Just jump in your car and start exploring. Really. That’s it.  Create your own adventure.  Do what you want, when you want.

Caravan with friends or head out on your own. There is no organized tour. You’ll bump into other Kansas explorers throughout the three counties.  Enjoy each other.

When we pitched this new event to the the three counties, we told them all they had to do was just be the best they could be at being themselves. They didn’t have to invent any kind of activity or spend a lot of money hosting visitors. What has evolved has been amazing. A menu of activities that accentuates who they are has evolved and expanded since the list was first published in the "official” program guide so new ones have been added to a Day Program (available at Information Centers) and this website.

• Choose from our menu items including EVENTS, ATTRACTIONS, SHOP STOPS AND RESTAURANTS. 

• A print guide and digital version will be available mid-March.

• It might be tough, but pick out the things you would like to see and do and start plotting your course on our map.

• Look for the BKRT logo on yard signs throughout the towns and countryside to indicate participating places or to show you directions.
  

The BKRT is not a caravan. The idea is to go on your own, wherever you want, whenever you want. 

• Bring lawn chairs.

• Restaurants will serve until the food is gone.  

• Gas up whenever you can.  Not every town has gas pumps.

• It’s a courtesy to bring rolls of toilet paper and offer them to businesses that are opening their bathrooms.

• When you post, use #BKRT22.

You bet it is!  What kid doesn’t want to climb to climb into the belly of the enormous Big Brutus and sit at the control panel?  Kids can play lawn chess at the Columbus Museum, hike to waterfalls in Bourbon County, watch sheep shearing at Black Dog Farms in Fort Scott, go to Freedom Farms near Fort Scott to see the animals and try a chicken leg lollipop or a scotch egg! In Girard at the Painted Barrel you can pour a candle or make a BKRT souvenir (small charge) and in Weir stop by the library to family activities. Galena is where kids will squeal with delight when they see the "real" Tow Mater from the movie "Cars." Then go down the street to Luigi's Pit Stop and take pictures with several of the movie characters like Luigi, Lightening McQueen, the Sheriff and more. Cow Creek Cowboy Days in Pittsburg and Cowtown Days in Baxter Springs will have lots of activities for kids and families. Natural landmarks and small-town cafes are just as good for young as for old.  Kids can touch, taste, see and run around on a trip that will nurture a love for Kansas and build the next generation of Kansas explorers!  Yes, this is a wonderful family outing!

We understand that it can be easy to get lost on the back roads. If this happens, flag down a car, go to a farmstead, or call 620.937.2101 or 620.960.0552.

Information centers will be set up at each county. Find them at this page.