Kansas

Centered in the heart of the United States is the vast landscape of Kansas. Here you’ll find wide open plains and quaint small cities that make up the beauty of this charming state. Get tips on where to find the best food or read about how you can stand at the very center of the country in this state guide all about Kansas.

Make sure to check the USA page for more guides on the rest of the United States!

Fast Facts — Travel Tips — Featured Posts

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Fast Facts

Geography and Population

• Kansas marks the center of the contiguous United States (not including Alaska and Hawaii)
• Its geography consists of fairly flat land. However, the state’s elevation is known to gradually increase as you travel from east to wet
• There are just under 3 million people who live and work in the state of Kansas

Major Cities

• Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City are the three most populous cities in Kansas. Together, they receive millions of travelers every year, according to Kansas tourism websites
• Kansas shares Kansas City with Missouri on the east
• Despite their quiet communities, small towns like Galena and Baxter Springs often see tourists traveling along the historic Route 66

State Staples

• Kansas was founded on 29 January 1861 and was the 34th state to enter the Union
• Topeka is the state capital of Kansas
• The Sunflower State is the state nickname of Kansas — wild sunflowers are also the state flower
• Grilled and smoked food is commonplace here, especially in the Kansas City area
• Chili served with a homemade cinnamon roll is apparently an iconic Kansas dish. I don’t know how, but I guess it works

My Favorites and More

• Lebanon, Kansas is known as the geographical center of the United States (referring only of course to the lower 48 states). Lebanon leans into this label with a few signs and a small monument for anyone who passes by. I don’t know if this was necessarily my favorite place in Kansas, but it was certainly the most interesting.

If you have more questions about Kansas, feel free to leave them in the comments section down below!

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Travel Tips

Kansas City

Kansas City attracts visitors from near and far with its lively atmosphere. Kansas shares this urban area with Missouri to the east, so visiting is a great way to see both states.

The best way to travel in and out of Kansas City is by car. There are a few options for public transportation in and around the city, but they can be restricted and unreliable. Having a vehicle on hand is the best way to make sure you can get to where you want to go with ease. Accommodations are much less limited with boutique hotels and comfortable home-stays available throughout. While there’s plenty to do here, most everything will cost you something. Traveling with friends or family is a great way to split up expenses, but it’s also possible to enjoy yourself on your own.

A full guide on traveling through Kansas City is coming to the blog soon.

Wichita

As a college town, Wichita brings in a lot of students and young people to this area of south-central Kansas. Catering to this population, Wichita excels in artistic displays, riverside events, performances, and more.

Like with much of this state, driving is pretty much required when it comes to moving around with convenience and ease. There is an apparent public transportation system set up here in Wichita, but there’s not a lot of information on how well it actually runs. So I would make sure to have a car or other reliable vehicle with you, just in case. Many hotels and other accommodations are near the river, downtown, or either of two airports, so even if you don’t have a car, at least there are plenty of options to stay right in the heart of the action. As for expenses, many popular things to do here are free, like photographing the natural and artistic scenery. Of course, it’s always nice to have a little extra budgeted for things that do cost money, like going to a live event or one of the many museums.

Botanica, which is the name for the Wichita botanic gardens, is located near the center of the city. The gardens themselves are alluring, but there’s also a lot in the area to take advantage of while you’re there.

Lebanon AKA The Geographical Center of the United States

Lebanon, Kansas is known as the Geographical Center of the United States — well, the contiguous 48 that is. Marked by a few signs and structures, you’ll find the the Geographical Center of the United States just north of the main town of Lebanon. There’s not much to do here other than admire the area, read about its history, and revel in the fact that you’re standing in the center of the country. I wouldn’t go out of my way to travel here, but if you find yourself nearby, give it a go!

Route 66

Kansas contains the shortest section of the historic Route 66 highway. Despite this, Kansas still makes its mark on the Mother Road through gravel roads and street side artworks. Take your time with these meager miles. Enjoy the drive over Rainbow Bridge north of Baxter Springs and make sure to take photos with the car statues in Galena. You can really find the heart and soul of Route 66 here in Kansas.

Check back to the blog for a full guide on traveling on Route 66, coming soon.

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