Kansas

The Sunflower State

Kansas is a place where history, heartland landscapes, and modern exploration come together. Known as The Sunflower State, Kansas has long served as a crossroad, once for pioneers and traders heading west, and now for travellers looking to experience America’s true spirit through rolling prairies, frontier towns, and rich cultural heritage.

Trails, Pioneers, and the Open Road

This is a land shaped by movement. During the 1800s, key routes like the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails all passed through Kansas, making it a vital passage during westward expansion. Today, travellers can follow Kansas’ scenic byways, which crisscross the state and tell stories of pioneers, Native Americans, cowboys, and natural wonders along the way.

Tallgrass Prairie and Scenic Byways

A highlight of any Kansas road trip is the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, which takes you through the largest remaining stretch of tallgrass prairie in North America. The vast, golden landscape here rolls gently under open skies – offering a peaceful counterpart to Nebraska’s Sandhills and a different kind of natural beauty than Missouri’s more wooded regions. Each captures a distinctive side of the Great Plains. Stop in the town of Cottonwood Falls to enjoy small-town hospitality, local food, and traditional crafts.

Wetlands, Wildlife, and Bird Migration

Nature lovers will also appreciate the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, an internationally important migratory stop for sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, bald eagles, pelicans, and dozens of other bird species. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise and one of the state’s most serene and unique ecosystems.

Science, Space, and Natural History

Nebraska is celebrated for its tranquil ranch lands and open horizons, while Kansas adds layers of motion and story – combining prairie life with a trail heritage and modern culture. The state blends Old West authenticity with unexpected attractions, like the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Centre in Hutchinson, one of the most comprehensive space museums in the world. Or visit the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays, which brings prehistoric Kansas to life, dating back 88 million years when much of the state was covered by a vast inland sea.

Old West Towns and Frontier Legacy

In towns like Dodge City, Abilene, and Wichita, you can still experience the cowboy legacy of the Old West - ride horses, tour old forts, and attend summer rodeos. Where Missouri’s major cities pulse with music and metropolitan energy, Kansas complements that rhythm with its wide-open spaces, frontier stories, and prairie calm.

Modern Culture and Local Experiences

But Kansas isn’t just about looking back. The state is alive with art trails, farm-to-table food experiences, and cultural festivals. You might sip wine at a family-run vineyard, join locals for a county fair, or explore the works of regional artists in a restored downtown gallery.

Space, Silence, and the Heartland Pace

For those looking to unwind, Kansas travel offers space, silence, and soul. Whether you’re following the wagon-wheel ruts of a historic trail or chasing sunsets across the prairie, Kansas invites you to slow down, explore freely, and find beauty in the open road.

Last Updated: 16/12/2025