If you’re looking for unique things to do in West Plains, Kansas, then you’ve come to the right place. The city’s unique attractions include the Porter Waggoner case, which houses a historical marker and a craft shop. If you’re a nature lover, you can tour the Justice Planetarium or explore the Overland Park Arboretum.
Mark Twain National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest in West plains, Kansas offers an outdoor experience for the whole family. It is only a few miles away from several lakes and rivers, making it an ideal destination for camping or hiking. If you love nature, you can take a day trip to explore the national forest and other areas of the surrounding area.
Mark Twain State Park has a campground with RV and tent campsites. In addition, there are six log cabins that sleep up to four people and are equipped with heating and air conditioning. The campground also offers equestrian trails and great fishing opportunities.
Nearby attractions include Missouri State University – West Plains and the Ozarks Medical Center. In addition to being close to these attractions, this motel offers free Wi-Fi and cable programming. Guests can also take advantage of free local phone calls. The motel is also close to the Ozarks Medical Center and the Ozarks Country Club. It is also a short drive to the Mark Twain National Forest.
Overland Park Arboretum
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens was established in 1991 and is located one mile west of U.S. Highway 69, on 179th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. It is operated by the City of Overland Park, which is part of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.
The Arboretum contains nearly 700 species of plants and features several notable gardens. The International Sculpture Garden is a popular attraction, and there is a Children’s Garden. There are also two bridges across Wolf Creek to allow visitors to hike through the grounds. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic view of the landscape and train from a caboose deck. There are also 38 sculptures on display, and there is a Chinese Cultural Exchange collection. There are also many temporary art exhibits on the grounds.
Visitors can enjoy the gardens and the arboretum year-round. The hours vary, but they are open seven days a week. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children ages six and under. Visitors can also enjoy the Train Garden, which features a history of Overland Park.
In addition to the gardens, the Arboretum also has an impressive Monet Garden. This garden is modeled after the garden that Monet painted in Giverny, France. The garden includes a graceful arched bridge painted in Monet’s signature green. The Children’s Discovery Garden is another popular attraction. There are interactive activities for kids like a Sky Watch and a switchgrass maze. The arboretum also offers nearly five miles of hiking trails.
Justice Planetarium
The Justice Planetarium is a public planetarium located in Hutchinson, Kansas. The Planetarium offers regular shows for visitors to enjoy. The planetarium also offers a variety of public outreach programs. Visitors can also check out its schedule for upcoming shows and activities.
Flying R Ranch
The Flying R Ranch is a small family-operated ranch located near Dover and Willard, Kansas. It is a Polled Hereford cow-calf operation owned by Martin and Jane McClelland. The couple are native Kansasans who have been working the ranch since 1996.
Treehouse cabins at River of Life Farm
River of Life Farm offers a unique opportunity to stay in treehouse cabins that sit on the banks of the North Fork of the White River. These cabins are ideal for a romantic getaway and feature a spacious porch. They also feature two private bathrooms and whirlpool tubs, as well as a full kitchen. There is also an electric fireplace and couches in the main living area.
There are nine treehouse cabins available for rent at the farm, and they’re designed to accommodate a family of up to four people. The Chalet, the largest of the nine, has a kitchenette and can sleep a large group. Guests can also enjoy hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. The location is also an excellent spot for fly fishing.
In addition to the beautiful cabins, guests will also have access to a lake and pond nearby. The cabins have double-height ceilings and central fireplaces to help guests disconnect from technology. Located between Kansas City and Lawrence, the cabins are ideal for groups or solo travelers looking for a rustic, country retreat.
Whether you choose to rent a treehouse cabin for a romantic getaway, or a family trip, you’ll enjoy a unique setting and memorable trip. The cabins are self-catering and include kitchens and living areas, and some even have private decks for outdoor dining. The only downside to staying in a cabin is that there may be a limited number of kitchen amenities, so guests should prepare their meals in advance.