Last Updated on March 7, 2026 by Kristin
Looking for a great road trip from Wichita? Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor recreation or some big-city action, renting a car in Wichita will allow you to explore destinations at your own pace. Here are the best road trips from Wichita.
Fabulous Road Trips from Wichita
Tulsa, Oklahoma
177 miles / 2 hr. 36 mins.
Looking for a getaway brimming with culture? Tulsa, Oklahoma is the perfect place to spend a weekend browsing museums, admiring Art Deco architecture and immersing yourself in the history of the famed Route 66 highway. One of Tulsa’s biggest draws is its music museums and institutions, including the Woody Guthrie Center, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and Bob Dylan Center. Step back in time with a visit to the Route 66 Historical Village, an open-air museum with a steam locomotive that pays homage to the 27-mile stretch of the famous road running through the city. Other popular attractions include the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Air & Space Museum.
Kansas City, Missouri
200 miles / 2 hr. 55 mins.
For a city trip mixed with a scenic drive, look no further than Kansas City. This road trip is unique because it includes optional pit stops to explore the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway or Kansas’ capital, Topeka. The most direct route to Kansas City is via I-35. This route will take you through Topeka, which is home to attractions including the Kansas State Capital building and Topeka Zoo. In Kansas City, cross over to Missouri to check out attractions including the American Jazz Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and plenty of barbecue restaurants. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take a detour to enjoy the 47.2 mile-Flint Hills Scenic Byway once you reach Cassoday. Follow the road up to Council Grove to enjoy prairie landscapes and historical attractions before finishing the trip to Kansas City. >> Recommended hotels in Kansas City
Dallas, Texas
364 miles / 5 hr. 25 mins.
Fancy a weekend in the big city? Everything’s bigger in Texas, and Dallas is no exception. Dallas is an easy drive down I-35 and offers some of the best shopping, dining and cultural attractions in the region. Some of the most popular attractions include the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, the Dallas Museum of Art and Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Pick up some cowboy boots at Wild Bill’s Western Store and have dinner at the top of Reunion Tower for panoramic views of the city. >> Recommended hotels in Dallas
Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri
277 miles / 4 hr. 50 mins.
If you’ve had enough of the city and want to escape into nature, the Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri is an ideal place to relax and recharge. This 54,000-acre man made lake includes relaxing resorts around the water, and activities including fishing, kayaking, boating and swimming. The park also offers several different types of hiking trails through woodlands and glades. One of the most fun attractions here is an hour-long underground tour of the Ozark Caverns, which features unique rock formations and the chance to see cave-dwelling creatures including salamanders and bats. >> Recommended hotels near Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Branson, Missouri
286 miles / 4 hr. 47 mins.
It’s sometimes called the “live entertainment capital of the world” or a “family-friendly Las Vegas.” Either way, the Missouri town of Branson is a great place to catch a show. The town boasts more than 50 theaters that get all manner of touring acts, but it also offers Silver Dollar City theme park, hundreds of restaurants, and plenty of outdoor fun, thanks to Table Rock Lake and the hiking and biking trails of the Ozark Mountains. >> Recommended hotels in Branson
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