You don’t need to cross a state line to feel like you got away. Cedar Crest Lodge sits in Pleasanton, Kansas – about a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive east from Wichita – and it’s proof that “leaving town” doesn’t require leaving the state, a passport, or a plane ticket.
Take I-35 up through Emporia, let the Flint Hills roll by, and by the time you hit US-69 near Pleasanton, you’ll have traded the city for 100 acres of hills, ponds, and pecan groves. It’s the kind of drive where the scenery does most of the work of decompressing you before you even arrive.
Why Drive Multiple Hours for This Getaway
Fair question. The answer is that Cedar Crest Lodge isn’t just a room to sleep in – it’s a full-service retreat where your lodging, dinner, breakfast, and spa treatment all happen on the same property. You’re not researching restaurants in an unfamiliar town or driving around looking for something open on a Sunday. You show up, and everything you need for the weekend is already there.
Friday: Arrive and Let the Week Go
Friday: Arrive and Let the Week GoAim to get in by early evening. After a few hours on the road, dinner is waiting. Alternatively, take some time off of work and arrive at 1pm for our Foodies Package. Cedar Crest Lodge runs its own farm-to-table restaurant on-site, with a menu built around what’s actually in season rather than something reheated from a freezer truck.
Once the sun goes down, step outside for a minute. Out here, away from Wichita’s lights, the stars actually show up. It’s an easy, free way to end night one.
Saturday: However Much Adventure You Want
This is where the trip really earns the drive.
- Spa time: A couples massage before lunch turns “we should relax more” from a New Year’s resolution into an actual Saturday.
- Walk the grounds: Trails wind through the property past ponds and pecan groves – enough space that you won’t run out of new corners to explore. If you like to fish, bring your poles, the ponds are stocked.
- Do absolutely nothing: A porch, a book, a hammock. Nobody’s judging you for skipping the “activities.”
Dinner again Saturday night, because leaving the property to find food somewhere else defeats the whole point of coming here.
Sunday: A Slow Exit, Not a Rushed One
Breakfast is included, so there’s no scrambling to find coffee on the way out. Take a last walk around before the drive back – you’ll be home in Wichita well before evening, with the weekend still intact instead of eaten alive by travel time.
What Makes This Work Especially Well for Wichita Travelers
- It’s an in-state trip that doesn’t feel like one. Same state, completely different pace of life.
- The drive is a feature, not a chore. The Flint Hills stretch alone makes the trip out feel like part of the getaway.
- One property, everything included. No separate reservations for dinner, no hunting for a spa in a strange town – it’s all on-site.
- Built for slowing down, not sightseeing. This isn’t a checklist trip. It’s a “put your phone away for two days” trip.
Ready to Go?
Book Your Kansas Getaway Now – packages include spa add-ons, snack add-ons, and multi-night stay options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Cedar Crest Lodge from Wichita, Kansas?
Cedar Crest Lodge is about a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive from Wichita, making it an easy weekend trip entirely within Kansas.
Is this a good trip if we don’t want to plan a strict itinerary?
Yes – Cedar Crest is built for guests who want a fully open schedule, with the spa, dining, and grounds available whenever you’re ready for them.
What’s included when you book a room?
Room rentals include breakfast and dinner, gardens, walking trails, fire pit, heated pool and hot tub. Spa services available as add-on.
Is Cedar Crest Lodge good for a couples getaway?
Yes – the lodge is designed around romantic stays, with couples-focused spa treatments, farm-to-table dinners, and rooms meant for two rather than groups. Kids under 12 are not permitted.