Kansas
MIDWEST STATE
The Sunflower State
The Heartland
Kansas, often referred to as the Sunflower State, offers travelers a blend of wide-open landscapes, rich history, vibrant small towns, and unforgettable roadside wonders. Beyond the endless skies and golden fields, you’ll find scenic prairies, rolling hills, historic trails, and communities bursting with local pride. Whether you're chasing sunsets across the Flint Hills, exploring frontier history in Dodge City, or uncovering hidden gems along a scenic byway, Kansas invites you to slow down, soak in the beauty, and discover stories around every corner.
Perfect for road trips, outdoor adventures, and cultural exploration, Kansas delivers an authentic and unhurried travel experience. From world-class museums and quirky attractions to bustling farmers’ markets and quiet nature preserves, the Sunflower State is full of places that spark curiosity and connection. No matter where your journey takes you, Kansas leaves travelers with a deeper appreciation for America's heartland spirit — and a few unforgettable memories to carry home.
1861
On January 29, 1861 Kansas became a state
70
The number of feet the chalk formations rise to
1968
The year it became a National Natural Landmark
commonly asked
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
WHAT CITY IS THE CAPITAL OF KANSAS?
Topeka is the capital city of Kansas. It's located about an hour east of Kansas City. Wichita is often thought to be the Capital because it's the largest city in Kansas.
WHERE IS KANSAS LOCATED?
ARE TORNADOES COMMON IN KANSAS?
Kansas is part of "Tornado Alley," but tornadoes are rare for travelers to encounter. Most storms occur in spring and early summer. It’s a good idea to stay aware of the weather forecast, but locals and hotels are well-prepared and have safety procedures in place.
Kansas is located in the Midwest region of the United States, right in the center of the continental United States. Kansas is often referred to as the "Heart of America." It is bordered by Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south, and Colorado to the west.
WHAT IS KANSAS KNOWN FOR?
Kansas is known for its sweeping prairies, sunflower fields, pioneer history, western heritage, and iconic places like Dodge City and the Flint Hills. It’s also famous for aviation history (Wichita is the "Air Capital of the World") and being part of the legendary trails like the Santa Fe Trail.
Bleeding Kansas
A violent and pivotal time when pro-slavery and Free State forces clashed over the future of the territory, setting the stage for the American Civil War.
CONSTITUTION HALL | BATTLE OF BLACKJACK | JOHN BROWN CABIN
Frontier & Trails
Kansas served as a crossroads for pioneers traveling westward along routes like the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Historic forts, wagon ruts, and landmarks across the state offer a glimpse into the rugged spirit of early exploration and settlement.
BOOT HILL MUSEUM | FORT HAYS STATE HISTORIC SITE
Civil Rights
Kansas played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights era, most notably as the birthplace of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case that helped end school segregation in America. Today, historic sites and museums across the state honor the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
BROWN VS. BOARD OF EDUCATION NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK | DOCKUM SIT-IN
HISTORY
Trailblazers
Kansas is the home of trailblazers like Amelia Earhart, the fearless aviation pioneer, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the celebrated World War II general and 34th President of the United States.
AMELIA EARHART BIRTHPLACE | EISENHOWER MUSEUM & LIBRARY
Art Museums & Galleries
A violent and pivotal time when pro-slavery and Free State forces clashed over the future of the territory, setting the stage for the American Civil War.
MUSEUM OF ART & LIGHT | MULVANE ART MUSEUM | SMALL WORLD GALLERY
Theaters & Live Shows
Kansas served as a crossroads for pioneers traveling westward along routes like the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Historic forts, wagon ruts, and landmarks across the state offer a glimpse into the rugged spirit of early exploration and settlement.
STEIFEL THEATRE | THE ORPHEUM |
Nightlife
Kansas played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights era, most notably as the birthplace of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case that helped end school segregation in America. Today, historic sites and museums across the state honor the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
BROWN VS. BOARD OF EDUCATION NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK | DOCKUM SIT-IN
THE ARTS
Murals
Kansas is the home of trailblazers like Amelia Earhart, the fearless aviation pioneer, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the celebrated World War II general and 34th President of the United States.
AMELIA EARHART BIRTHPLACE | EISENHOWER MUSEUM & LIBRARY
Waterways & Wetlands
A violent and pivotal time when pro-slavery and Free State forces clashed over the future of the territory, setting the stage for the American Civil War.
KANSAS RIVER | ARKANSAS RIVER | CHEYENNE BOTTOMS
State Parks & Preserves
Kansas served as a crossroads for pioneers traveling westward along routes like the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Historic forts, wagon ruts, and landmarks across the state offer a glimpse into the rugged spirit of early exploration and settlement.
LITTLE JERUSALEM BADLANDS STATE PARK | TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE
Hiking Trails
Kansas played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights era, most notably as the birthplace of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case that helped end school segregation in America. Today, historic sites and museums across the state honor the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
KONZA PRAIRIE |
OUTDOORS
Wildlife
Kansas is the home of trailblazers like Amelia Earhart, the fearless aviation pioneer, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the celebrated World War II general and 34th President of the United States.
AMELIA EARHART BIRTHPLACE | EISENHOWER MUSEUM & LIBRARY
Kansas City Barbecue
A violent and pivotal time when pro-slavery and Free State forces clashed over the future of the territory, setting the stage for the American Civil War.
JOE'S KC | SLAPS |
Wineries & Breweries
Kansas served as a crossroads for pioneers traveling westward along routes like the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Historic forts, wagon ruts, and landmarks across the state offer a glimpse into the rugged spirit of early exploration and settlement.
BOOT HILL DISTILLERY | LIQUID ART WINERY | FREE STATE BREWING
Taco Trails
Kansas played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights era, most notably as the birthplace of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case that helped end school segregation in America. Today, historic sites and museums across the state honor the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
LIBERAL TACO TRAIL | KANSAS CITY KANSAS TACO TRAIL
FOOD & DRINK
Farm to Table
Kansas is the home of trailblazers like Amelia Earhart, the fearless aviation pioneer, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the celebrated World War II general and 34th President of the United States.
SALTWELL FARM | BURNING BARREL
Indeginous Peoples
A violent and pivotal time when pro-slavery and Free State forces clashed over the future of the territory, setting the stage for the American Civil War.
HASKELL | ALLGEWAHOO HERITAGE PARK | PAWNEE INDIAN MUSEUM
European Settlers
Kansas served as a crossroads for pioneers traveling westward along routes like the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Historic forts, wagon ruts, and landmarks across the state offer a glimpse into the rugged spirit of early exploration and settlement.
OKTOBERFEST | ST. LUCIA FESTIVAL | CZECH FEST
Mexican Americans
Kansas played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights era, most notably as the birthplace of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case that helped end school segregation in America. Today, historic sites and museums across the state honor the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
FEISTA MEXICANA | DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
CULTURES
African Americans
Kansas is the home of trailblazers like Amelia Earhart, the fearless aviation pioneer, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the celebrated World War II general and 34th President of the United States.
NICODEMUS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE | KANSAS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
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