In the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy declares that “there’s no place like home” as she returns to her home state of Kansas. And indeed, there are few places like the “Sunflower State,” a part of America famed for vast stretches of farmland, rolling hills and great plains. Discover fascinating historical sights, charming cities and family attractions scattered throughout this enticing rural scenery.
Explore a land that has been inhabited since as early as 10,000 B.C. by Native Americans. Europeans arrived here in the 16th century and it became a part of the U.S. during the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Get a glimpse of life in Kansas across the centuries at different historical landmarks. Travel back to the Old West in Dodge City’s Wild West Heritage Buffalo & Longhorn Exhibit and at the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita. The Fort Larned National Historic Site shows visitors the role of the military in Kansas. Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka to learn about the state’s role in the civil rights movement.
Bring your family to Kansas and explore the historic farms and fun attractions in the state. Museums such as the Flint Hills Discovery Center, in the city of Manhattan, and Exploration Place in Wichita, offer interactive exhibits on science and geography in Kansas. Take the children to a buffalo ranch and meet the gentle giants of the Great Plains.
Plan to spend some of your time in Kansas in the great outdoors. Escape to one of the 26 state parks that offer adventure sports in tranquil scenery. Places such as Kanopolis Lake and Geary County State Park have cycling trails, angling and water sports. Come in summer for the most activities and sunny days by the lakes.
Fly into Kansas City International Airport and drive west to see the wide open spaces of the prairies. Kansas has different appeals throughout the year, but avoid the months of May, June and November, as they come with a higher chance of tornadoes. Visit in fall for fields overflowing with ripe fruit and vegetables.
