Kansas State Map Of Counties
Located in the heart of the United States, Kansas may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip. However, this Midwestern state has a lot to offer visitors, from stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural experiences. In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top attractions, hidden gems, and must-see destinations that make Kansas a unique and exciting place to explore.
Top Attractions in Kansas
If you’re looking for popular tourist destinations in Kansas, there are plenty to choose from. Some of the most well-known attractions include:
1. The Flint Hills
The Flint Hills are a breathtakingly beautiful expanse of tallgrass prairie that covers much of eastern Kansas. Visitors can explore the area by hiking, biking, or horseback riding, or take a scenic drive along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.
2. Kansas City
Located on the border between Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City is a vibrant metropolis with plenty to offer visitors. Highlights include the Power and Light District, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the historic Country Club Plaza.
3. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Located in the Flint Hills region, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a protected area that offers visitors a chance to see a unique ecosystem of tallgrass prairie. Visitors can hike, camp, and learn about the history and ecology of the area at the preserve’s visitor center.
Hidden Gems in Kansas
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences in Kansas, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore. Here are a few to consider:
1. The Gypsum Hills
The Gypsum Hills, located in south-central Kansas, are a stunningly beautiful and rugged landscape that offers visitors a chance to explore unusual rock formations, canyons, and mesas. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and coyotes.
2. The Cosmosphere
The Cosmosphere, located in Hutchinson, is a world-class space museum that features an impressive collection of space artifacts, including the actual Apollo 13 command module. Visitors can also see a variety of exhibits on space exploration and the history of the space program.
3. Mushroom Rock State Park
Mushroom Rock State Park, located in central Kansas, is a unique geological formation that features mushroom-shaped rocks that were formed millions of years ago. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails and picnic areas, or simply enjoy the unusual rock formations.
Food Scene in Kansas
Kansas is known for its hearty Midwestern cuisine, as well as a few regional specialties. Here are some must-try foods in Kansas:
1. Kansas City-style barbecue
Kansas City-style barbecue is a regional specialty that features slow-cooked meats (usually beef, pork, or chicken) that are coated in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. Some of the best places to try Kansas City-style barbecue include Arthur Bryant’s and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
2. Bierocks
Bierocks are a traditional German pastry that is popular in Kansas. These savory pastries are filled with ground beef, cabbage, and onions, and are often served with mustard or ketchup. You can find bierocks at many bakeries and cafes throughout the state.
3. Fried chicken
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that is popular in Kansas. Some of the best places to try fried chicken include Stroud’s and Chicken Annie’s.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re planning a trip to Kansas on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save money while still having a great time. Here are a few tips:
1. Visit state parks
Many of Kansas’ state parks offer affordable camping and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some parks also offer free admission, so be sure to check the park’s website before your visit.
2. Explore small towns
Small towns throughout Kansas offer plenty of affordable attractions, from historic sites to local festivals. Consider visiting towns like Abilene, Council Grove, or Lindsborg for a taste of small-town charm.
3. Take advantage of free attractions
There are plenty of free things to do in Kansas, from exploring local parks and hiking trails to visiting museums and galleries with free admission. Check out the Visit Kansas website for a list of free attractions throughout the state.
Outdoor Adventures in Kansas
Kansas’ diverse landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here are some popular outdoor activities in Kansas:
1. Hiking and camping
Kansas is home to a variety of state parks and wildlife areas that offer hiking and camping opportunities. Some of the most popular parks for hiking and camping include Kanopolis State Park and Clinton State Park.
2. Fishing and boating
Kansas has plenty of lakes and rivers that offer fishing and boating opportunities. Some popular fishing spots include Milford Lake and the Kansas River.
3. Hunting
Kansas is known for its hunting opportunities, particularly for deer, turkey, and pheasant. Hunters must have a valid license and follow all state regulations.
Family-Friendly Activities in Kansas
Kansas is a great place for families to explore together. Here are some family-friendly activities to consider:
1. The Sedgwick County Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo, located in Wichita, is one of the largest zoos in the United States. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and giraffes, and enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits and activities.
2. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
The LEGOLAND Discovery Center, located in Kansas City, offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. Visitors can build and race their own LEGO cars, explore a LEGO replica of Kansas City, and much more.
3. Exploration Place
Exploration Place, located in Wichita, is a science museum that offers hands-on exhibits and activities for kids and families. Visitors can learn about space exploration, robotics, and much more.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Kansas
If you’re looking for unique and unusual experiences in Kansas, there are plenty to explore. Here are some off-the-beaten-path experiences to consider:
1. Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks, located in western Kansas, are a series of towering rock formations that were formed millions of years ago. Visitors can explore the area on foot and marvel at the unusual rock formations.
2. The Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden, located in Lucas, is a unique folk art environment that was created by S.P. Dinsmoor in the early 1900s. Visitors can explore the unusual sculptures and architecture and learn about Dinsmoor’s life and work.
3. The Oz Museum
The Oz Museum, located in Wamego, is a museum dedicated to all things related to The Wizard of Oz. Visitors can see a variety of exhibits and artifacts, including costumes, props, and memorabilia from the classic film.
Natural Wonders in Kansas
Kansas may not be known for its natural wonders, but there are plenty of stunning landscapes and unique geological formations to explore. Here are a few natural wonders to consider:
1. Monument Rocks
As mentioned above, Monument Rocks in western Kansas are a unique and unusual geological formation that are worth a visit.
2. The Niobrara Chalk Formation
The Niobrara Chalk Formation, located in north-central Kansas, is a geological formation that features stunning rock formations and unusual chalk deposits. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by car.
3. Mushroom Rock State Park
Also mentioned above, Mushroom Rock State Park features unusual mushroom-shaped rock formations that were formed millions of years ago.
Vibrant Nightlife in Kansas
Kansas may not be known for its nightlife, but there are plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues to explore. Here are a few options:
1. The Granada Theater
The Granada Theater, located in Lawrence, is a historic music venue that has hosted a variety of famous musicians over the years. Visitors can enjoy live music, comedy shows, and more.
2. The Cotillion Ballroom
The Cotillion Ballroom, located in Wichita, is a popular music venue that hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.
3. The Brickyard
The Brickyard, located in Wichita, is