Discovering the Heartland: A Guide to Kansas Craft Beers and Breweries

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kansas Craft Breweries

Positive Things In Kansas

Explore Kansas’ rich craft beer scene with this 3-day itinerary that takes you through some of the state’s best breweries, along with local attractions and dining spots. From Kansas City to Lawrence and Manhattan, this tour is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of Kansas craft beers and the unique experiences each city has to offer.

Day 1: Kansas City Brewery Tour

Morning: Arrival and Brewery Visit

• Arrival: Arrive in Kansas City, Missouri, and check into a centrally located hotel such as 21c Museum Hotel or The Fontaine.
• Brewery Visit: Start your brewery tour at Boulevard Brewing Company.
  • Location: 2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
  • Experience: Enjoy a brewery tour and sample their flagship beers like the Pale Ale and Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale.
  • Boulevard Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at Q39, a well-known spot for BBQ and hearty American fare.
  • Location: 1000 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
  • Q39 Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Head to Martin City Brewing Co..
  • Location: 500 E 135th St, Kansas City, MO 64145
  • Experience: Sample a variety of craft beers, including their popular IPA and Stout.
  • Martin City Brewing Co. Website

Evening: Dinner and Nightlife

• Dinner: Dine at The Rieger for a sophisticated meal with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Location: 1924 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
  • The Rieger Website
• Nightlife: Check out local bars and live music venues such as The Record Bar.
  • The Record Bar Website

Day 2: Lawrence Brewery Experience

Morning: Travel to Lawrence

• Travel: Drive from Kansas City to Lawrence, Kansas (approximately 45 minutes).

Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Free State Brewing Co..
  • Location: 636 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Experience: Sample a range of beers including their Copperhead Pale Ale and Storm Chaser IPA.
  • Free State Brewing Co. Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Burger Stand, known for its creative burger offerings and local craft beer selections.
  • Location: 802 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • The Burger Stand Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Visit K-9 Craft Brewing Co. for a relaxing afternoon.
  • Location: 213 E 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • Experience: Try their Pawsitively Pale Ale and Bark Brown Ale in a friendly atmosphere.
  • K-9 Craft Brewing Co. Website

Evening: Dinner and Entertainment

• Dinner: Dine at The Eldridge Hotel’s restaurant, known for its historic charm and fine dining.
  • Location: 701 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
  • The Eldridge Hotel Website
• Entertainment: Enjoy live music or a show at Liberty Hall.
  • Liberty Hall Website

Day 3: Manhattan Brewery Tour

Morning: Travel to Manhattan

• Travel: Drive from Lawrence to Manhattan, Kansas (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).

Brewery Visit

• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Tallgrass Brewing Company.
  • Location: 602 E 3rd Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
  • Experience: Sample their 8-Bit Pale Ale and Buffalo Sweat Stout in their welcoming taproom.
  • Tallgrass Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Little Apple Brewing Company for a meal paired with more local craft beer.
  • Location: 111 S 4th St, Manhattan, KS 66502
  • Little Apple Brewing Company Website

Afternoon: Explore Manhattan

• Attraction: Visit Kansas State University Gardens for a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful campus grounds.
  • Kansas State University Gardens Website

Evening: Return to Kansas City

• Travel: Drive back to Kansas City in the late afternoon or early evening.

Dinner: Final Farewell

• Dinner: For your final meal, consider dining at The Crossroads KC, which offers a mix of live music and dining.
  • Location: 4128 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64111
  • The Crossroads KC Website

This 3-day itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Kansas’ craft beer scene, allowing you to visit top breweries, enjoy local dining, and experience the unique attractions of each city. Enjoy your journey through Kansas and savor the diverse flavors of its craft beers!

Kansas State Windmill

Kansas offers a variety of fun activities and sports events that complement a brewery tour perfectly. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or catching a local sports game, Kansas has something to offer. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do and sports events to catch while you’re exploring the Sunflower State:

Sports and Entertainment in Kansas

1. Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

• Location: Arrowhead Stadium, 1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO 64129
• Experience: Home to the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the most successful teams in the NFL. The atmosphere at Arrowhead Stadium is electric, with passionate fans and exciting game-day experiences. Check their schedule to catch a game during your visit.
• Kansas City Chiefs Schedule

2. Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

• Location: Children’s Mercy Park, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111
• Experience: Enjoy Major League Soccer with Sporting Kansas City. The games are held at Children’s Mercy Park, which provides a great atmosphere for soccer fans.
• Sporting Kansas City Schedule

3. Wichita State Shockers (NCAA)

• Location: Charles Koch Arena, 1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, KS 67260
• Experience: Watch the Wichita State Shockers compete in college basketball and other sports at Charles Koch Arena. The Shockers have a passionate fan base and offer exciting game-day experiences.
• Wichita State Athletics Schedule

4. Kansas State Wildcats (NCAA)

• Location: Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium, 1720 Ft Riley Blvd, Manhattan, KS 66502
• Experience: Attend a Kansas State Wildcats football game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Known for its lively crowd and college football traditions, it’s a must-visit for sports fans.
• Kansas State Wildcats Schedule

5. Kansas Speedway

• Location: 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111
• Experience: Experience the thrill of NASCAR racing at Kansas Speedway. The track hosts various racing events throughout the year, offering a high-speed adrenaline rush.
• Kansas Speedway Events

6. Topeka Performing Arts Center

• Location: 214 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603
• Experience: Enjoy a variety of performances, including concerts, Broadway shows, and local theater productions at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.
• Topeka Performing Arts Center Schedule

7. The Kansas State Fair

• Location: 2000 N Poplar St, Hutchinson, KS 67502
• Experience: Held annually in September, the Kansas State Fair features carnival rides, live music, agricultural exhibits, and more. It’s a fun-filled event with something for everyone.
• Kansas State Fair Website

Fun Things to Do in Kansas

1. Visit the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center

• Location: 1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501
• Experience: Explore the Kansas Cosmosphere, which offers exhibits on space exploration, astronaut training, and space science. It’s a fascinating destination for both kids and adults.
• Kansas Cosmosphere Website

2. Explore the Flint Hills Scenic Byway

• Location: The byway runs through the Flint Hills region of Kansas.
• Experience: Take a scenic drive through the Flint Hills, known for its rolling prairies and beautiful landscapes. The byway offers stunning views and opportunities for hiking and photography.
• Flint Hills Scenic Byway Information

3. Tour the Kansas History Museum

• Location: 6425 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66615
• Experience: Discover the rich history of Kansas at the Kansas History Museum, which features exhibits on the state’s cultural heritage, Native American history, and more.
• Kansas History Museum Website

4. Visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home

• Location: 200 SE 4th St, Abilene, KS 67410
• Experience: Explore the life and legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his presidential library and museum. The site includes exhibits on his presidency and personal life.
• Eisenhower Presidential Library Website

5. Discover the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

• Location: 2480 KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869
• Experience: Experience the beauty of the Tallgrass Prairie at this national preserve, which offers hiking trails and opportunities to see native wildlife and plant species.
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Website

6. Explore the Kansas City Zoo

• Location: 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132
• Experience: Visit the Kansas City Zoo to see a diverse collection of animals, participate in interactive exhibits, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
• Kansas City Zoo Website

7. Tour the Museum of World Treasures

• Location: 835 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202
• Experience: The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita features exhibits on historical artifacts, fossils, and cultural treasures from around the world.
• Museum of World Treasures Website

8. Visit the Old Cowtown Museum

• Location: 1865 W Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203
• Experience: Step back in time at the Old Cowtown Museum, which recreates life in the 19th-century Old West with historic buildings, exhibits, and costumed interpreters.
• Old Cowtown Museum Website

This guide highlights a variety of activities and sports events to enjoy in Kansas, ensuring that your visit is filled with excitement, culture, and fun. Whether you’re watching a game, exploring local attractions, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Kansas has something to make your trip memorable.