Did you know there are so many things to do in Kansas that you will have difficulty deciding? Kansas is often referred to as the heart of America. Due to its central geographical location in the country. Also, being situated between the north and the south made it one of the main battlefields during the civil war. Which has added to the historical significance of the state.
Its name doesn’t sound like any other state. And its origins go all the way back to the local Kansa Native Americans who called themselves “the people of the southern wind”. Anyone visiting this beautiful state will have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the mix of old Native American and European cultures. As they travel through the tornado state, notorious for carrying people away to the magical land of Oz.
Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit to Kansas. The list contains top things to do in Kansan on a visit to this amazing state. You will find this list very different than the other guides that we have published earlier like those to Miami with kids , visiting Las Vegas with family or San Diego with elderly parents.
Take Amtrak’s Southwest Chief
There are many ways to explore Kansas. However, getting on a train with Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is a great option. As, it’s the only train company available in Kansas. It’s train track links the Eastern and Western parts of the state, as well as all of the main cities. The Amtrak Southwest Chief is great for tourists. As it provides convenient access to Kansas-City, Topeka, Newton, Dodge-City, Garden-City and Hutchinson. And for those looking to travel even further, these same trains will eventually bring you to Chicago or Los Angeles. Also, it will give you the best access to such famous places as the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Oregon National Historic Trail, Fort Larned and Fort Scott.
Get lost in nature
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The state of Kansas is famous for its historical landmarks. One of the first places on any tourist’s list is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. It is situated halfway between Wichita and Topeka. The name of the preserve is pretty self-explanatory. With its main aim to protect the ecosystems and prairies that used to cover the biggest part of the continent. As, only 4% of the United States territory is made up of prairies. And the region of Flint Hills prides itself on being at the forefront of its preservation. In 2008, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve was named one of the 8 wonders of Kansas. And received a gift of a herd of buffaloes from an environmental organisation in 2009.
Oregon National Historic Trail
For those who like hiking, visiting the Oregon National Historic Trail is a must. This 2,000 mile route used to connect various old towns on the Missouri River. First used in the 1810s, the trail was created and developed by immigrants and merchants. So that they could ride wagons carrying goods across the state. Later, many old merchant trails were replaced with the railroads. Thus, meaning that they were no longer required for commerce. However, it’s still possible to take this same route today if you want to walk in the footsteps of Kansas fur sellers.
Catch a Football Game
Football fans will definitely have to check out the famous Arrowhead Stadium, which remains one of the finest stadiums in the NFL. The stadium is home to the Kansas City Chiefs NFL team. Who played there for the first time in 1972 against the St. Louis Cardinals. They originally started life as the Dallas Texans. But moved to Kansas after two years and have been here ever since. Although, they haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1969. But their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is currently favourite to become MVP of the year. An interesting quirk of this stadium is that it is located in the Missouri side of Kansas City. Meaning that you can visit a second state whilst you catch a game!!
Kansas City has plenty to offer fans of other sports also. As, it is home to teams in all five of the major sports leagues. For example, Sporting Kansas City play in the Soccer League and have won the Major League Soccer cup twice, whilst baseball fans can catch a Kansas City Royals game.
Visit Cosmosphere and Strataca
While Cosmosphere has a great collection of space related stuff. It has some really amazing interactive things, especially for kids to enjoy. These include sections that let kids sit at the Mission Control desk and climb aboard the White Room, where astronauts enter the capsule!! On the other hand, Strataca provides some super thrilling experience like descending 6650 feet into an active salt mine to experience real mining.
Explore the libraries and museums
Kansas has a lot for the history buff as well. Visit the Fort Scott National Historic Site that preserves 20 buildings. Or, visit the Boothill Museum to see exhibits on cowboys, gunslingers and lawmen. You can as well travel to the 5 buildings that together make the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. These include boyhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a museum, a visitors center, a library and a Place of Meditation gravesite. Apart from these there are many other historical centers in Kansas to explore.
Dine Whilst Traveling
When it comes to food, Kansas has got plenty to offer. However, to get the best experience possible you will have to travel around different parts of the state to try the best fried chicken, chili or ribs of your life. Since, the variety of cuisine offered across the state is amazing.
Cinzetti’s Italian Feast
This will fit well with a busy itinerary, as after all the trails and travelling you will definitely want to have a hearty meal to prepare for the next part of your adventure trip. One of the most popular places is Cinzetti’s Italian feast in Overland Park. It is the perfect place for those who can’t decide which dish they want and would like to try a bit of everything instead. Prices starts at $10.99, which includes dishes from eight different stations. In total, there are over 55 dishes to choose from, ranging from rotisserie and antipasti to freshly made pasta and baked pastries. It wouldn’t be Kansas without a traditional Kansas style barbecue, so several options are always available for those who miss something familiar.
Johnny’s Tavern
It will be hard to find a more traditional Kansas restaurant to dine in than Johnny’s Tavern. It was founded in 1953 and later expanded to multiple locations in Kansas and neighbouring Missouri. When walking inside, it is hard to imagine that the first tavern was used as a tractor implement shop, and that all the party rooms and bars used to be filled with farmers’ goods. No matter how many new locations are opened, the original restaurant in Lawrence is still the most popular with locals. Customers are attracted by a good loyalty program, a lot of unusual pizza toppings, coverage of Royals games, and the restaurant’s unique history. Even the sign that you will see by the entrance is still the same one that was used in the fifties!
If you’re struggling to choose what to pick from the menu, try the famous Wilson sauce that Johnny’s Tavern prides itself on. It’s named after its founder, John Wilson, and is recommended as a perfect substitute for BBQ sauce.
When to visit Kansas
Kansas has been known as the sunflower state or the tornado state. Visit outside of tornado season and you’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful views, attractions and sites. Whether the yellow brick road leads you to one of the historical trails or an old tavern, you will not be disappointed. If you have already visited Kansas, let us know what are your favorite things to do here. We will like to enrich our list, and hear your thoughts.
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