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Colby, Colby, KS
SightseeingLocal GemFamily Favorite

Colby

· Colby, KS

Why you should go…

Colby is a northwest Kansas town along Interstate 70 that markets itself as the Oasis on the Plains. Visitor draws include the Prairie Museum of Art & History, a restored historic downtown district, and the Cooper Barn, said to be the largest barn in Kansas. The town also hosts seasonal events such as the Sunflower Festival and Food Truck Fridays, and sits within driving distance of Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands.

  • #small town
  • #history
  • #free
  • #road trip
  • #museum

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Colby, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Free Entry

    Buffalo Bill Cultural Center & Visitor Center

    Free

    Oakley's travel information center on US 83 beside a twice life-size bronze of Buffalo Bill Cody, with Wild West and Smoky Hill Trail exhibits and a Kansas gift shop.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Free

    Fick Fossil and History Museum

    Free

    A free Oakley, Kansas museum of giant marine fossils, a sod house replica and pioneer-era artifacts.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Oakley

    Free

    Northwest Kansas town on the Western Vistas Historic Byway, gateway to Monument Rocks and the Kansas Badlands.

    22 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

    Under $25

    Hike two short trails to overlooks above white chalk spires and canyons, the largest Niobrara Chalk formation in Kansas.

    41 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Monument Rocks

    Free

    Walk among chalk buttes and arches up to 70 feet tall rising from the prairie, on private land open to respectful visitors.

    45 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Land and Sky Scenic Byway Visitor Center

    Free

    The visitor center for an 88 mile scenic drive through northwest Kansas farmland, canyons and Mount Sunflower.

    48 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor