There’s no place with more spirit, zest, and zeal than Northeast Kansas. Travel along the rolling landscape and glacier-carved hills, and you’ll find an infectious pulsating energy. This destination is one of the best places for solo travelers looking to explore communities bursting with life. Bring your bike, saddle up on horseback, or simply see where the open road leads you on this solo travel adventure.

Check Out These Trails & Parks 

Between Lawrence and Topeka are two amazing state parks: Clinton State Park and Perry State Park. These beautiful parks are very close to one another and perfect for outdoor lovers of all types. Both offer their own unique set of amenities and things to do. Visit both of them (you do so in the same day) for the ultimate outdoor experience in Northeast Kansas!

More into riding horses? Then Saddle Ridge Equestrian Area at Paola’s Hillsdale State Park is the place to be. Here, you can also fly model airplanes and drones or take a boat out from the Jayhawk Marina for a day spent enjoying watersports and fishing. Or, saddle up at Osage City’s Eisenhower State Park and ride through 1,000 acres of tall grass prairie before exploring the park’s 10,000-acre wildlife area, swimming beach, archery trail, and more.

Must-Visit Attractions

When it comes time for a different type of blood-pumping entertainment, head to the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City. Here, you can take in all the action of a NASCAR race and even get behind the wheel as part of a special training program. Then, explore the history of flight in Atchinson at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. This historic site honors Amelia and her fellow aviatrixes through educational and interpretive exhibits, activities, and events.

Continue exploring Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area as you make your way to Olathe, home to the Mahaffie Historic Site. The only remaining stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail preserved for the public, the 1865 Mahaffie House allows you to engage in living history activities, including stagecoach rides, farm chores, and blacksmith demonstrations, making for a remarkable journey back in time.

Grub & Brews

The Northeast region is one of the best places in Kansas to stop for tasty food and drinks. In Kansas City, you’ll find a wide variety of cuisines around every turn, but for a true hidden gem, visit the Strawberry Hill neighborhood, which is home to Slap's BBQ. This eatery serves up award-winning ribs, burnt ends, sausage, and other delicious offerings. 

For liquid refreshments, head to Topeka’s Iron Rail Brewery, which features themed beers focused on the history of the area’s railroad system. Meanwhile, sommeliers and wine novices alike will find flavors worth savoring at Leavenworth’s Z&M Twisted Vines. This eco-friendly winery provides unique farm-to-table wines in its tasting room, along with a variety of special events throughout the year.

Solo-Friendly Stays

When it comes to amazing stays, the historic Eldridge Hotel, located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, stands out as a remnant of Kansas’ territorial days. Today, this remarkable property offers lodging, dining, entertainment, and a wide range of amenities that make it ideal for solo travelers.

A different type of history awaits at Leavenworth Local Hotel. Situated 16 miles from Kansas City International Airport, this unique property is located in a converted 1923 high school and boasts unique touches and original architectural details. Spacious rooms offer views of historic Leavenworth and easy access to attractions like Fort Leavenworth and tours along the Missouri River.

Road Trippin’

Whether you’re looking to take in big city thrills, hoping to journey back in time at hands-on museums, or seeking the serenity of clean air and blue skies at adventurous state parks, Northeast Kansas is begging to be explored. Make this dynamic and diverse locale part of your next Midwestern road trip.