Originally, I had planned to go across Kansas by way of I-70. Ultimately, I want to get to Colorado Springs.Just realized that there is another route across Kansas via Wichita (not sure how I will get there) to Dodge City (is that the infamous Dodge City?) to Pueblo and on up. Would this be a more interesting route rather than I-70?Maybe it's still better to go by way of Nashville > St. Louis > Kansas City, then cut down from there to Wichita as there are no clear routes from Nashville across to Wichita.Suggestions on "must see" stops would be greatly appreciated. I just recall that drive on I-70 as infinitely boring.Thank you!Samantha

any drive in Kansas is boring. and yes that is Dodge City of western fame. not really much to see cept touristy stuff. If I am thinking of the right town, there is an old Boot Hill with some interesting tombstones in it. Miss Kitty has moved out however.I found the chalk pyramids interesting and Scott county park was also.bumpy

I like to use Roadside America when traveling.Maybe you can find something interesting to break up the boredom of driving across Kansas.

We did the route via Dodge City (take a day and check it out, and be sure to visit the Home of Stone). OK, so Kansas is flat & boring. Rt. 50 via Dodge City and Garden City is IMHO more interesting than the SuperSlab. You'll still make decent time and won't be stressed out dealing with the I-70 traffic. Enjoy & safe travels.

Thank you all!I will check out Roadside America. I used Weird USA and managed to come up with the Grotto of The Redemption in Iowa last summer. Routed simply to visit it as we passed on through Iowa. What a cool find. My son loved it!I just purchased MS Street & Trips. Does it have sufficient POI's or is there some other POI database I should add on?

If you do take 50 across Kansas then once into Colorado be sure to stop by Bents Old Fort at La Junta.And east of their about 30 miles is a nice little campground at John Martin Reservoir State Park.

Crossing Kansas East to West - Route Advice | Good Sam Community

Uncle_Grumpy
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
Yes, Boot Hill in Dodge is Touristy. And well worth the time. They have a old west shootout on the boardwalk in front of the Longbranch followed by a great variety show in the saloon with music, singing and dancing. Can Can girls! That's where you will find Miss Kitty.
trailertraveler
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
Samanthahhi wrote:
...I just purchased MS Street & Trips. Does it have sufficient POI's or is there some other POI database I should add on?...
Get the POI Mega File. You can also get interest specific POIs for attractions like Ghost Towns, National Parks, etc. from the Discovery Owners Forum and POI Factory. You can download additional campground data from U.S. Campgrounds and the Ultimate Public Campgrounds Project.
trailertraveler
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
In Hutchinson, KS there is the Cosmosphere and Space Center and the Salt Mine. In Kinsley is the Middle of America and Sod House Museum. In Ellinwood, there is the Underground World.
Heisenberg
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
Route 50 is great. It is the closest you can get to the route 66 of yesteryear.
Thom02099
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2014
You could also go a bit further north and take US 36 all the way across Kansas. It's a good drive -- good road surface all the way, practically no construction when I took it last year, climbing lanes periodically where appropriate -- and you can also stop and see the "Geographical Center of the USA" near Smith Center! It's the center of the lower 48 states, nice little diversion/rest area.

EDIT TO ADD: If you go that route, you can also get on US 36 in Missouri and take it across; did that as well last year.

Once in Colorado, you can stay on US 36 to Last Chance, take CO 71 south to Limon and then get on US 24 in to the Springs. All good road.
Samanthahhi
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
Great suggestions!
Ron8877
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
I like highway 50 out of Colorado to the east. I think that it is better than the interstate. But I also think that everywhere has its own beauty. I have been in Dodge City twice but always in the wrong season Boot Hill was closed.
Ron
WE-C-USA
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
One option would be crossing the Mississippi River at Cairo > cross southern Mo on US60 to Springfield > pickup US400 in SE Ks to Dodge City & beyond.
More_To_See
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
If you do take 50 across Kansas then once into Colorado be sure to stop by Bents Old Fort at La Junta.

And east of their about 30 miles is a nice little campground at John Martin Reservoir State Park.
Samanthahhi
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
Thank you all!

I will check out Roadside America. I used Weird USA and managed to come up with the Grotto of The Redemption in Iowa last summer. Routed simply to visit it as we passed on through Iowa. What a cool find. My son loved it!

I just purchased MS Street & Trips. Does it have sufficient POI's or is there some other POI database I should add on?