Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Kansas

1. State Motto: "Ad astra per aspera" (To the stars through difficulties).
2. State Bird: Western Meadowlark.
3. State Flower: Sunflower.
4. Kansas is known as the Sunflower State because of its vast fields of sunflowers.
5. The geographic center of the contiguous United States is located in Lebanon, Kansas.
6. Wichita is known as the "Air Capital of the World" due to its aviation industry.
7. The Santa Fe, Oregon, and Chisholm Trails all passed through Kansas.
8. Dodge City was a famous frontier town in the Old West era.
9. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects over 10,000 acres of prairie land.
10. Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, are over 80 million years old.
11. Kansas is one of the top wheat-producing states in the U.S.
12. The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, which ended segregation in schools, originated in Topeka.
13. Kansas has more tornadoes per year than any other state, earning it the nickname "Tornado Alley."
14. The world's largest ball of twine can be found in Cawker City, Kansas.
15. Fort Leavenworth, established in 1827, is the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi River.

Geography of Kansas

Kansas is characterized by its vast plains and prairies. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Mount Sunflower (4,039 feet).
• Lowest Point: Verdigris River (679 feet).
• Major Rivers: Arkansas River, Kansas River, and Smoky Hill River.

A Brief History of Kansas

Kansas played a pivotal role in American history, particularly during the Civil War era:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Kansa and Osage.
• Part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
• Became the 34th state of the U.S. on January 29, 1861.

Top 10 Things to Do in Kansas

1. Visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve for hiking and wildlife viewing.
2. Explore the Old West history of Dodge City.
3. Marvel at the natural beauty of Monument Rocks.
4. Tour the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka.
5. Learn about aviation history at the Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita.
6. See the world's largest ball of twine in Cawker City.
7. Visit the Fort Leavenworth military base and museum.
8. Experience the Cosmosphere Space Science Museum in Hutchinson.
9. Walk the Santa Fe Trail and learn about pioneer history.
10. Relax in the Flint Hills Scenic Byway for breathtaking views.

Top 10 Destinations in Kansas

1. Wichita
2. Dodge City
3. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
4. Monument Rocks
5. Topeka

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Kansas, visit the state's official tourism site: Travel Kansas