Road Trip Adventure from Chanute to Sedan

Chanute and Sedan are two quintessential small towns of Kansas, situated only 132 miles apart. A road trip connecting these two beautiful locales can take around 3 hours non-stop, or approximately 6 hours with pit stops. The trip is a picturesque jaunt through the golden prairies of Kansas, down wavy roads bordered by endless fields of corn and wheat.

As you make your way from Chanute to Sedan, there are several noteworthy locations you can stop at. These places offer a unique glimpse into Kansas's culture, history, and natural beauty. The halfway point of the road trip is Independence, KS - a charming community with a rich heritage and famous apple orchards.

Top 5 Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chanute to Sedan

1. Maring Aquatic Center, Chanute

The Maring Aquatic Center is a state-of-the-art water park located in Chanute, KS. It is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate while on a road trip. An Olympic-sized pool, several water slides, a lazy river, and a splash zone are all at the Maring Aquatic Center.

Interesting Fact: The Maring Aquatic Center was made possible by the Mary Maring family who donated approximately 2 million dollars towards the cost of building the center.

2. Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum, Chanute

Embrace the spirit of adventure and experience Africa's wilderness right in Chanute, KS, at Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum. It celebrates the life of two world-renowned photographers, Martin and Osa Johnson, known for their daring expeditions to the wild lands of Africa and Borneo in the early 20th century.

Interesting Fact: Osa Johnson was once attacked by a tiger in Borneo while she and her husband were filming a documentary.

3. Little House on the Prairie Museum, Independence

Little House on the Prairie is an iconic book and TV show that tells the story of a pioneer family in the 19th century. The museum provides visitors with a chance to step back in time and see firsthand how Laura Ingalls Wilder lived during the late 1800s.

Interesting Fact: The museum has a one-room schoolhouse, which is a replica of the Walnut Grove School that Laura attended as a child.

4. Elk City Lake, Independence

Elk City Lake is a huge reservoir offering endless recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. Located in the heart of the verdant woodlands of Elk City State Park, it is a delightful place to enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of Kansas.

Interesting Fact: The lake is the primary water source for Independence, KS.

5. Emmett Kelly Museum, Sedan

Emmett Kelly Museum in Sedan honors the life and legend of one of the most famous clowns of all time, Emmett Kelly. The museum showcases his life's story, including his humble beginnings, rise to fame, and legacy.

Interesting Fact: Emmett Kelly used to be a trapeze artist until he started his career as a clown.

The winding roads and quaint towns on this trip make it a unique and restful journey. Don't forget to take advantage of each stop to stretch your legs and take in the local sights, sounds, and smells.

In conclusion, a road trip from Chanute to Sedan is an ideal getaway that presents an exploration of the small towns in Kansas, offering different activities ranging from the outdoors to history and tradition. This road trip route is perfect for a three-day trip, which includes overnights in one of the towns. With similar towns on either end of the route and vast open skies in between, there is a lot to take in.