Welcome to Kansas
With its rich cowboy culture and sweeping, fertile prairies, Kansas embodies the American heartland like no other state. Wild West history runs deep here, peppered with the exploits of “Wild Bill” Hickok, Wyatt Earp and other famed lawmen who rode the Kansas range before heading west. This place inspired much of L. Frank Baum’s literary masterpiece, The Wizard of Oz, which later became a movie that immortalized the Great Plains (film buffs fondly quote the famous line, “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”).
If you venture beyond the rolling wheat fields, just like Dorothy did in her fantastical journey, you’ll discover so much to see and do here. From world-class aviation attractions and renowned art galleries to historic sights and endless outdoor pursuits, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy in the Sunflower State. So start your journey down the yellow brick road and see why there’s no place like Kansas.
Playing in on the Plains
If you want to get out and play, there’s no better place to do it than in Kansas. The state offers some of the best hunting in the country, thanks to its diverse landscapes and abundance of game species. With 300,000 acres of public lands and more than 1 million acres of private land open seasonally, hunters can set their sights on deer, turkey, antelope, pheasants and more.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be glad to know Kansas offers plenty of hiking opportunities. Thousands of miles of trails take you through jagged cliffs, majestic waterfalls and gentle hills. A plethora of scenic equestrian trails snake through the stunning landscape, while regularly stocked fishing lakes delight anglers with largemouth bass, trout and more. For stunning views of the fragile plains ecosystem, head to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills. Here, visitors can see a bison herd, stroll through natural trails and explore a historic ranch.
Wichita and Beyond
After getting your fill of the great outdoors, make your way to the many vibrant cities of Kansas. Wichita is the largest, with 33 museums, 22 attractions, 22 live theaters and 17 festivals all waiting to be discovered. Meander through picturesque gardens at Botanica, savor unforgettable cultural experiences at the Wichita Grand Opera and learn the history of flight at the Kansas Aviation Museum. In the same vein, visit Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, which honors the iconic Aviator with fascinating exhibits.
To the west of Wichita, Dodge City’s compelling frontier history is honored in landmarks like the Boothill Cemetery and Long Branch Saloon. See notorious figures brought to life at the Gunfighters Wax Museum and follow the path of the Santa Fe Trail.
In Topeka, make a stop at the French Renaissance-styled Kansas state Capitol, Combat Air Museum, the Kansas Museum of History and the renowned Topeka Zoo. If you’re in Kansas during September, don’t miss the State Fair in Hutchinson. Here, you’ll also find Strataca (formerly the Kansas Underground Salt Museum) and the Cosmosphere, the second-largest space museum in the country.