Hutchinson is home to a community college, a municipal airport, headquarters for the Kroger chain of supermarkets, two major health systems, the world's largest grain elevator (constructed in 1961) and several factories.
But it's not all about work in this bustling city. Hutchinson hosts the Kansas State Fair every September, a 10-day celebration with more than 335,000 annual visitors, making it the state's largest yearly event. You'll find more than 1,000 exhibits and world-class entertainment at the 230-acre fairgrounds.
When would be the best time to visit the city of Hutchinson, KS?
If you want to experience the Kansas State Fair, plan a trip to Hutchinson, Kansas, on Labor Day Weekend. You'll find the best weather in the area from April to June, which is also when hotel prices tend to peak. If you don't mind the heat of a Kansas summer, visit in the shoulder season of July through September before the temperature drops drastically in October.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Hutchinson, KS:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Hutchinson, KS. Analyze these line graphs to evaluate the most cost effective months to book a room in Hutchinson for your upcoming travels.
Which luxury hotels are in Hutchinson, KS?
Travelers to Hutchinson who want a high-end hotel experience should consider the city's top-rated Comfort Inn & Suites. An optimal location and tons of amenities provide a luxurious stay for even the most discerning travelers. Located on the Northeast side of Hutchinson, Comfort Inn & Suites provides easy access to the airport as well as attractions such as the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, Kansas State Fair Grounds, Hutchinson Sports Arena, and Salt City Splash Aquatic Center.
The heated indoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness center are all open 24 hours a day, providing convenient access for busy travelers. You'll be treated to a free deluxe breakfast buffet that includes omelets and a hot waffle bar. Each weekday, enjoy an afternoon snack of either pasta or fajitas, freshly baked cookies, and other delicious refreshments.
If you opt for a suite, you'll enjoy a full kitchenette with sitting area that includes everything you need to prepare your own meals. Each of the property's 69 rooms includes a flat-screen television and high-speed internet access.
What affordable hotel options are around Hutchinson, Kansas?
3 Star Average Prices: £90.41
If you want to save money on your trip to Hutchinson, Kansas, the town has several budget hotels to consider. The Atrium Hotel and Conference Center is one of the lowest-priced hotels in the city, but offers amenities that you would typically expect only at a much higher-end property. This comfortable, stylish hotel is conveniently located just off Highway 61 and includes free parking, free wireless internet, and free continental breakfast.
You will also have conveniences such as room service, guest laundry, and a full business center. You can work out in the on-site fitness center, swim laps in the indoor pool, and relax in the hotel's hot tub. Not only is the Atrium Hotel pet-friendly, but children under 17 stay free. Every room is outfitted with a refrigerator and microwave, and whirlpool suites are also available.
Another affordable property in Hutchinson is the Holiday Inn Express, conveniently located less than two miles from the town's Amtrak station and within two miles from the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Amenities include the free express start breakfast bar, high-speed internet service, and a 24-hour business center.
2 Star Average Prices: £72.42
Where are the best discount hotels near Hutchinson, Kansas?
The Days Inn Hutchinson provides a discount of 10 percent for auto club members and 10 percent off the best available rate for AARP members. Senior citizens and government and military employees can also qualify for special rates at this Wyndham property. The same discounts are also available at the Super 8 in Hutchinson, which is also owned by Wyndham. The Budget Host Inn in Hutchinson provides special rates for seniors, members of the military, and federal and state government employees who show the appropriate ID at check-in. Call ahead to ensure availability.
Where are the best budget hotels around Hutchinson, KS?
Fairfield Inn & Suites is one of the best hotel values in Hutchinson for its affordable rates and extensive amenities. Guests at this hotel enjoy clean, comfortable accommodations and welcoming, helpful staff. Features of Fairfield Inn & Suites include a complimentary hot breakfast with your stay, in-room high-speed internet, and spacious rooms with plush, luxurious mattresses and bedding.
You can exercise at the on-site fitness center or swim in the hotel's indoor pool with heated whirlpool. Get outside at any time of day and enjoy a lighted walking path that's more than a mile long. Coffee and tea are offered in-room as well as in the lobby, along with complimentary newspapers. Each room also has a pull-out sofa bed, flat-screen TV with premium cable and movie channels, and microwave.
The Hampton Inn in Hutchinson also provides great value. It's conveniently located just minutes from the best area attractions and offers amenities such as free wireless internet, free hot breakfast, a pool, and a fitness center. Hampton also offers breakfast to-go bags that are an easy solution for busy travelers who want to get a jump on the day's itinerary.
Where are the attractions in Hutchinson?
While the Kansas State Fair is the town's main attraction, it's far from the only reason to visit Hutchinson. Strataca: The Kansas Underground Salt Museum offers the amazing opportunity to travel 650 feet underground by train to tour a working salt mine. This can't-miss attraction is for all ages and includes a guided Dark Ride tram tour, a special guided tour through subterranean salt formations, and even a gallery of movie memorabilia stored in the museum's unique underground archive. Underground exhibits at Strataca are open to visitors ages 4 and up on Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Science lovers will also be endlessly impressed by Cosmosphere, a Smithsonian-affiliated space museum that also serves as a world-renowned STEM education center. Spend the day exploring the Justice Planetarium, catch an IMAX production at the Carey Digital Dome Theater, and take an interactive trip back to the 1930s to explore the lab of Dr. Robert Goddard, the inventor of modern rocketry. In the museum's Hall of Space, you can view the world's largest collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts. Cosmosphere is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Those who want to spend time outdoors while in Hutchinson should plan to spend time at the Dillon Nature Center. This National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary is a 100-acre arboretum boasting three miles of trails where you can view 300 tree species, hundreds of types of wildflowers and native grasses, more than 200 different bird species, and many other plants and animals. Best of all, the Nature Center is free to the public. It's open from 8 a.m. to sunset on weekdays and 9 a.m. to sunset on weekends and holidays.
Another cool attraction for animal lovers is the Hutchinson Zoo. This fun facility hosts educational programs and exciting events for patrons of all ages. The Hutchinson Zoo was founded in 1985 and has since been expanded several times. Attractions include a wildlife aviary, railroad, dinosaur dig, discovery center, mini-farm, and much more. Families can enjoy free admission with a suggested donation of $5. The zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Hutchinson is also home to Sand Hills State Park, a 1,123-acre natural area where you can explore sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands on more than 14 miles of jogging trails. You can also enjoy bird watching, wildflower walks, horseback riding, geocaching, and more. With no modern facilities other than its two bathrooms, this is truly an opportunity to experience the beautiful Kansas wilderness.
Explore the history of the region at the Reno County Museum, located in the city's charming downtown and dedicated to preserving and sharing the county's rich and varied history and culture. The museum hosts five rotating exhibits and has several permanent historic structures, including a pioneer jail, claim house, and outhouse. The second floor of the museum holds an interactive children's playground that your kids can enter for just $1. The Reno County Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Whether you're in town for the state fair or plan to visit another time of year to experience this vibrant small city, Hutchinson, Kansas, offers plenty to do and has great prices on comfortable, relaxing hotel stays. Plan your trip to this historic and vibrant city today.
FAQs about hotels in Hutchinson