Top 10 Places To Visit In Kansas December 2023 USA Best Attractions

Top Tourist Attractions in Kansas USA

Kansas offers the best of both worlds for travelers: from the capital city of Topeka to the bustling town of Wichita, and Kansas City, Kansas, there is plenty of excitement. But when you want to escape it all, there’s nothing like a sunset drive down a country road to remind you why Kansas is called the Sunflower State.

Kansas is known for its agriculture and hometown feel. However, many people do not know that many attractions keep you busy in this Midwestern state. One of Kansas’s best things to do is visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

The preserve is great for experiencing Kansas’s natural beauty and history. There are several ways to enjoy the area: hiking, horseback riding, camping, or taking a self-guided driving tour. You can also take a guided hike or horseback ride with one of the park rangers, who can share details about the native plants and animals on the prairie.

10 best places to visit in Kansas for your next vacation

Visitors to Kansas are often surprised to discover that its topography is not flat but rolling and hilly. As a result, much of the state is covered with prairie grasses, wildflowers, and wheat fields, which are a perfect backdrop for its numerous attractions.

Spend some time in the Old West at Dodge City and Abilene, experience Native American heritage at the Haskell Indian Nations University, or explore cosmopolitan Kansas City.

Dodge City

Hailing from the days of the Wild West, Dodge City has been romanticized in countless novels and movies. This city has plenty of history, evident in its restored downtown area. Landmarks include Adobe Walls and Boot Hill Museum.

Dodge City is home to Boot Hill Casino & Resort, where visitors can try their luck on more than 800 slot machines or play a hand of blackjack or poker. In addition, various restaurants and a gift shop, and a bakery are also available onsite.

The popular Gunsmoke series was set in Dodge City, so you might be able to catch one of the town’s annual festivals dedicated to this show.

Visit Dodge City, Ellsworth, and Abilene to taste Kansas history. These towns were once home to famous law enforcement officers like Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok, who kept the peace in Dodge City at once or another.

Fort Larned National Historic Site preserves an important frontier cavalry post that was once a critical supply point for the Santa Fe Trail.

The Garden of Eden

You should see The Garden of Eden because it has historical value. S. P. Dinsmoor, a local carpenter, and preacher, built it. When making the park, he created this garden to testify to his life and beliefs. It is interesting to see how he expressed his life through this garden and all the details.

For example, Dinsmoor used concrete figures from his family members and sculptures from friends and politicians to tell stories about his life experiences or thoughts on politics at that time.

Wichita

Kansas is a gateway to the west, and the state’s largest city, Wichita, is the perfect starting point for any trip through the Sunflower State.

While in Wichita, check out the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita, which recreates life during the Wild West days of 1865 to 1880. You can walk through 23 historic buildings and experience activities like gunfights, gold panning, and pony rides. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year.

Prairie Dunes Country Club

For an authentic Kansas experience, don’t miss Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, which Golfweek magazine has ranked as one of America’s best traditional golf courses.

The course has hosted numerous professional tournaments over its distinguished history and is regularly listed among America’s top 100 public golf courses by Golf Digest magazine.

Summary

From the world’s second-largest wheat-producing state to a thriving arts scene, Kansas offers many great things to do. The state is home to the world’s most extensive collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century art, housed at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

The Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is one of the best zoos in the nation, and renowned sports history buffs will enjoy a trip to the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City.

Summer is the perfect time to visit Kansas. The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and many festivals throughout the state exist. Event season in Kansas may be busy, but there’s still plenty of room for you to plan your summer getaway.

Kansas has a lot to offer visitors. We hope you will visit some exciting attractions and activities here. They are all worth your time; each is a great reason to visit Kansas.

Kansas is renowned for severe natural wonders and some downright quirky attractions. So make memories and discover hidden treasures you’ll be talking about for years! This year, take your vacation on a new path by exploring some of the state’s best-kept secrets.

white concrete building under white clouds during daytime — Kansas State Capitol Photo by Megan Burns on Unsplash

Kansas Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Kansas?

The capital of Kansas is Topeka, the fifth largest city in the state.

What is the population of Kansas?

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Kansas was approximately 2.94 million people.

What is the state nickname for Kansas?

Kansas is known as “The Sunflower State” due to the abundant wild sunflowers that grow throughout the state.

What are the main industries in Kansas?

The primary industries in Kansas include agriculture, aviation, renewable energy, bioscience, and manufacturing. In addition, the state is a leading wheat, corn, sorghum, and beef cattle, producer.

What are the state bird, flower, and tree of Kansas?

The state bird of Kansas is the Western Meadowlark, the state flower is the Sunflower, and the state tree is the Cottonwood.

What are some famous attractions in Kansas?

Some famous attractions in Kansas include the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Monument Rocks, and the Kansas Museum of History.

What is the sales tax rate in Kansas?

Kansas’s state sales tax rate is 6.5%, with local jurisdictions adding their own sales taxes to the state rate. Therefore, the combined sales tax rate can range from 6.5% to 10.6%, depending on the city and county.

What are the main universities in Kansas?

Some of the leading universities in Kansas are the University of Kansas (Lawrence), Kansas State University (Manhattan), Wichita State University (Wichita), and Emporia State University (Emporia).

What is the climate like in Kansas?

Kansas has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. As a result, the state experiences many weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and snowstorms.