amusement park, Branson has something for everyone! Stay at Big Cedar Lodge, The Ozarker Lodge, or The Conestoga Glamping Wagons - I love them all!
Fall is my favorite time of the year to visit Branson, but I’ve been here in every season and always have a great time.
7. Bentonville, Arkansas 🎨
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Bentonville is culture-packed with art, bike trails, and an excellent food scene. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is an absolute must experience - it’s one of my favorite places on earth. There are miles of biking and walking trails around Bentonville and great restaurants and breweries, making this the perfect active weekend. Stay at Motto, 21c, or The Compton.
I used to live in Northwest Arkansas and there truly isn’t a bad time to visit. Bentonville has different events going on throughout the year so depending on your interests, some seasons might suit you better than others. Fall is my favorite time to visit if I had to pick just one!
8. Hays, Kansas 🌾
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Out west, Hays offers prairie landscapes and a slower, small-town feel. It’s a college town, so there is no shortage of things to do. It is lively, charming, and truly one of my favorite towns in Kansas. It’s also a must visit for history buffs as this was a wild frontier town once upon a time. Stay at Hilton Garden Inn Hays, The Parsonage 1873, or Midmod on Sixth.
Hays during the holiday season is pure magic. I love this town year round, but visiting in December will take the charm to the next level.
9. Eureka Springs, Arkansas 🌄
Drive time: 4 hours
Eureka Springs feels like a storybook mountain town tucked into the Ozarks. It’s the perfect blend of quirky mountain town charm and lakeside living. This town has a lot of history and it’s absolutely a must visit! There is even a store with working bunnies who will be your cashier - I told you, it’s quirky! Stay at The Crescent Hotel and Spa or Lakeshore Cabins.
If you’re looking to spend time on the lake, summer is the season for Eureka Springs.
10. St. Louis, Missouri 🏙️
Drive time: 4 hours
A classic Midwest road trip city with something for everyone, St. Louis is not to be missed. The art, sports, and food scenes here are some of my favorite in the Midwest (plus, most of their museums are free!). It is the road trip I take most often and I always discover something new while revisiting old favorites. Pro tip: take the Missouri River Runner for a car-free weekend in the Gateway to The West. Stay at The Angad Arts Hotel, Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, or The Cheshire.
This is a major Midwest city, so there will be something to do no matter when you visit!
Kansas City’s central location makes road trips incredibly accessible. Whether you’re craving a spa weekend, a food-focused city break, or a quiet cabin on the lake, there’s something on this list for every kind of traveler.
Save this for your 2026 planning and don’t be surprised if you end up want to check off more than one - I know I will!
