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Oakley, Oakley, KS
SightseeingLocal GemHistory Buff

Oakley

· Oakley, KS

Why you should go…

Oakley is a Northwest Kansas town along I-70 and US-83, at the midpoint of the 102-mile Western Vistas Historic Byway, Kansas' first designated historic byway. It is home to the Buffalo Bill Cultural and Visitor Center and the Fick Fossil and History Museum, and serves as a gateway to nearby Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Oakley Tourism promotes visits to the town and its surrounding badlands scenery.

  • #history
  • #road trip
  • #fossils
  • #scenic drive

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

  • 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.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • 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.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Colby

    Free

    Northwest Kansas town on I-70 known as the Oasis on the Plains, with a pioneer museum and historic downtown.

    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.

    23 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.

    24 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor