Cedar Creek Waterfalls: While small, these picturesque falls can be found in the area near Galena, offering a peaceful nature escape. It's a great spot to take photos or relax by the water.
Visit the "Cars on the Route": While it's a quirky stop with old cars and Route 66 memorabilia, it sits among rural Kansas, allowing you to take in the serene, open landscapes of the area.

Riverton’s Surrounding Nature: Enjoy the peaceful rural surroundings, where you can take in the plains and flatlands of Kansas. Stop at local parks or find a quiet spot to appreciate the rolling hills and open skies.
Explore the Ozarks Edge: The very edge of the Ozark Mountains starts here, so you can experience the transition of landscape from plains to hills.

Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum: While mainly historical, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the prairies and walk along rural roads filled with natural beauty.
Nature Walks: Walk along the flat, grassy prairies surrounding the town. The open spaces are perfect for reflecting, photography, or birdwatching.

Cherokee State Fishing Lake: This lake is perfect for quiet picnics, birdwatching, and leisurely strolls. If you enjoy fishing, it's also an ideal spot to cast a line.
Spacious Plains: Just outside of Cherokee, take a drive through the plains for expansive views of rolling hills and wildflowers. It’s a great place to take in the open skies.

Pittsburg’s Parks: Take a walk through Big Brutus Park (home to the famous mining machine) and Miners Memorial Park. Here you’ll find a mix of nature and historical significance.
Forest Park: Enjoy walking or picnicking in this spacious green space, which has ponds and lots of places for quiet moments in nature.

Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center: Just a short detour from Route 66, this natural center is perfect for nature lovers. Explore walking trails, watch for birds, and enjoy the beautiful wild landscape of the Ozarks.
Redings Mill Conservation Area: Hike along the trails and enjoy the lush, forested landscape, especially beautiful in spring and fall when the leaves change.

Carthage’s Historic Sites and Nature: Beyond the historic landmarks, the area around Carthage is filled with rolling hills and prairies. Head toward Jasper County to explore hidden gems of nature along lesser-known hiking trails.
Carthage’s Heartland Trails: These scenic trails allow for both walking and cycling, giving you access to quiet woods, open fields, and serene rural views.

Springfield Nature Walks: If you find yourself close to Springfield, Missouri, near the Kansas border, you can explore nearby natural spots like Fantastic Caverns or Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
Wildflower Fields: This area is known for stunning wildflower fields in spring. Look for spots off the beaten path where wildflowers bloom across the prairie.

Endless Horizons: As you drive through Kansas, embrace the vast, open sky. The plains here are like a canvas of ever-changing colors and textures depending on the time of day and season. The sunsets and sunrises here are a nature lover's dream.
Kansas Prairie Preserves: Keep an eye out for nature preserves along the route, such as those managed by local wildlife organizations. These often offer birdwatching and wildflower viewing opportunities.

Big Hill Lake: Located not far from Baxter Springs, this lake is a great spot for kayaking, hiking, and camping. It's perfect for a nature getaway with activities like fishing, hiking, and just relaxing by the water.
Cross Timbers State Park: While this park isn’t directly on Route 66, it's a short detour and offers gorgeous hiking trails through wooded landscapes, along with opportunities for camping, fishing, and birdwatching.

Kansas' Wide Open Skies: With its wide-open spaces, Kansas offers some of the best stargazing along Route 66. Find a quiet spot away from city lights to enjoy a night sky full of stars. The lack of light pollution in rural areas makes it an unforgettable experience.

Wildlife Watching: Kansas is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species. Be sure to bring binoculars for some wildlife viewing along your drive.
Picnic in Parks: Many of the small towns along the route have charming parks where you can pack a lunch and enjoy the serenity of the prairie landscape.
Hiking Trails: Make sure to ask locals or check online for the best hiking trails near your stops to get the most out of the natural beauty surrounding you.

Wandering Souls