One of the unique trademarks of the United States is that every state is so different. Each has its own distinct culture and individual characteristics. Many travelers may overlook some of the States which can be less popular tourist destinations. However, every state has so much to offer. You may have heard of the charming state of Kansas from The Wizard of Oz or that it is geographically located in the infamous tornado alley. However, Kansas has so much to offer, and there’s a lot to do and see in Kansas's plains.
10 Lawrence, Kansas
Located in NorthEast Kansas - Lawrence is a diverse city with tons to do for anyone visiting. Home to the University of Kansas, the city has many excellent shops to browse, such as The Raven bookshop, The Love Garden Records, and The Third Planet - to name a few. Lawrence is one of the most popular tourist destinations mainly due to its integration of big-city life with small-town hospitality. The city has many museums to visit, such as the Spencer Museum of Art, the KU Natural History Museum, and the Watkins Community Museum. It offers something to do for all ages, from entertainment, shopping, and downtown, to restaurants.
9 Clinton Lake
Four miles west of Lawrence, Clinton lake is a place to visit for those who like anything outdoors. From camping to hiking to boating, this historic landmark offers beautiful scenery for outdoor enthusiasts. It is known for its unique wildlife and is home to the bald eagle. From limestone bluffs to embark its clear waters - Clinton lake is the place to go for outdoor activities in Kansas.
If you want to see the prairie blooms, visit from spring to fall.
8 The Flint Hills
The flint hills - a region in eastern Kansas that challenges the idea that Kansas is a dull and ugly landscape. This tall grass ecosystem is marked by abundant grasses that grow up to 10 feet tall. Visitors can walk through the tall grass prairies and enjoy the beautiful wildflowers. Whether you go hiking or camping or want to take scenic photography, the flint hills are not a place to miss.
7 Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
The Wichita Gardens is operated by Botanica, Inc - a non-profit that is open year-round. It is on 17 acres of land in Wichita, Kansas - a city known for its incredible food. This unique garden changes with the seasons and offers themed gardens such as the Butterfly Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Children's Garden, Sally Stone Sensory Garden, and so much more!
6 Kansas City, Kansas
Divided by the Missouri River - Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, are geographically located between two states. Together they make the greater metropolitan area. Travelers can enjoy the museums, monuments, shopping, downtown, and even a famous Kansas City barbeque. Kansas City is also known for its sports, home to many major professional teams. There's something to do for all ages, and it is an excellent place for families to enjoy.
5 Oz Museum
The Wizard of Oz is a cult classic and takes place in Kansas. There are many ways in which the state shows pride in the film, from collectible souvenirs to having a replica of Dorthy's house. The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas, houses over 2,000 artifacts relating to the film. Walk into Dorthy's home and transport into the world of Oz! The artifacts in the museum are drawn from both the film and the book. If you're a fan - this is a museum to attend!
4 The Cosmosphere
The Cosmosphere is worth a visit if you are traveling to Kansas. Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, the Cosmosphere is a space museum and stem education center. It has four venues: The Hall of Space Museum, The Justice Planetarium, The Carey Digital Dome Theater, and Dr. Goddard's Lab. The museum houses spaceflight and aircraft artifacts. One of the most famous artifacts - Apollo 13, is located at the Cosmosphere and has the 2nd most extensive collection of US space memorabilia.
3 Wyandotte County Lake Park
Kansas is known to have some of the most beautiful plains, wildlife, and even monument rocks, such as the chalk pyramids. The Wyandotte County Lake Park is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy Kansas's beautiful landscapes and outdoors by providing 1,500 acres of wooded area and a lake. Take a drive, walk, hike, or even camp at Wyandotte County lake park!
2 Dutch Kitchen Restaurant
Dutch Kitchen Restaurant is an Amish-inspired restaurant worth a trip to taste the Amish culture. They specialize in home-cooked meals and offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is located in Hutchinson, Kansas, and offers 72 varieties of homemade pies! Traditional Amish food is not what most people would think, and the Dutch Kitchen is a great place to start!
1 Mennonite Relief Sale
The Mennonite Relief Sale is an annual festival and benefits auction located at the Kansas State Fairground in Hutchinson, Kansas. People from all over the country gather to sell homemade pies, quilts, food, old tractors, furniture, automobiles, and so much more! It is a relief organization that happens once a year, so check the dates to see if it aligns with your trip to Kansas!