We want you to come visit and enjoy all that our region has to offer. Click on a county to
learn more about it.
People want to get back to their roots and look for new experiences.
Rural tourism has been increasing rapidly over the last two decades. Many factors have
contributed to this trend. People are taking more and shorter trips, doing more traveling by car,
looking for new experiences, adding diversity to their experiences, traveling as a family and
looking to “get back to their roots.” In most cases one family member has a parent or grandparent
who grew up on a farm or in a rural community. These are the “roots” that tourists want to visit.
Rural travel provides urbanites with the opportunity to experience rural life and meet people who
make their living close to the land (Agritourism).
In the Pursuit of Leisure – Our Outdoor Recreation is Tops!
Nature-based tourism uses the natural resources of an area as a focal point to attract and entertain
visitors. Nature-based tourism ranges from hunting and fishing; to bird and wildlife watching;
nature study; hiking and biking; enjoying the local scenery, history and culture; or just being
out in nature.
The Missouri River, Perry Lake, the many state and county lakes provide excellent opportunities
to explore nature and the great outdoors. There are also excellent hunting and fishing opportunities
that draw people from far and wide.
Explore our role in American history - Come hear our story!
Cultural, heritage, historical tourism visitors travel to experience places and activities that
authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. This allows visitors to
explore historic themes as enrichment to their broader understanding of American history.
The Glacial Hills was center stage for America’s westward expansion in the 1800s and provides a
history of people and their struggles to build new communities in their quest for new prosperity.
We have the Pony Express, Oregon and California Trails, Lewis and Clark Exploration, and many
stagecoach (Parallel Road & Leavenworth-Pike’s Peak Express) and military trails that are great
assets. The four Native American Tribes in the region have a valuable cultural heritage that
visitors will want to learn about.
Some opportunities exist where cultural, heritage and historical sites can provide recreation
and nature-based opportunities can extend the interest and stay of visitors.
Agritourism is the intersection of agriculture and tourism!
Agritourism is when people visit a working farm, ranch, winery or any agricultural operation for
enjoyment, outdoor recreation, activities, education, shopping, dining or lodging. Agritourism is
where visitors can enjoy the scents, sights, tastes, textures and sounds of the Glacial Hills
region on farms that have developed a variety of enterprises to entertain you on their farms.
The Glacial Hills region of northeast Kansas is diverse in its landscape, culture, people,
heritage and communities. While diverse, there is one activity that weaves us together and binds
us to the land - agriculture. The region has some of the richest and deepest soils in the state
that are excellent for agricultural production. People want to experience their roots and visit
the farming community.
We hope you enjoy your stay in the Glacial Hills Region of Northeast Kansas. Let us know how
we can make your stay a better experience for your family.
