Camping Gems - Kansas

Prairie Dog State Park and Norton Wildlife Area
You can spend hours watching the energetic, charming prairie dogs scurry around their "towns," watching for predators.  The park also offers boating, fishing, hiking, nature trails, and bird watching. Keep an eye out for coyotes and prairie falcons, and eagles! (From Norton, take Hwy. 283 south. From I-70, take Hwy. 283 north. 785-877-2953)

Cedar Bluff State Park
The deep blue waters of the Cedar Bluff Reservoir draw visitors from miles around.  Most people come to fish and go boating (the park has several boat ramps), but you'll also find a BMX biking course, sand volleyball, and a lovely beach for swimming and sunbathing. (From I-70, east of WaKeeney, take KS 147 south toward the Cedar Bluff Reservoir. 785-726-3212)

Tuttle Creek State Park
On a hot day, the Tuttle Creek Reservoir is the perfect place to cool off.  Dive into the clear waters or head out on a paddle boat, canoe, or fishing trip.  The park also offers trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as volleyball areas. Be sure to try fishing the backwaters of the Blue River. (From Manhattan, take US 24 north, 5 miles. 785-539-7941)

Lawrence
This college town offers a terrific arts scene, day and night.  In the evening hours, head to a club or neighborhood bar for live music and performances.  During the day, coffee shops and bookstores are filled with poets and artists.  The National Trust for Historic Preservation ranked Lawrence among its "Dozen Most Distinctive Destinations."

Prairie Spirit Rail Trail
Get to know Kansas from the back of your bike!  The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail (a resurrected stretch of old railway line) runs for 50 miles near Kansas City, Topeka, and Lawrence.  The hard-packed trail is perfect for walking, hiking, inline skating, and biking.  (Trailheads in Ottawa, Princeton, Richmond, Garnett, and Welda. 913-894-9113)

Dillon Nature Center
Look inside an active beehive, look for frogs in the ponds and marshes, or watch for butterflies on the nature trails.  The Dillon Nature Center is home to over 150 species of birds and mammals, including deer, foxes, rabbits and coyotes. (3002 E. 30th St. 620-663-7411, Hutchinson)

Wichita Gardens
Its colorful, seasonal floral displays and themed gardens will inspire you with all kinds of ideas to use when you get home. As you wander along its paths you'll find 20 gardens on 10 acres and, with a little planning, be able to attend one of its many special events which include lunchtime lectures, tea parties, workshops, and festivals. Best seen between April and October. (701 Amidon at Sim Park, 316-264-0448)

Lindsborg
This small village is called "Little Sweden," and once you wander through the stores full of Scandinavian imports, original arts and crafts, and experience its Old World Personality, you'll understand why.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival
If you visit Kansas in between August and October, be sure to check out the sword fights, dancing, and medieval treats at the Renaissance Festival.  Special events go on during weekends all throughout the early fall, from Shakepearean plays to Scottish weekends.

Leavenworth
Known as the "First City in Kansas," Leavenworth's history extends back to 1854. Take a tour of the town's historic riverfront, downtown boutiques, and antique shops.  With views of the Missouri River, Leavenworth is a romantic destination.  See the Victorian Carroll Mansion, Ft. Leavenworth (the oldest continuously operating fort west of the Mississippi River), and Santa Fe and Oregon trail cuts.