Country Road Driving Russell County - a blend of heritage and horizon, Russell County serves up oil boom history, beautiful lakes, and artistic soul—plus a warm welcome at every stop.Rooks County - rolling hills and quiet towns tell stories of resilience—where time slows down and visitors are greeted with genuine, down-to-earth charm.
Day 1 9:00 A.M.
From I-70 in Russell County, take 232 North to Wilson Lake. Stop at the kiosk at the west end of the Wilson Lake Dam for information, which is located on the west side of the dam and south side of the road.
10:00 A.M.
Continue along 232 North to Lucas, where you can take your pick exploring:Garden of Eden – 305 E 2nd Street, allow 1 hour for tourBowl Plaza – 119 S Main Street, allow 30 minutesBrant’s Market – 125 S Main Street, allow 30 minutes
11:00 A.M.
Travel along K18 to Paradise to have a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and take a picture at the Stone water tower. Pick up the cheeseburger on the way at Luray Convenience.
11:25 A.M.
Hop back in and drive to Codell, where you can take a picture of the Tornado Sculpture at 303 4th Street. Learn the tornado story at rookscounty.net/communities.
12:00 P.M.
Continue along to Plainville, where you’ll enjoy lunch at the Cardinal Drive-In, 400 N Broadway Street, or at the Handle-Bar Tavern & Eatery, 105 E Mill Street.
1:00 P.M.
Once you’re finished with lunch, to honor those who have served our country at the Vet’s Memorial located at 425 S Washington Street.
1:30 P.M.
In case you missed it in Lucas, visit Brant’s Market, one of the oldest meat markets in the country also named one of the eight wonders of Kansas Commerce.121 W Mill Street, www.brantsmarket.com
2:00 P.M.
Travel to Stockton along 183 North to visit the Barn Quilt Wall west on US HWY 24 at the east end of the Lower Park. The Barn Quilt is a community-built mural featuring local businesses and life in Stockton. Also visit the Rooks County Museum, 921 S Cedar.
3:30 P.M.
Check into your accommodations for the night. Rooks County has a variety of motels, cabins, and B&B’s, so utilize www.rookscounty.net/lodging to find the perfect home away from home for you!
5:00 P.M.
Dinner - Suggested locations:1872 - 323 Main Street183 Lanes - 906 S Cedar www.rookscounty.net/dining
For more information on day 1 adventures visit: Russellcountyks.org Rookscounty.net
Heritage on the HorizonNicodemus - more than a town—Nicodemus is a living chapter of American history, where the legacy of Black pioneers is preserved on the Kansas plains with quiet power and deep significance. Hill City - Rooted in rural grit and golden wheat, Hill City is a laid-back stop where small-town pride and wide-open recreation come together under endless skies.
Day 2 9:00 A.M
Start the morning off with The Daily Grind Bakery in Stockton at 303 Main Street.
Travel along HWY 24 to County Road 2, then south to Damar, where you can visit a couple of locations including:St. Joseph’s Church – 107 N Oak StreetDamar Historical Society – 107 N Oak Street
Take Road 2 back to HWY 24 and west to Nicodemus, where you can explore one of the only remaining towns inhabited by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War through the Nicodemus Visitor Center and a self-guided town tour. 304 Washington Ave., www.nps.gov/nico
Hop in the car and head to Hill City for lunch. Suggested locations:Average Joes, 222 N. PomeroyCameron’s Corner, 405 W. Main St.
Take a blast into the past observing the Graham County Auto & Art Museum. The museum houses vehicles from the 1920s through the 1960s, including a 1964 Cadillac hearse that transported former President John F. Kennedy’s body. Local artists’ work is also on display. Allow 1 to 2 hours for tour.322 W Main Street
Travel south on HWY 283 to WaKeeney for dinner and to rest for the night.
4:00 P.M.
Check into your accommodations for the night. Suggested locations:Best Western Plus Wakeeney Inn & Suites – 525 S 1st StreetCountry Barn Loft Bed & Breakfast – 19065 280 AveKirch Haus (Church House) - 438 N Main 1906 Cottage Garden Bed & Breakfast – 510 Warren Ave
6:00 P.M.
Dinner – Suggested locations:The Brazen Bull – 717 S 2nd StreetRosie’s Bar & Grill – 320 S AveWestern Kansas Saloon & Grill – 121 N Main
For more information on day 2 adventures visit: Rookscounty.net hillcityareachamber.com
From By-Way to Bustle WaKeeney -where the prairie opens wide and the Smoky Valley Byway begins, WaKeeney pairs open skies with unexpected charm—from dazzling holiday lights to classic downtown stops.Hays - A university town with frontier roots, Hays hums with energy—where bison still roam, and art walks, craft beer, and Western history thrive side by side.Victoria - A quiet town crowned by the majestic Cathedral of the Plains, Victoria is where faith, heritage, and towering stone architecture rise from the Kansas earth.
Day 3 9:00 A.M.
Begin your morning at The Morning Rose located in Prairie Rose Inn for a delicious full breakfast menu. Located at 320 South Ave.
Visit downtown WaKeeney, where you can relax and enjoy the fresh outdoors along the Main Street Nature Trail and explore the “Christmas City of the High Plains” since 1950. The North Pole displays the history of the 35 ft live Christmas Tree, photo mural of the tree, snowman, elves, and a Santa house to snap pictures with!
Suggested side trips before traveling I-70 to Hays:I-70 west to Exit 120 - Drive south to M Road, west to Shiloh Vineyard - back to I-70Take HWY 283 south - Drive east on AA Terrace - turn north on 320 Ave - explore Cedar Bluff State Park - return to AA Terrace - head north on K147 - east on I-70
12:30 P.M.
Lunch in Hays – Suggested locations:Thirsty’s Brew Pub & Grill – 2704 Vine Street, Ste. BVernie’s Hamburger House– 527 E 17th Street
Hop back in the car for a short drive to Victoria, home of the Cathedral of the Plains. Also named the Basilica of St. Fidelis, the cathedral is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. 900 Cathedral Ave., www.stfidelischurch.com
2:30 P.M.
Back track to Hays to explore the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, where Earth’s natural history comes to life. Allow 1 to 2 hours for full tour.3000 Sternberg Drive
4:30 P.M.
Check into your accommodations for the night. Suggested locations:The Bissing House – 117 West StreetHampton Inn – 4002 General Hays RdHilton Garden Inn – 221 W 43rd Street
Head downtown to eat dinner and to tour downtown. Dinner suggestions:TRIO Tap House – 1106 E 27th StreetGella’s Dinner and Lb Brewing Co – 117 E. 11th Street
For more information on day 3 adventures visit: wakeeney.org visithays.com
