Getting Around
Getting around Kansas is relatively easy, with several transportation options available to visitors. Here are some ways to get around the State:
- Car: The most common way to get around Kansas is by car. Major highways such as Interstate 70 and Interstate 35 run through the state. Making it easy to travel between cities and attractions. Rental cars are available at major airports and in many cities throughout the state.
- Bus: Several bus companies operate in Kansas, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. These companies provide service to many cities throughout the state and can be a good option for budget travelers.
- Train: Amtrak provides service to several cities in the State, including Lawrence, Topeka, and Newton. However, train service is limited in the state, and not all cities have a train station.
- Air: If you’re traveling from outside the state or need to get between distant cities quickly, flying is an option. The State has several major airports, including Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Kansas City International Airport, and Manhattan Regional Airport.
- Bicycle: Biking is a popular way to explore the scenic countryside and small towns of Kansas. Several designated biking trails, including the Flint Hills Nature Trail and the Prairie Spirit Trail, provide opportunities for long-distance cycling.
- Walking: Many of Kansas’s larger cities, such as Wichita and Kansas City. Have walkable downtown areas with shops, restaurants, and attractions within easy walking distance.
Overall, the best way to get around the State depends on your travel needs and preferences. With a little planning, you can easily navigate the state and explore its many attractions.
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Best Hotels in the State
Kansas has a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best hotels in the State:
Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection: Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City. This luxury hotel is known for its stylish decor, top-notch service, and proximity to the city’s best attractions.
The Oread Hotel: This boutique hotel is located near the University of Kansas in Lawrence. And offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It features spacious rooms, an upscale restaurant, and an on-site spa.
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita: This historic hotel in Wichita is known for its elegant decor. Comfortable rooms, and excellent service. It offers a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving classic American fare.
The Eldridge Hotel: Another historic hotel in Lawrence, The Eldridge has been a local landmark since 1925. It offers charming rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a convenient location near downtown Lawrence.
Hotel Indigo Kansas City – The Crossroads: This stylish hotel is located in the trendy Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City. And offers spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, and an on-site restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine.
These are just a few of the many great hotels in the State. When choosing a hotel, consider your budget, travel plans, and preferred location to find the perfect accommodations for your trip.
Best Things to Do
- Visit the Kansas State Capitol: The state’s majestic Capitol building in Topeka is a must-see for history and architecture buffs. It features stunning murals, a grand dome, and a beautifully landscaped surrounding area.
- Explore the Flint Hills: This vast grassland area in eastern Kansas. One of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world. Offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
- Visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum: Located in Abilene. This museum and library are dedicated to the life and legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It features exhibits of his military and political career, as well as his life in the State.
- Tour the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: This national preserve a vast protected area showcases natural beauty of the Flint Hills. It offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities to see bison and other wildlife.
- Enjoy the theme parks: The State home to several theme parks, including the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City. And the Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, Missouri. These parks offer a fun-filled day for families and thrill-seekers.
- Visit the Cosmosphere: This space museum in Hutchinson features an impressive collection of artifacts from the U.S. space program. Including the Apollo 13 command module and a Soviet Vostok spacecraft.
- Explore Old Cowtown Museum: This living history museum in Wichita takes visitors back to the 19th century. With its recreated buildings, costumed interpreters, and demonstrations of frontier life.
- Attend the Kansas State Fair: Held annually in Hutchinson, the Kansas State Fair. A popular event that showcases the state’s agricultural heritage, with livestock shows, concerts, food vendors, and carnival rides.
Dos and Don’t
If you’re planning a trip to Kansas, here are some general dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Do bring sunscreen and a hat, as State can be quite sunny and hot, especially during the summer months.
- Do try the local cuisine, including Kansas City-style barbecue, fried chicken, and other Midwestern favorites.
- Do explore the state’s natural beauty, including the Flint Hills and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
- Do be respectful of the state’s history and culture. Including its Native American heritage and its role in the Civil War.
- Do take advantage of the state’s many parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and boating.
Don’t:
- Don’t underestimate the distance between attractions in the State. The state is quite large and driving times can be longer than you expect.
- Don’t litter or damage natural areas, as preserving the state’s natural beauty is important for both visitors and locals.
- Don’t assume that the state is all flat and boring. While it may lack the dramatic mountains or oceans of other states. Kansas has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty.
- Don’t ignore safety precautions, particularly when it comes to severe weather like tornadoes. Be sure to check local weather forecasts and take shelter as necessary.
- Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals – Kansans are generally friendly and welcoming. And may be happy to share their knowledge and recommendations about the state.
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