Sometimes you don’t realize how badly you need to get away until you’re somewhere quiet. Circle S Ranch is that kind of place.
I recently enjoyed an overnight stay at Circle S Ranch & Country Inn and I found it deeply restful. It’s rustic, but not in a “roughing it” kind of way. Instead, it feels warm, thoughtful and lived-in.
Located in the countryside outside Lawrence, Kansas, this family-owned country inn and event venue feels comfortably removed from the noise and busyness of town. The ranch sits among the rolling hills of Kansas and includes 12 individually decorated guest rooms, shared gathering spaces, a spa room and plenty of outdoor space to explore.
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Arriving at Circle S Ranch
Circle S Ranch is family-run, and you can feel that almost as soon as you arrive. Wicker rocking chairs lined up on the front porch invite you to sit and pet one of the cattle dogs. A weathered, rusty farm truck sits out front surrounded by flowers and butterflies.
This is a real farm that has been lovingly turned into a place where people can come, slow down and stay awhile.
When we arrived, an artistic charcuterie board was waiting for us. It had cheeses, meats, vegetables and condiments, so we could snack while we got settled.
It was such a simple thing, but it immediately made the visit feel welcoming. There was no need to hurry. We could just sit down, sip a glass of wine alongside our snack, and begin enjoying the ranch.
Tasteful themed rooms
One of the most charming things about the inn is that every room is different. There’s a Blue and White Room, a Paisley Suite, a Celestial Suite, a Cowboy Room, a Garden Room and a Fishing Room, among others. Each one has its own theme and personality.
All the rooms are excellent. The decorations fit naturally with the rustic setting of the ranch, and every room feels thoughtfully put together.
I chose the Claret room, which had a beautiful soaking tub and a fireplace. Honestly, that’s about all I need from a relaxing getaway!
The room was set up perfectly for taking a long bath, reading a book and enjoying the quiet. After a full day, I could go upstairs, close the door and feel like I had my own little retreat inside the retreat.
Plenty of room to gather, or be alone
The main dining room and Great Room has a fireplace, along with comfortable couches to sit and talk. There’s also a kitchen and drinks area where guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, bottled water, wine or more during the day.
Each of the three floors has a common gathering area with reading materials and comfy seating. The one on the third floor is set up to accommodate a bridal party, but it also made a great place to wait while people in our group took turns having massages.
I really appreciated this balanced communal aspect of the Ranch. There were places where we could all gather, but no one had to be together every minute.
You could sit by the fireplace with the group, relax in the upstairs lounge or step outside and find a quiet corner on the property. For anyone who gets tired or overwhelmed by constant group activity, having that extra space makes a big difference.
Massages at the Ranch
We each had the opportunity to receive an individual massage in the spa room upstairs. I gotta say, this was one of my favorite things about the Ranch!
There’s something especially relaxing about having a massage without needing to leave the property.You don’t have to get back in the car, drive through traffic or walk into a busy spa waiting room. You simply head upstairs.
Then, when the massage is finished, you can return to your room, sit by the fire or find a quiet place outside. It fit perfectly with the slower pace of the ranch.
Dinner made with love
Every meal I had at Circle S Ranch was delicious. For dinner, we had perfectly cooked beef with amazing vegetable side dishes, served family style. Our hosts joined us at the table for casual conversation.
This bed and breakfast atmosphere is the type of home-away-from-home treatment that makes for a truly memorable stay. It was the kind of meal that made you feel as though someone had been in the kitchen all day making sure every dish came out just right.
The homemade carrot cake deserves its own mention because it was incredible. You could tell that the meals were not simply food being served because guests needed to eat. They’re an important part of the experience, and everything was made with a lot of care and love.
Feeding the longhorn cattle
After dinner, the owner took us out to visit and feed the ranch’s longhorn cattle. I’ll never forget that unique experience!
I grew up in an agrarian area, so livestock are an ordinary part of life for me. Longhorn cattle may be standard size, but their horns are HUGE!
The cattle were not violent or aggressive. They were simply very large animals with very large horns that had very sharp ends. When they came toward us for food, we had to keep an eye on where those horns were going.
A longhorn doesn’t have to be trying to hurt you to accidentally poke you. Their horns stick out so far that both the cattle and the people around them have to be careful.
So there we were, feeding these docile animals while also trying to make sure we didn’t get accidentally stabbed. It was both intimidating and hilarious!
S’mores around the fire
After visiting the cattle, we came back to the ranch and gathered around the outdoor fire pit. We made s’mores, talked and laughed together. Turns out, everyone has their own opinion on the correct way to roast a marshmallow or stack a s’more.
It was such a chill way to end the day. There was no rush to get somewhere else. We could simply sit by the fire and enjoy something sweet.
At least, that was the plan.
Then Wilbur arrived. Wilbur is a pig. And when I say pig, I really mean pig. Wilbur is HUGE.
Apparently, he also knows that people sitting around a fire pit may have marshmallows. A couple of the ranch dogs had to come over and try to chase him away because he will happily eat the marshmallows meant for the s’mores.
That added a little excitement to our otherwise quiet evening. An enormous pig attempting to steal your marshmallows makes a night much more memorable!
A quiet night
Once we had finished our s’mores—and protected the remaining marshmallows from Wilbur—I went upstairs to rest.
The soaking tub was calling my name. I had some sore muscles that I hoped a good soak would help.
It was gloriously peaceful and uninterrupted. As a mom of neurodivergent kids, that’s a rare occurrence, and I wanted to absorb every moment.
As an added bonus, cell phone reception is almost nonexistent at Circle S Ranch (there is limited wifi). So if you’re wanting to really unplug from everything, you can.
A Kansas sunrise on the farm
The next morning, I got up before sunrise, feeling more rested than I had for a while. I tend to be a morning person, but before sunrise is unusual for me.
Waking up early at the ranch was so worth it!
The property was still and peaceful, with horses grazing in the fields, and cattle lowing in the distance. I watched the sky slowly change color as the sun came up over the farm.
Quiet country mornings in Kansas are simply delightful.
Exploring the grounds
I took some time to wander the outdoor areas around Circle S Ranch while I waited for breakfast. There’s a stone walking path and a peaceful garden area. There are lawn games and little enclaves tucked around the property.
Farther down, I found a bench swing where someone could easily sit for a long time with a book, a cup of coffee or no particular plan at all.
The ranch also has outdoor spaces for weddings, along with a separate wedding barn. I wasn’t there for a wedding, so I didn’t spend much time exploring the venue setup. But it looked beautiful and very well suited for couples who want a rustic country wedding.
Coffee on the front porch
After walking around the property, I had coffee on the front porch with my friends while the sun came up. This was one of my favorite parts of the stay.
We sat in the rocking chairs, drank our coffee and watched the ranch wake up. Birds chirping, dogs trotting along, Wilbur snuffling for acorns in the distance. It was a lovely start to the day.
A homemade country breakfast
Breakfast was hearty and delicious. We had homemade biscuits, country-fried potatoes, fruit, sausage and plenty of other good things to eat. One thing is for sure, you won’t go hungry at Circle S Ranch.
Mmm, those biscuits… I’m still thinking about them, even months later. So light and flaky!
Who would enjoy Circle S Ranch?
Circle S Ranch would be a wonderful place for a couples’ getaway, but it would be especially great for a group trip. I stayed here as part of a girls’ trip and it was perfect.
There are enough rooms for people to stay together without everyone being crowded into the same space. The shared areas make it easy to spend time as a group. At the same time, the porches, lounges, gardens and outdoor seating areas give everyone room to step away when they need a break.
It would be a great choice for:
- A family reunion
- A small group
- A retreat
- A quiet couples’ getaway
- A small celebration
- Anyone who needs a restful weekend in the country
It’s also a good option for groups with different energy levels or sensory needs. Some people can explore the ranch or visit the animals. Others can sit on the porch, book a massage or relax by the fireplace.
Things to know before staying at Circle S Ranch
Circle S Ranch is located at 3325 Circle S Lane in Lawrence, Kansas. It’s about 20 minutes’ drive out in the countryside, so include that drive time when visiting restaurants, shops or other Lawrence attractions.
Rooms differ significantly, so look through the room descriptions before booking one. Bed configurations, tubs, showers, fireplaces and accessibility vary.
You’ll also want to confirm which meals and activities are included with your reservation. Our charcuterie board, dinner, massage appointments and longhorn experience were arranged for our particular group and shouldn’t be assumed to be part of every overnight booking.
Travelers who prefer a predictable itinerary may find it helpful to ask about:
- Driving time to planned Lawrence activities
- Check-in and meal times
- Massage availability
- Scheduled ranch activities
- Animal encounters
- Room location and stairs
- Dietary accommodations
Is Circle S Ranch worth visiting?
Yes. If you’re looking for a restful retreat in a beautiful rustic setting, I highly recommend Circle S Ranch. It feels far enough away from everything to let you breathe, and it offers plenty of things to do for all ages and stages.
Circle S Ranch FAQs
Does Circle S Ranch offer massages?
Yes. The inn has a third-floor spa room used by licensed massage therapists. Appointments should be arranged before the visit.
What can families do at Circle S Ranch?
Available ranch activities may include fishing, longhorn tours, hiking and yard games. Families can also bring board games, plan scavenger hunts or reserve spa services.
Can you book the entire inn for a family reunion?
Yes. Families can reserve all 12 rooms, along with exclusive use of the Great Room and common spaces. Breakfast is included for overnight reunion guests.
Is Circle S Ranch accessible?
The Kansas and Postrock rooms are located on the first floor and are identified by the ranch as accessible. Guests should contact the property to discuss their individual mobility requirements.
Does Circle S Ranch host weddings?
Yes. The property offers outdoor ceremony locations, a Chapel Barn, a 3,000-square-foot Party Barn and overnight accommodations at the Country Inn.
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©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2026.
