Wichita-Area Staycations
Looking to squeeze in a quick yet memorable getaway before the school year starts? Here are three enticing staycation options located within an hour's drive of Wichita that are sure to leave lasting impressions on all who visit them. These destination lodging attractions offer plenty of amenities to keep guests busy, or to simply decompress in an atmosphere ideal for restful or recreational retreat.
Clover Cliff Ranch Bed & Breakfast, Elmdale
620.343.0621
Situated on a 4,000-acre working bison ranch, this historic getaway features four guest accommodations, including a large, two-story stone home built between 1860 and 1883. Owners Warren and Susie Harshman are just the fourth owners linked to this historic location, which offers guests plenty to hang plans on, including the state’s No. 1-rated disc golf course, horseback riding and scenic serenity.
Designed by national disc golf champion and renowned course designer Eric McCabe, the challenging 18- hole disc golf course stretches some three miles through the heart of the historic Flint Hills, including numerous elevation changes and four swinging bridges delivering access over the property’s numerous creeks and streams.
A hearty breakfast served on an enclosed veranda is part of the package, which includes most 21stcentury comforts, such as Wifi service, printer and copier access, televisions in every room, and hospitality baskets filled with bath amenities. “They will love the serenity of it, the peacefulness, the hospitality,” Susie said. “It's a great place to get away.”
Treehouse Lodging, Sedgwick
316.214.7600
Designed by staff from the popular “Treehouse Masters” television series, this unique property owned by hosts Byron and Susan Schrag transport guests into a world that seems far removed from its mere 22-miletrek from Wichita. Located off the beaten path on a small working cattle ranch, the scenic lay of the land offers visitors stunning sunset views enhanced by running streams and towering trees. “It's a luxury treehouse, a lodge in the trees,” Byron said. “The sunsets are ridiculous. If you want to get away and reset your life, this is what it's all about.”
Built to exacting certified treehouse-master technology standards, the recently completed two-level structure features a wrap-around deck. The only sounds you will hear are nature sounds coming from creatures great and small, including cattle, coyotes, bullfrogs, owls, turkey and deer. “Once they stay here, they are going to want to come back and stay a couple more days,” Byron said. “People say it feels like they went to another country.”
BrightWater Bay, South Wichita
316.777.LAKE
The ultimate destination for those who worship water activities, BrightWater Bay makes a huge splash on visitors with its many offerings centered around lakeside activities. Located less than 15 minutes from downtown Wichita, this charming lakeside resort includes three Airbnb properties, a loft that sleeps six,
beach house for 10, and tiny homes available individually or in package deals for large families, corporations, and events. An on-site venue space seats 120 people, making it ideal for weddings and corporate events.
Activities available on and along the 44-acre lake will make even the most seasoned water enthusiast's eyes water, said Steve Wright, property and sales manager for Xclusive Event Services, which manages the property owned by the Lange family. The endless summer array of offerings includes: boating, jet ski rentals, fishing, sand volleyball, pickleball, basketball, shuffleboard, kayaking, paddle boating and more.
“There is all kinds of good stuff, but the main reason people come out here is the lake,” Wright said. “People say it’s not something you expect to see in this part of the world."