Kansas is often dubbed flyover country, which is good news for travelers who love wide-open spaces, doing their own thing, and uncovering actual hidden gems.
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Kansas is your playground—assuming you have a car with solid gas mileage and aren’t afraid of logging some long hours on the road. In exchange, you’ll be treated to peaceful destinations, a surprisingly diverse list of attractions, and more than a few lovely small towns as you make your way through the state.
I have just one tip: Before you finalize your itinerary, look into some of the best and most interesting Airbnbs in all of Kansas. They’re pretty wild, both in the way of being shockingly good and… very unexpected. At these rentals, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and highly memorable stay.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems to make finding the perfect rental for your next trip a breeze.]
Best Airbnbs in all of Kansas—from silos to schoolhouses
The Parsonage 1873 (Hays)
- The interesting factor: This home dates back to 1873 and was built from local limestone
- What makes it worth booking: You’ll get a great balance of historic features and modern comforts, like the large antique soaking tub and the king-sized bed. The home also has fake candlelight throughout, adding to the rustic, charmed feel.
1876 Stone Schoolhouse (Westmoreland)
- The interesting factor: This home dates back to 1876, when it was built as a local schoolhouse. The stone walls feel like they’re straight from Europe, as do the exposed wooden beams.
- What makes it worth booking: Once again, you can find a blend of historic details with modern finishes, giving you a comfortable stay. This home also has unique perks, including a Super Nintendo gaming setup and a bonfire pit out back for a little cozy stargazing.
Historic Limestone Cabin (Ellsworth)
- The interesting factor: This limestone cabin dates back to the 1880s, when it was built for farming operations. It was recently renovated to make it a comfortable stay for passing travelers.
- What makes it worth booking: If you’re on the hunt for peace, consider this the perfect getaway. It’s located in a quiet area outside a small town, where you can expect solitude and rest.
Whispering Bison Cabin (Bucklin)
- The interesting factor: This is a highly bespoke family cabin that is full of whimsy and handcrafted pieces, from the custom hand-painted koi pond to the black bear cub hiding in a tree.
- What makes it worth booking: As with the last Airbnb, this home is located far off the beaten path. You won’t see any neighbors as you recline under the big Kansas sky without a care in the world. This home also has a covered patio and a fire pit for added outdoor time.
Atlas F Missile Base (Wilson)
- The interesting factor: This two-bedroom rental was once an actual Atlas F Missile Base used during the Cold War. The property is also home to a space habitat educational program, meaning you can learn about the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile program from the days of yore.
- What makes it worth booking: Aside from this unit’s seriously interesting backstory, it’s located on 24 private acres of peaceful prairie land. Many guests are repeat visitors—it’s really that cool.
Owls Nest Silo (Elmdale)
- The interesting factor: This two-bedroom rental is inside a converted concrete silo that was built a century ago. Bespoke wood features line the rental, giving it a distinctly country-rustic feel.
- What makes it worth booking: Despite the awesome premise of this converted silo rental, you don’t sacrifice any comfort when you stay. The craftsmanship of the unit is also worth marveling at. Lastly, the rental comes with a covered pavilion where you can appreciate the scenery.
Konza Cabin (Manhattan)
- The interesting factor: Two grain bins (they’re like shorter, fatter silos) are connected by an all-glass atrium, creating a two-bedroom that has never existed before.
- What makes it worth booking: This is an architectural feat that is a treat for those who enjoy unique architecture and homes with floor-to-ceiling windows. The home is also located in Flint Hills, one of Kansas’s most gorgeous natural corridors. Lastly, there’s a taxidermied puma in the kitchen that you might appreciate.
Secluded Cabin (Blakely Township)
- The interesting factor: This bespoke cabin has a tin sheet metal roof and enough hunting trophies to catch your intrigue for a while. If you appreciate handcrafted cottages, this might be the most interesting Airbnb in Kansas for you.
- What makes it worth booking: This home gives you four acres of private land, including a large pond with a dock to enjoy. It’s a retreat that families with rugged kids will enjoy. The covered porch overlooking the water is also chef’s kiss.
Zome on the Range (Baileyville)
- The interesting factor: This one-bedroom is housed inside a ten-sided dome that has a massive, vaulted ceiling—and way more space inside than you might think.
- What makes it worth booking: It’s a unique and modern stay that you might recognize from ’50 States in 50 Days’ with Ryan Trahan. Famous mentions aside, this is an affordable escape in rural Kansas where you can drop off the map while getting rejuvenating rest.
The Pair Tree (Perry)
- The interesting factor: Half of this home is a standard luxury listing, with amenities like a freestanding tub and a fireplace. The rest is a half-indoors, half-outdoors immersive ‘treehouse’-style getaway with highly intriguing amenities.
- What makes it worth booking: Those highly intriguing amenities include an outdoor rainfall-style shower, a covered hot tub, a bocce ball court, a ‘nest’-like sky hammock, and putt-putt. It’s a whimsical, delightful rental from just about any angle.
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