Overview
Liberal is a town in the Western region of Kansas.
2 sights · 4 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Liberal
Mid-America Air Museum
Fifth-largest air museum in America. Contains over 100 aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as helicopters and general aviation aircraft.
Seward County Museum
Features the Coronado Museum, Dorothy's House, Land of Oz and Riverside School. The Coronado Museum is housed in the magnificent old Larabee home built in 1918 that was moved in 1961 from its original location (be sure t…
Pancake Day
In Liberal the day before Lent (Shrove Tuesday) means Pancake Day! It is a friendly competition between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England, with women running down the streets of each town flipping pancakes. It is still…
Bazaar Day
Bazaar Day occurs annually on the third Thursday in July. Local businesses offer discounts of up to 75% off, and some open at 6AM. The streets are blocked off for customers and pedestrians.
Chili Cook-Off/Duck Race
Occurs every year in September, and in addition to the cooking contest, it features a carnival. Tasting kits available for anyone who wishes to sample the entries. This in conjunction with a duck race.
OZFest
Liberal hosts an annual celebration of the Wizard of Oz to accompany its year-round "Dorothy's House Museum". In October, the original Munchkin actors, along with tourists and visitors, come together for arts and crafts,…
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LBL Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport, Liberal — 2 mi away. Directions
- GCK Garden City Regional Airport, Garden City — 62 mi away. Directions
- OKC OKC Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City — 218 mi away (major hub). Directions
There is no train service to Liberal. The nearest places with Amtrak service are Dodge City and Garden City, both of which are served by the Southwest Chief, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mid-America Air Museum, Pancake Day
- Afternoon Chili Cook-Off/Duck Race
Day 2
- Morning Seward County Museum, Bazaar Day
- Afternoon OZFest
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Liberal is in the heart of the Great Plains with a trading area covering the corners of five states: Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas. It was named for the early day settlers who were "liberal" with the scarce supply of water. The city is positioned at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 54 and U.S. Highway 83.
Get in
By plane
By train
There is no train service to Liberal. The nearest places with Amtrak service are Dodge City and Garden City, both of which are served by the Southwest Chief, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles.
See
See Seward County Museum
Features the Coronado Museum, Dorothy's House, Land of Oz and Riverside School. The Coronado Museum is housed in the magnificent old Larabee home built in 1918 that was moved in 1961 from its original location (be sure to see the pictures of the move!) The rooms of the house feature general and local southwestern Kansas history, Native American History relevant to the area and many displays of 'old-time' equipment ranging from farm implements to doctor's utensils to a post office window. On the museum grounds are found native tamarack, sand hill plums, cottonwood trees and wild roses in addition to the famous 'Yellow Brick Road'. Ask to see the cement pancakes created by LeRoy Chance for the Pancake Day race, which used to be at the start of the race, in front of the Liberal Public Library. They are stored in the barn out back along with other larger pieces of farm equipment and an entire turn-of-the-century homestead shack.
Do
Do Pancake Day
In Liberal the day before Lent (Shrove Tuesday) means Pancake Day! It is a friendly competition between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England, with women running down the streets of each town flipping pancakes. It is still the only race of its kind, and there are smaller races for children of various ages and many other activities.
Do OZFest
Liberal hosts an annual celebration of the Wizard of Oz to accompany its year-round "Dorothy's House Museum". In October, the original Munchkin actors, along with tourists and visitors, come together for arts and crafts, a parade, and even a special event for dogs (remember Toto!) But hurry, there aren't many of the original Munchkins left.
Sleep
Nearby
Beaver
City / town · 4 listings · 27 mi away
Guymon
City / town · 4 listings · 39 mi away
Perryton
City / town · 13 listings · 45 mi away
Texhoma
City / town · 2 listings · 60 mi away
Garden City
City / town · 6 listings · 64 mi away
Dodge City
City / town · 21 listings · 70 mi away
Buffalo
City / town · 73 mi away
My experience
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