Johnson County's Favorite Road Trip West
Overland Park is the largest city in Johnson County and one of the best places to live in Kansas — consistently ranked for its dining, parks, and quality of life. But even Overland Park residents need to get out of town sometimes. Smoky Valley Distillery offers a destination that's unlike anything in the KC metro: handcrafted spirits, a live music venue, and overnight lodging in the rolling hills of central Kansas.
Getting Here from Overland Park
Take I-435 N or I-35 N to connect with I-70 W. Follow I-70 west through Lawrence, Topeka, and the Flint Hills to Salina — about 175 miles. In Salina, exit onto KS-4 W and drive 25 miles through Lindsborg to Marquette. The total trip is approximately 200 miles, nearly all on divided highway.
The last stretch on KS-4 between Lindsborg and Marquette is the highlight of the drive — the road dips through the Smoky Hills with views of farmland and prairie grasses that feel far removed from the Johnson County suburbs.
Nearest Retailers
Find our spirits at two Salina stores along your route:
- Brook's Liquor — carrying our complete lineup including Bud & Dewey's, Kernza Whiskey, and all five flavored vodkas
- Cave Divers Liquor Store — all 10 spirits in stock
Both are just off I-70 in Salina, making them a convenient stop on the way to or from the distillery.
The Overland Park Weekend Escape
Skip the Arboretum for a weekend and head west. Here's your itinerary:
Friday:
- Depart Overland Park after work — the I-70 W drive is against rush hour traffic
- Arrive in Marquette around 8:30 PM
- Check into Preston House — our on-site lodging that sleeps 11, walking distance to the distillery
Saturday:
- 9 AM: Walk through downtown Marquette — the Kansas Motorcycle Museum and historic murals are worth a look
- 10 AM: Guided tour and tasting at the distillery ($10/person, 30-45 min)
- Noon: Drive to Lindsborg ("Little Sweden USA") for lunch at a Swedish restaurant and browsing the art galleries
- 2 PM: Explore Coronado Heights — a hilltop WPA castle with panoramic views of the Smoky Valley
- Evening: Back at the distillery for live music, cocktails, and a relaxing evening on the patio
Sunday:
- Sleep in at Preston House
- Stop in Abilene on the way back for the Eisenhower Presidential Library
- Home by late afternoon
Craft Spirits Worth the Drive
Overland Park residents have access to excellent restaurants and craft cocktail bars. What you can't get in JoCo is the experience of walking through a working grain-to-glass distillery, meeting the family that makes every bottle, and tasting spirits you won't find anywhere in the metro. Our Smoked Straight Bourbon and Lingonberry Vodka are two spirits that regularly surprise visitors who thought they'd tasted it all.