Itching to get away from the hustle of everyday life? Want to know what a true farm-to-table meal tastes like? Ready to be awoken by a rooster crow instead of your phone’s alarm? Consider taking a cowboy-cation.
Cowboy-cations, which are also known as agrotourism, are a growing trend of combining travel with hands-on experiences in rural areas (think of it like playing a farm simulation game, but real life). There are a plethora of cowboy-cations just a few hours’ drive from Kansas City, so saddle up!
1. River of Life Farm
Dora, MO
Lodge above the foliage in this beautiful treehouse at River of Life Farm. This tranquil spot is ideal if you’re itching to cast a reel; the cabin sits along the North Fork River, which is deemed one of the best reproducing trout streams in the U.S. by several pro anglers, including Walt Fulps of the Missouri Trout Hunter blog. Riveroflifefarm.com.
2. The Weber Farm
Frohna, MO
Think of Weber Farm as Missouri’s version of the picturesque farm home in the Field of Dreams. This quaint Airbnb on the east side of Missouri is the perfect farm life cosplay. Porch swing? Check. Chicken feeding? Check. Antique hand-carved wood furniture and vintage farm tools strewn throughout the homestead? Check. Airbnb.com.
3. Forest Garden Yurts
Reeds Spring, MO
About twenty minutes from Silver Dollar City, you’ll find one of the coolest glamping experiences in the Ozarks. These yurts were designed by William Coperthewaite, who pioneered yurt-building in the United States, and the hosts put on events throughout the season, like permaculture classes and foraging dinners. Forestgardenyurts.com.
4. The Silos at Prairie Vale
Green Ridge, MO
Stay in a silo—yes, you heard us right—at an old dairy farm right outside of Green Ridge. Despite the rustic attitude of the farm, the converted silo cabins are modern and cozy. Help the farming host family tend to chickens, goats, cows and cats, or hop on your bike and hit the nearby Katy Trail. Thesilosatprairievale.com.
5. Clover Cliff Ranch
Elmdale, KS
Tucked into the Flint Hills sits Clover Cliff Ranch, an off-the-beaten-path bed and breakfast that looks straight out of the nineteenth century. When not admiring the antique furniture and architecture, explore the farm by horseback. This ranch also has rich agricultural history: The home’s original owner, J.R. Blackshere, raised the first successful Kansas alfalfa crop and introduced black Galloway cattle (a Scottish breed known for thick curly hair that can withstand winters) to Chase County. Clovercliffranch.com.
6. T-Bar Ranch
Goodland, KS
Known for its abundant bird hunting opportunities, this twenty thousand-acre cattle farm is located in the northwest corner of Kansas. Lodging options include the cozy cottage on the ranch, which can host up to ten guests, or the bunkhouse on property, which can sleep up to four. T-barranch.com.
7. Butterfield Trail Bunkhouse
WaKeeney, KS
The Butterfield Trail Bunkhouse is exactly what the name insinuates: The bed and breakfast is set in the bunkhouse of a working farm. This farm is a ways off the beaten path, so it’s a great opportunity to relax and stargaze—with the background music of cow moos, of course. Butterfieldtrailbunkhouse.com.
8. Blue River Forest Experience
Overland Park, KS
You may not realize it, but some of the coolest nature adventures in Kansas are right in your backyard. The Blue River Forest Experience is an organization that specializes in forest-filled activities, from forest tea parties and campfire nights to foraging workshops and yoga classes. blueriverforestexperience.org.
