With NASCAR racing, driving schools and such events as barbecue contests and custom car shows, the Kansas Speedway is a vacation destination in itself. If you’re looking for healthy activities in the vicinity of the speedway, you’ll find plenty.
Archery
Five minutes down Village West Parkway from the Kansas Speedway you can practice your archery at the archery range inside Cabela's. After shooting some arrows, you can get what you need for your next hunting or fishing expedition. This 180,000 square-ft. sporting goods store also contains the Mule Deer Country Museum, billed as the world’s largest collection of trophy mule deer displayed in their natural surroundings. It also features a laser arcade, art gallery, gun library, fly fishing store, restaurant and gift shop. Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Swimming
If swimming sounds good, head to Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Waterpark. The water park has tubing rivers, water slides, an uphill water coaster, mini slides for kids, the world’s longest tidal wave river, beach areas and a giant hot tub. There’s even a swim-up refreshment bar. Parking, inner tubes and life jackets are free at Schlitterbahn. Operation is seasonal from May to September and hours vary.
Indoor Walking
For indoor walking, try Legends at Village West--a shopping center that’s also an educational experience. The center’s Legendary Kansans at The Legends theme honors such notable Kansans as Amelia Earhart, Dwight Eisenhower and Wyatt Earp with medallions, paintings, plaques and sculptures along the walkways and corridors of the shopping center. You can take in a self-guided tour of the famous Kansan displays.
Boating and Horse Riding
Wyandotte County Lake Park is nine minutes from the Kansas Speedway. The 1,500-acre park and 400-acre lake at 91st Street and Leavenworth Road offers fishing and boating, boat rentals, concessions, horse riding trail, 16 shelter houses with water and electricity, plus restrooms and playground equipment.
Golfing
Sunflower Hills Golf Course, 12200 Riverview Road, Bonner Springs, is a quick 11-minute drive from the Kansas Speedway. An 18-hole championship golf course with a full-service pro shop, Sunflower Hills has a six-hole junior course with driving range, three sets of tees, practice bunker and putting green. Painted Hills Golf Course is a 10-minute drive from the Kansas Speedway. Located at 7101 Parallel Parkway, the course has 18 holes and chipping, putting and bunker areas for practice.
Bowling
The Pin-Up Bowl, 1859 Village West Parkway, offers bowling afternoon, evenings and late night seven days per week.
Parks with Sports Facilities
Two regional and one local park in the vicinity of the Kansas Speedway offer a plethora of sports facilities. Eisenhower Park, Georgia Ave. and 72nd St., has one baseball diamond, two softball diamonds, four tennis courts, a football field, soccer field, exercise area, six-lane track, and a recreation center with gym. Wyandotte County Park, State Ave. and 126th St., Bonner Springs, has four tennis courts, two softball fields, a soccer field, an 18-hole disc golf course, a skate park, and a 6-hole junior golf course. Stony Point Park, Elizabeth Ave. and N. 86th St., though smaller, has bicycle trails, softball field, and two tennis courts.
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