Commonly considered the heart of America, Homeland of Dorothy Gale and Superman, Kansas is woven with the rich fabric of rural life. From Wichita’s cowboy heritage to Atchison’s aviation history and everything in between, ‘The Sunflower State’ is a slice of classic America. There is more to Kansas than scent of a smoldering barbeque and sweet echoes of jazz. Linger a little longer to soak up the rugged cowboy culture and savor the unspoiled landscapes of a state that’s flatter than a pancake.
Places to Visit in Kansas
Amusement Parks – Schlitterbahn Kansas City, a resort complex, is a premier spot to spend your holidays with family. Bahnzai Pipeline, Blitz Falls, Boogie Bahn, and King Kaw are the highlights of this wonderland. Its 370-acre water park features the tallest water slide in the world – Verrückt. Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park and The Big Pool are other sought after destinations in summer months.
Museums – In Hutchinson, Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center – second largest space museum in the world – exhibits over 13,000 US and Russian spaceflight artifacts. Strataca – also called Kansas Underground Salt Museum – allows guest to descent 198 meters into earth’s surface. The Dark Ride, a tram tour through a maze of chambers, offers insight into various aspects of salt mining. In Wichita – the Air Capital of the World – delve into outer space in Exploration Place and marvel at Egyptian mummies and prehistoric fossils in Museum of World Treasures.
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum – This complex is located in Abilene. Learn about the 34th American president – Dwight David Eisenhower, tour the boyhood home of ‘Ike’, and browse through historical records and artifacts in multiple galleries.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead – Bring your offspring to this turn-of-the-century farm for experiences like bottle-feeding baby goats and milking a cow. The facility houses farm animals, birds of prey, butterfly gardens, old-time fishing pond, and a full-scale country schoolhouse. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and pony rides through the woods.
Sedgwick County Zoo – Founded in 1971, it is home to more than 3,000 animals of nearly 400 different species. Look out for the intimidating roar of the big cats in Africa section and admire the beauty of amazing birds in South America. To make your visit memorable, hop on the free tram tours or take a relaxing boat tour.
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens – Spreading over an area of 10 acres, this horticultural center has 30 themed gardens which include: Butterfly Garden, Downing Children’s Garden, Shakespearean Garden, and Sensory Garden. It offers educational classes and field trips throughout the year.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, Kansas Aviation Museum, Rolling Hills Zoo, Monument Parks, Kansas State Capitol, Keeper of the Plains, and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve are prominent tourist attractions in Kansas state.
Things to Do in Kansas
Outdoor Thrills – For recreational thrills, go hiking, camping, and mountain biking on Flint Hills Nature Trail. The birding trails in Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and wine tasting along Glacial Hills Wine Trail are a treat for outdoor enthusiasts. Horseback riding, hunting, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in Lake Scott State Park and Clinton State Park are popular with locals and tourists alike.
Shopping – Discover old-world treasures in bustling metros like Topeka and Lawrence and small towns like Salina, Coffeyville, and Emporia. Begin your quest for Kansas-made food, souvenirs, crafts, and novelty items in NewMarket Square in Wichita.
Road Trips – Part of the experience of being in the state lies in spending time on the road. Embark on a scenic journey through the Great Plains on Flint Hills Scenic Byway and visit roadside attractions. In Liberal, follow the Yellow Brick Road to Dorothy’s House & Land of Oz. With a thriving nightlife, eclectic mix of entertainment along every boulevard and around every corner, you will find much to enjoy in Overland Park.
Festivals – For a taste of Midwest living and culture, do not miss out on some of the most celebrated events such as: The Kansas State Fair, Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Amelia Earhart Festival, Jazz in the Woods, and Neewollah Festival.
Airports
Following are the major airports in Kansas –
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK)
Garden City Regional Airport (GCK)
Location
It is a landlocked state in the Midwestern United States. It borders Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the East; Oklahoma to the South, and Colorado to the West.
How to Reach?
By Air – Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, seven miles west of downtown Wichita, is the busiest airport in the state. It is served by regular flights of Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Eagle, and United Express. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is another gateway to the state.
By Train – Southwest Chief – a faster Amtrak train between Chicago and Los Angeles – stops at Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City, and Garden City.
By Road – Interstate highways (I-35 and I-70) and the Kansas state highways (K-4, K-7, K-9, K-14, K-15, K-25, and K-27) run through the state.
Facts about Kansas
It was the 34th state to enter the union on January 29, 1861.
“Ad astra per aspera” which means “To the stars through difficulty” is the state motto.
The state was named after a Native American tribe – Kansa.
The state capital is Topeka.
Wellington in Sumner County is known as “The Wheat Capital of the World.”
The famous chain of fast-food restaurants, Pizza Hut, opened its first outlet in Wichita.
Amelia Earhart, Buster Keaton, Gwendolyn Brooks, Dennis Hopper, and Melissa Etheridge are some of the famous Kansans.
