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It’s easy to see why Dorothy said there was no place like home. From scenic byways to down-home agritourism, Kansas offers plenty of cool reasons to visit. Get a little inspiration for your next midwest vacay with this video tour and these five cool things about Kansas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp9So45CXPw&feature=youtu.be

The beautiful trails

Eleven scenic and historic byways offer a look at all the beauty Kansas has to offer. Explore America’s heartland on one of the two National Scenic Byways that run through the state, or trace the remnants of the Wild West on a road trip along one of Kansas’ historic byways. Beyond the byways, you can also explore the roads of the Pony Express Route, Oregon Trail and Santa Fe Trail.

The flowing rivers

Not only are the rivers a beautiful sight to behold, but in Kansas, you can also float down the Kansas River Trail for a whole new perspective on the state’s beauty. The 173-mile Kansas River Trail is a designated National Water Trail and offers a plethora of recreational ways to enjoy Kansas, including kayaking, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing.

The cabins

If you’re headed to one of Kansas’ state parks for cross-country skiing or animal tracking in the winter or hiking and horseback riding in the summer, ditch the tent and opt for one of the fully loaded cabins in the parks. Tuttle Creek State Park and Wilson State Park, for example, both offer modern cabins with full kitchens and bathrooms.

The agritourism

Agriculture is alive and well in America’s heartland, and you’d better believe you can get in on the action next time you’re in Kansas. Channel your inner cowboy with a stay at a bison ranch or an actual cattle ranch, or enjoy farm life with corn mazes, hayrides, duck races and pumpkin catapults at local farms like Hickory Creek Farms in Crawford County.

The new capitol dome

After 10 years and $350 million, the Kansas State Capitol has a majestic new copper dome adorning the top of the building, as well as a visitors’ center and underground parking garage. Free historical tours are conducted every weekday.

What’s your favorite thing about Kansas? Let us know in the comments!

 

(All images courtesy of Travel Kansas)

About the author

Marissa WillmanMarissa Willman earned a bachelor's degree in journalism before downsizing her life into two suitcases for a teaching gig in South Korea. Seoul was her home base for two years of wanderlusting throughout six countries in Asia. In 2011, Marissa swapped teaching for travel writing and now calls Southern California home.

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