Kansas has a lot of nicknames: the Wheat State, the Jayhawker State and the Sunflower State, but whatever name that you decide to call it, visiting Kansas can be a pleasurable and immensely fun experience. Located in the heart of the Midwest, you may think of the state as being nothing more than flat land, prairies and plains, but there are a number of interesting things to see and do here. From major NASCAR events held in buzzing Kansas City, to quiet botanical gardens in Wichita, there are a variety of nature-based and historical attractions to see across the state. Hope in your rental car and get ready to experience up-close of what makes up America's heartland.
Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was raised in Kansas, and situated in the town of Abilene, a museum complex features the childhood home that Eisenhower grew up in with his parents and five brothers. It's a great piece of nostalgia and a must-visit attraction for any U.S. history buff. For Art Lovers, the University of Kansas in Lawrence is home to a wide variety of priceless pieces of art originating from China, Australia, Latin America and Japan. Many of these sculptures, paintings, photographs and prints are housed in the 20/21 Gallery which was recently renovated.
Dodge City, Kansas is iconic because it is an integral part of the Old West. The Boot Hill Museum pays homage to this historical town with more than 60,000 displays that harken back to the days when Dodge City was a major stopping point for settlers and Western travelers. The museum itself takes visitors back through time, beginning in the 1870s and up through the 1920s. In addition to the collections housed within the facility itself, visitors can also visit the First Union Church, Long Branch Saloon and the Boot Hill Cemetery.