16 Best Tours In Kansas

Kansas is a state full of surprises, offering a surprising variety of tour options that fit different interests. Whether you’re looking for a hilarious murder mystery dinner in Wichita or an interactive scavenger hunt across Lawrence, Kansas has a lot to offer. We particularly enjoyed the Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show in Wichita — it combines comedy with a cleverly designed interactive experience that keeps you guessing. Plus, with scavenger hunts like the Leavenworth Locomotion KS Scavenger Hunt, you get to explore the state’s towns in a fun, active way. And if you’re a history buff, the Dodge City Wild West Smartphone Guided Tour offers a hands-on look at the legendary stories of the Old West.

Thanks to its sprawling plains, historic towns, and quirky characters, Kansas is a fantastic place to try a variety of interactive tours. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a murder mystery or the challenge of a scavenger hunt, your options are plentiful. Keep reading to find out which tours make our top list and why they’re worth your time.

1. The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show – Wichita, KS

At number 1, the The Dinner Detective in Wichita stands out for its uniquely interactive format. This is America’s largest murder mystery dinner show, where the audience becomes part of the story. The show unfolds in real time, set in the present day, with non-costumed actors hidden among the crowd to keep everyone guessing. You’ll solve a hilarious, engaging mystery while enjoying a full dinner, with the added thrill of possibly being mistaken for the killer. The show runs for about 3 hours, making it a solid evening activity. Reviewers love the involvement and the clever plot twists — one said, “The murder was solvable and the cast did a great job of keeping the guest involved.” It’s perfect for those who enjoy comedy, mystery, and social interaction, and it’s ideal for adults or groups celebrating something special.

Bottom line: This show offers a fun, interactive evening with a good balance of comedy and mystery, making it great for first-time visitors or those seeking a lively night out.

2. Leavenworth Locomotion, KS Scavenger Hunt

Number 2 on our list is the Leavenworth Locomotion KS Scavenger Hunt. This immersive adventure features a remote, interactive host guiding you via your phone, making it accessible and flexible. It combines elements of a tour, a detective hunt, and a social challenge — all in a two-hour window. You’ll explore the charming town of Leavenworth, discovering landmarks, solving riddles, and completing creative challenges. Because it’s app-based, you can pause, restart, or continue at your own pace, which makes it ideal for families or groups who want some independence during their adventure. The reviews are glowing, praising the “creative challenge” and “unique format.” It’s especially good if you want an engaging way to learn about local history while having fun.

Bottom line: Perfect for puzzle lovers and small groups who want a flexible, interactive experience. It’s a well-designed game that combines sightseeing with mental stimulation.

3. Wacky Wichita Scavenger Hunt

The Wacky Wichita Scavenger Hunt is another top pick for explorers who love a quirky challenge. This two-hour activity is delivered via your phone, with a live host offering hints along the way. It encourages teams to uncover offbeat landmarks and complete humorous challenges, making it a lively way to experience Wichita’s less obvious attractions. Rated 4.5/5 from three reviews, it’s praised for its creativity and entertainment value. It’s especially suited for groups that enjoy fun, lighthearted puzzles rather than serious history. The interactive nature and social aspects make it a great choice for families or friends looking for a memorable day.

Bottom line: If you want to see Wichita from a fresh, humorous perspective, this scavenger hunt is an excellent option for an active, laughter-filled outing.

4. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Manhattan KS

In Manhattan, the Murder Mystery Detective Experience gives you a chance to step into the shoes of a detective solving a gripping case. Over two and a half hours, you’ll visit ten mapped locations, either on foot or by car. The story involves solving a murder on the streets of Manhattan, with audio clues that guide your investigation. The tour is designed to be immersive and interactive, with the option to follow a walking or driving route. It’s a cost-effective way to combine sightseeing with puzzle-solving, making it well-suited for small groups and fans of crime stories. With an average review rating of 4/5, it’s appreciated for its engaging storyline and flexible format.

Bottom line: This experience is ideal if you’re a fan of mystery and want a personal, detective-style challenge that takes you through Manhattan’s downtown.

5. Self Guided Scavenger Hunt: Wichita, To The Arkansas River

For a more relaxed exploration, the Self-Guided Wichita Scavenger Hunt offers a smartphone-led tour of Wichita’s landmarks. It’s designed for all ages and takes about two hours, with no guide required beyond your phone. You’ll learn about the city’s museums, Native American history, and local culture, all while solving trivia and completing challenges. It’s a budget-friendly option at just over $12 per person, providing a good balance between education and fun. The review ratings are moderate, but the flexibility and educational focus make it appealing for families or casual explorers.

Bottom line: This scavenger hunt is best if you want a self-paced, affordable way to discover Wichita’s highlights with plenty of historical tidbits.

6. Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Wichita by Zombie Scavengers

If you’re craving something a little different, try the Zombie Scavengers Wichita Experience. Here, the city becomes ground zero for a zombie apocalypse, and you’ll collect clues and survival items under the threat of the undead — all through your smartphone. It’s a fast-paced, one-hour game that combines walking, puzzle-solving, and friendly competition. Rated 3.5/5, it’s perfect for groups looking for a quick, fun, and memorable challenge with a themed twist. It suits fans of horror movies or those wanting an active, game-like experience.

Bottom line: Ideal for teams wanting a short, adrenaline-pumping challenge with a playful zombie theme.

7. Dodge City Wild West Smartphone Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour

History buffs will enjoy the Dodge City Wild West Tour, a self-guided walk through one of Kansas’s most iconic towns. Starting outside the Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau, the tour guides you through legendary sites like the Santa Fe Depot, Doc Holliday’s statue, and the historic steam engine. This tour provides a detailed narrative of the town’s lawmen, outlaws, and cattle drives — all accessible through GPS and audio. It’s a flexible way to explore at your own pace and is suited for history enthusiasts or families interested in the Old West.

Bottom line: This tour offers an affordable, educational walk through Dodge City’s storied past, perfect for a laid-back afternoon.

8. Enchanting Ellsworth Scavenger Hunt

The Enchanting Ellsworth Scavenger Hunt is a more recent addition, promising a fun, interactive experience designed for small groups. Like other app-based hunts, it features a live host guiding you through challenges and discoveries. While reviews are still building, the focus on local charm and exploration makes it a promising choice for visitors wanting to combine sightseeing with activity. It’s priced at $29 per person for two hours of fun.

Bottom line: Great for small groups seeking a personalized, engaging way to explore Ellsworth without the busyness of crowds.

9. Epic Lawrence Scavenger Hunt: Soaring Around Lawrence!

In Lawrence, the Epic Scavenger Hunt offers a dynamic tour that takes you through landmarks like Riverfront Museum Park and the East Rockford neighborhood. This is a team-based, points-based game lasting two hours, designed to challenge your knowledge and navigation skills. The game is app-guided, fostering friendly competition and lots of laughs. Although reviews are limited, the focus on interactive discovery makes it suitable for families, friends, or corporate outings.

Bottom line: Perfect for competitive groups who want to explore Lawrence actively and learn about local attractions.

10. Self-Guided Topeka Scavenger Hunt: Topeka Top City’s Top Sights!

This Topeka Self-Guided Hunt offers a flexible way to explore the city’s top sites. It lasts roughly two hours and uses your smartphone for navigation and fun challenges. It’s affordable at just over $12 per person and features trivia, photo challenges, and historical info. It’s ideal for families or solo travelers who want a low-pressure way to see the city’s highlights at their own pace.

Bottom line: A straightforward, budget-friendly option for those wanting to learn about Topeka’s main attractions through an engaging game.

11. Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Wichita

During the festive season, the Holly Jolly Hunt brings holiday cheer to Wichita. This app-based hunt challenges teams to find holiday-related items and complete seasonal challenges. It’s designed for groups up to ten people, lasting about an hour, and guarantees plenty of laughs. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the season and explore the city’s holiday decorations and traditions.

Bottom line: Perfect for families or groups looking to add some holiday fun to their Wichita visit.

12. Lawrence Locomotion Scavenger Hunt

Similar to the Leavenworth version, the Lawrence Locomotion offers a 2-hour, app-guided experience that takes you through Lawrence’s points of interest. With a focus on discovery and social interaction, it encourages players to find hidden gems and learn local stories. The format is suitable for families, groups, or anyone wanting a guided but flexible activity. The price is just over $21 per person, making it a worthwhile investment for an active, educational outing.

Bottom line: Great for those who want a fun, structured way to uncover Lawrence’s secrets.

13. Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Topeka by Operation City Quest

This Operation City Quest in Topeka offers a low-cost, two-hour scavenger hunt that emphasizes object-finding and challenge completion. Using an app, players search for specific items and answer trivia, climbing the live leaderboard as they go. It’s ideal for groups wanting a simple, straightforward activity that encourages teamwork and exploration. Reviews are limited but positive, citing the affordability and fun nature of the game.

Bottom line: If budget and ease of use are your priorities, this is a solid choice for exploring Topeka.

14. The Hunt, an exciting cat-and-mouse game in Lawrence

For those who love strategy and adrenaline, The Hunt turns Lawrence into a battleground. Dividing players into police and criminals, the game involves hiding, chasing, and outsmarting each other over a two-hour period. It’s fast-paced, requiring quick thinking and teamwork, perfect for groups seeking a physical, strategic challenge. The limited reviews suggest it’s an engaging, energetic activity that adds a playful twist to traditional scavenger hunts.

Bottom line: Ideal for active, competitive groups who enjoy role-playing and a good dose of action.

15. Topeka Bar Crawl

For a more laid-back but lively experience, the Topeka Bar Crawl combines socializing with discovering local pubs. Lasting about 90 minutes, it guides you through some of Topeka’s popular bars, with trivia and challenges along the way. It’s a fun way to explore the city’s nightlife, especially if you enjoy meeting new people and trying different drinks.

Bottom line: Best suited for adult groups wanting a casual, social evening in Topeka.

16. University Scavenger Hunt Kansas State U Wildcat Whisker Hunt

Finally, the Wildcat Whisker Hunt offers a playful, university-themed scavenger hunt at Kansas State University. It involves solving puzzles and discovering campus landmarks within about 90 minutes. It’s excellent for college students, alumni, or anyone interested in campus life, combining fun with a bit of competitive spirit.

Bottom line: A lively activity for university visitors or families wanting a friendly challenge on campus.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting a tour in Kansas, consider your budget, the amount of time you have, and what excites you most. For a lively, full-evening experience, the Dinner Detective Murder Mystery offers a memorable night out. If you prefer active exploration, a scavenger hunt or city walk could be perfect. On a budget? The Topeka scavenger hunt is inexpensive and flexible, while themed hunts like the Zombie experience add a unique twist. Think about your interests—history, comedy, or adventure—and pick the activity that best matches your style. Booking early is always a good idea, especially in peak seasons or during holiday periods.

Final Thoughts

Kansas offers a surprisingly diverse set of tour options that cater to different tastes and travel styles. For a fun night out, the Dinner Detective is hard to beat. If you love active, puzzle-based experiences, the Leavenworth and Lawrence scavenger hunts and City Quests are excellent choices. History enthusiasts will appreciate the self-guided walks through Dodge City or the Old West-themed adventures. With a range of prices and formats, there’s a Kansas tour for nearly every type of traveler. Be sure to book ahead—these popular experiences fill quickly during busy seasons.

Enjoy exploring Kansas’s many flavors, stories, and surprises. Whether you’re solving mysteries, hunting for hidden treasures, or just soaking in local vibe, your adventure starts here.