Thank you to our guest contributors at Kansas Tourism for a big lesson in all things Kansas!
Welcome to Kansas – where the beauty of the heartland meets endless adventure! Here in Kansas, we say that we have a little bit of everything for everyone. While some may think they know our humble state, there’s so much more than meets the eye. Stepping out from the shadows of our stereotypes, we want you to see Kansas in a brand new light.
You probably already know a few things about Kansas — BBQ, tornadoes, basketball, and The Wizard of Oz. While it may not always be top of mind, we have a way of leaving our mark. But just in case you don’t know, here are a few things that make Kansas truly iconic.
What You Know about Kansas
The Wizard of Oz
“We’re not in Kansas anymore!” Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road made Kansas famous worldwide. Today, you can visit the Oz Museum in Wamego and Dorothy’s House in Liberal to relive the movie’s magic. While native Kansans might say they’re tired of hearing about it, there’s no denying the impact The Wizard of Oz has on Kansas.
Wheat Fields & Sunflowers
Something else Kansas is known for – being one of the top wheat-producing states in the U.S. It’s earned us the nickname “The Breadbasket of America.” Many people will visit in the summer to see the beautiful amber waves of grain found all across the state.
Also appearing in later summer, sunflowers paint our landscape with vibrant colors. From planted sunflower crops to the wild varieties found along trails and roadways, we have proudly earned the title, the Sunflower State. People come out in droves to take pictures in sunflower fields and enjoy the beauty these stunning flowers bring.
Cowboys & The Wild West
Dodge City and Abilene were once some of the wildest towns in the country, where outlaws roamed and cowboys partied after long journeys on the infamous cattle trails. Now they are home to incredible museums and experiences that tell the stories and folklore of the Wild West and how this rowdy and untamed era shaped Kansas.
What You Don’t Know about Kansas
While Kansas is proudly known for all these aforementioned things, we have so much more to surprise you with. We have put together this handy list with quirks, myths to debunk, and helpful tips to plan your TBEX North America Summit trip!
1.Kansas Quirks
In your time traveling around the Sunflower State, you might be met with what you deem as… “quirky” behavior. To help understand what is happening we have put together these common local behaviors maybe not found in other parts of the U.S./World.
- “Ope” – Common to the Midwest, ope is a natural response to anything from ‘excuse me!’ to ‘oh!’ to anything in between. Many people say it without even knowing.
- “The Two-Finger Wave” – if you find yourself in more rural parts of the state, say driving down two-lane highways or through any small towns, you may find that people are giving you a little two finger wave from their steering wheel. Don’t fear! These are friendly gestures very common in small towns. Feel free to give a little wave back.
- Kansas Kind – You may find yourself out to eat or getting coffee at a quaint little coffeehouse and a local strikes up a conversation with you. I’d bet money one of the first questions out of their mouth will be, ‘Where ya from?’ That is just something people around here do. We call it Kansas kind and don’t be surprised if it’s a little contagious.
2. Myth – Kansas is Nothing but Empty, Flat Land!
Contrary to popular belief, Kansas is not just endless plains. In the northwestern part of the state, we surprise visitors with striking rock formations like Monuments Rock and Arikaree Breaks. In the central part of the state you can find the stunning Flint Hills and the one-of-a-kind ecosystem, the Tallgrass Prairie. And don’t forget to explore the otherworldly Gypsum Hills with its striking red dirt and iconic butte-and-mesa formations along your drive.
But Kansas also has incredible urban hubs too. Wichita, Manhattan, Topeka, and Lawrence are all incredible centers for art, music, food, and endless Midwest vibes. In Lawrence, walk along the iconic Massachusetts street where you can shop and dine to your hearts content! Be sure to find all the “Mass Street Cats” when you visit. Catch a summer concert in downtown Topeka at Evergy Plaza or see a production at the Topeka Civic Theatre. There is always something to do no matter where you are in the state.
3. Good to Know – Kansas Art Scene
There is no corner of Kansas not covered in art! From charming small-town galleries to bustling urban art centers, Kansas nurtures creativity at every corner.
Wichita is home to the Wichita Art Museum, showcasing American art masterpieces and the NOTO art district in Topeka is the perfect art lover’s haven. Don’t forget to hop over to Manhattan to take in the brand new Museum of Art and Light, the first museum in the world to showcase immersive, digital, and permanent art collections from its inception.
Lindsborg, also known as “Little Sweden,” celebrates its Scandinavian heritage through folk art, while Lucas delights visitors with its quirky Grassroots Art Center and the famous Garden of Eden, an outside artistic marvel.
Street art lovers can explore colorful murals all across the state (we even have a dedicated page) especially in cities like Salina and Emporia where the downtown is covered is stunning murals. No matter where you roam, Kansas inspires with its rich artistic spirit and endless creative surprises.
4. Good to Know – Calling All Foodies!
Kansas serves up a food scene that’s as rich and diverse as its history! When it comes to BBQ, Kansas is legendary. From brisket to burnt ends, spots like Joe’s Kansas City and Slap’s BBQ have earned national fame. And BBQ is just the beginning! Fried chicken lovers flock to Crawford County for crispy, mouthwatering perfection, while steak enthusiasts savor prime cuts at local eateries across the state.
Don’t forget to try a classic – bierocks – a delicious German pastry stuffed with seasoned beef and cabbage, often found in small-town bakeries. For something sweet, indulge in a slice of homemade Kansas pie or warm cinnamon rolls that often accompany a hearty bowl of chili – a Midwest tradition!
One thing is for certain, foodies in Kansas enjoy a diverse culinary scene that includes everything from farm-to-table meals, hometown diners, ultra-fine dining, to international flavors.
So, there you have it! A little taste of Kansas. We can’t wait to dive into more Kansas content, so be on the lookout for more blogs to help you start planning your visit for the 2025 TBEX North America Summit in Wichita this October!
Add your first comment to this post