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Information on attractions, accommodations, and dining in Kansas - and much more, including things to see and do, parks and recreational areas, annual and special events, and climate information!
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Click on the following for specific information on Kansas: Visitor Information Accommodations Suggestions City and Town Information Books, Maps and Other Resources on Kansas
Attractions and Things to See and Do
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Visitor Information
Kansas Division of Travel and Tourism
700 S.W. Harrison Street, Suite 1300
Topica, KS 66603-3712
1-800-252-6727 fax 785-296-6988
http://www.kansascommerce.com.
One of your best sources for information on traveling in Kansas is from the Kansas Travel and Tourism Division, 700 SW Harrison Street, Suite 1300, Topeka, KS 66603-3712, telephone 785/296-2009 or
1-800-2KANSAS. (State of Kansas Home Page) You can also order a Kansas Visitor Guide
that will help you in planning your vacation or trip to Kansas.
There are several Welcome Centers in Kansas where you will find maps, brochures, and helpful information for your trip. You can find these centers at the Kansas City exit on I-70E and on I-70W, just west of Goodland; and at the southern entrance into Kansas on the turnpike in South Haven. Information centers are located in the State Capitol in Topeka and in the cities of Liberal, Fort Scott, Abilene, Coffeeville, and North Belleville.
Kansas was settled by Native Americans thousands of years before the white man ever even thought about going to Kansas. Today, thousands of people from all over the world visit Kansas and many of them come to see the history of the original Native Americans who settled the area. Ever since Lewis and Clark American have loved to go to Kansas to discover for themselves the mystery of this state.
I guess you could say that tourism actually began in the 1840s when traders and immigrants walked the Santa Fe and Chisholm Trails across the region. And it is from this era that we get the other reason tourists flock to this state. It was the beginning of the "Old West" with towns like Abilene, Wichita, and Dodge City and men like Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, and Wild Bill Hickock.
Kansas ranges from green, fertile farm area to hilly, wooded areas with streams and lakes. Western Kansas is a part of the American Great Plains which used to be populated with thousands of buffalo.
Along with the history associated with the state, sports enthusiasts come to Kansas for the fishing and hunting. The many lakes of the state are filled with bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie while the forested areas have an abundance of deer, pheasant, quail, and other species of game. The lakes of the state also attract the duck and geese hunters.
Climate and Weather Information
You can expect normal and typical mid-western temperatures in Kansas where it can be hot in the summers and cold - sometimes very cold - during the winter. Summer, despite the heat, is the most popular time to visit. In the eastern part of the state you can expect a little more humidity. However, I enjoy the state in early spring and in September and October. During the spring (May through June) you can expect the occasional heavy thunderstorm and even a tornado or two (or more!)
For climate information Kansas, click on Climatologies
and then click on the map to find Kansas.
Driving Information
Safety belts are mandatory for all persons in front seats of vehicles. Children ages 4-13 must also wear a safety belt anywhere in the vehicle and children under the age of 4 must be in an approved safety seat.
As the area along the Missouri River and its tributaries seem to have a tendency to flood (Many of the roads in this area are still suffering from the effects of the 1993 flood and as a result some of the roads and bridges are still in need of repairs.), you may want to contact the Kansas Travel and Tourism Division, the DOT (Kansas Department of Transportation), or inquire locally before planning any travel in out-of-the-way places or destinations off of the main highways in these areas.
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State Parks and Recreation Areas
Kansas has numerous state parks and recreation areas where travelers may enjoy the outdoors. Water-related activities, hiking, riding, picnicking, and camping are available in most of these areas. For additional information contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Public Information, 512 SE 25th Avenue, Pratt, KS 67124-8174, telephone 316/672-5911.
Annual Events
Kansas has many annual and special events throughout the year.
January
February
In Liberal you can enjoy the International Pancake Race where housewives compete with the women of Olney, England running a 415-yard S-shaped course with a pancake in a skillet - continually flipping it during the race.
March
The National Junior College Basketball Tournament is held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
April
May
The Wichita River Festival offers entertainment, athletic events, hot-air balloon launch, and antique bathtub races along with food and fun. 316/267-2817.
June
In Emporia on the Emporia State University Campus you can enjoy the
Twin Rivers Festival with food and entertainment, recreational activities, concerts, arts and crafts, and much more. 316/342-1803 or
1-800-279-37360.
July
At the Indian Powwow in Wichita tribes gather from all over the county and Canada with traditional dances, crafts, and ethnic foods. 316/262-5221.
August
The Central Kansas Free Fair & PRCA Wild Bill Hickock Rodeo is held in
Abilene. 913/263-4570.
Wichita's Lawrence Stadium
is home for the amateur National Baseball Congress World
Series. 316/267-3372.
September
Pioneer Days (in Hayes) offers two days of living history at Fort Hays that includes demonstrations of tatting, rope-making, rug weaving stone post cutting, whittling, butter churning, and more. 785/628-8202.
Hutchinson is host to the Kansas State Fair at the fairgrounds with exhibits, a carnival, entertainment, and automobile racing. 316/669-3600.
During September and October you can enjoy the weekend Renaissance Festival in
Kansas City.
1-800-373-0357.
October
November
December
Attractions and Things to See and Do
Kansas Tips: Roadsides in America Here is some interesting information on those roadside attractions that make America, and Kansas, fun to drive through.
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Some Favorites in Kansas
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
