As it is in many Midwestern states, hunting is something of a state-wide pastime in Kansas. Deer, pheasant, quail, and more are all popular game here, and turkey season typically occurs twice a year, in the spring and fall. However, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks recently announced that turkey hunting in Kansas is suspended for 2023. If you love the thrill of the hunt, this might be a bummer for you but don’t sweat it. There are plenty of outdoor activities in Kansas to enjoy, even with no turkey hunting.

Over the last 15 years, wild turkey populations have been steadily declining throughout the Midwest.
Jim & Robin/Flickr
Over the last few years, the Kansas state government has done its part to help by reducing the bag limits and reducing hunting dates, but even this didn't have enough of an effect. The difficult decision was made to suspend turkey hunting this year to allow population numbers to regrow.

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor activities to engage in that are perfect for the season:

1. Visit a state park.

Elk City State Park, 4825 Squaw Creek Rd, Independence, KS 67301, USA
Steve Lovell/Alltrails
The cooler weather and beautiful foliage make fall a wonderful time to visit one of the 28 state parks in Kansas.

2. Visit a pumpkin patch.

Walters' Pumpkin Patch, 10001 US-77, Burns, KS 66840, USA
Walter's Pumpkin Patch
There's no shortage of wonderful pumpkin patches in Kansas. This is such a wonderful fall activity that the entire family can enjoy.

3. Visit a cider mill.

Louisburg Cider Mill
One of my favorite things about fall is the joy of indulging in fall-themed foods. From apple cider to pumpkin spice everything, autumn foods are pretty special. If you want to enjoy some delicious cider straight from the source, stop by the delightful Louisburg Cider Mill. The cider is made right on-site, giving you the freshest beverages imaginable.

5. Check out a fun fall festival.

Overland Park Fall Festival
There's no shortage of great fall festivals in Kansas - honestly, you can find one scheduled just about every weekend. Whether you're looking for great live entertainment, delicious food, parades, or kids' activities, there's something for everyone at the Sunflower State's many family-friendly fall festivals.

6. Visit a zoo.

Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS 67212, USA
Sedgwick County Zoo/Facebook
There are a handful of AZA-accredited zoos in Kansas, and one of our favorites is the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita. The animals are typically more active in the cooler temperatures, and you can rest easy knowing that AZA accreditation indicates that the animals are well cared for.

7. Check out a concert.

The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
Pete Romano/Google Reviews
Looking for some fun nightlife activity? There are some great concert venues in Kansas! Whether you want to head to our bigger cities for a large or catch a local act at your nearby bar, there's no shortage of talented people here and you can find music from a variety of genres.

8. Enjoy a fall road trip.

Tim Vrtiska/Flickr
Gas up the car, prepare those playlists, and get ready to hit the road for a fall road trip in Kansas. Leaf peeping is so much fun! Make sure you check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List before hitting the road so that you're prepared.

What are your favorite outdoor activities in Kansas? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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