Skip to Content

15 Things You Need to Know About Kansas

15 Things You Need to Know About Kansas

Hey there, folks! Think you’ve got Kansas all figured out? Think again! This Midwestern gem is full of surprises, from its wild weather to its quirky landmarks. Ready to uncover some hidden secrets? Let’s dive in!

1. Tornado Alley’s Heartland

Image Credit: Pexels / Johannes Plenio

Kansas isn’t just any ol’ state—it’s the beating heart of Tornado Alley. With more tornadoes per square mile than anywhere else on Earth, Kansas is the ultimate thrill ride for weather enthusiasts.

2. Sunflower Capital

Image Credit: Pexels / Pixabay

Sure, you might know Kansas as the Sunflower State, but did you know it produces over 20% of the world’s sunflower oil? That’s a whole lot of golden goodness!

3. Wizard of Oz Origins

Image Credit: Pexels / RDNE Stock project

Follow the yellow brick road to Liberal, Kansas, where you’ll find the self-proclaimed hometown of Dorothy Gale herself. Yep, the Wizard of Oz has deep roots in the Sunflower State.

4. Pizza Hut’s Birthplace

Image Credit: Pexels / Cats Coming

Think New York has the pizza game on lock? Think again! Wichita, Kansas, is the birthplace of Pizza Hut, serving up cheesy goodness since 1958.

5. Famous Kansans

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Prachaya Roekdeethaweesab

Kansas has churned out its fair share of celebs, from aviator Amelia Earhart to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Not bad for a state smack dab in the middle of the country!

6. Dodge City’s Wild Past

Image Credit: Shutterstock / rarrarorro

Back in the Wild West days, Dodge City was the rowdiest town this side of the Mississippi. Saloons, shootouts, and sheriffs—Dodge City had it all.

7. Geographic Center

shutterstock_1209137605 (1)

Image Credit: Shutterstock / OPOLJA

Lebanon, Kansas, isn’t just any ol’ town—it’s the geographic center of the contiguous United States. Talk about being at the heart of it all!

8. World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well

Image Credit: Shutterstock / SevenMaps

Greensburg, Kansas, is home to a record-breaking feat of human ingenuity—the world’s largest hand-dug well. Clocking in at 109 feet deep, it’s a hole lotta history.

9. Home on the Range

Image Credit: Pexels / Ivan Boban

Kansas isn’t just the setting for the iconic song “Home on the Range”—it’s where the song was penned by Brewster Higley. Talk about putting down roots!

10. Rock City Wonder

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tupungato

Forget about the Big Apple—Kansas is home to its own Rock City, a natural wonderland of sandstone concretions that’ll blow your mind.

11. Underground Salt Museum

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krasula

Head underground in Hutchinson, Kansas, and you’ll discover a whole new world at the Underground Salt Museum. It’s a salty adventure you won’t soon forget!

12. Pizza Paradise

Image Credit: Shutterstock / CarlosBarquero

Move over, NYC—Kansas is staking its claim as the Pizza Capital of the World. With more pizza joints per capita than anywhere else, it’s a pie lover’s paradise.

13. Big Well Marvel

Image Credit: Shutterstock / SevenMaps

Greensburg strikes again with the Big Well, a historic landmark and symbol of resilience. Built in 1887, it’s a testament to the town’s tenacity.

14. The Sunflower vs. The Sunflower

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sunflower

While the sunflower may be Kansas’ state flower, it’s also home to the official wildflower known as the sunflower. Talk about double the sunshine!

15. Haunted Heartland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / bodnar.photo

From ghostly tales in Savannah to spooky spots in Topeka, Kansas is full of haunted history just waiting to send shivers down your spine.

Uncovering Kansas’s Hidden Gems

Image Credit: Pexels / Katii Bishop

Think you know Kansas now? Think again! From tornadoes to pizza joints, this Midwestern marvel is full of surprises. So why not pack your bags and discover the Sunflower State’s secrets for yourself?

More From The Green Voyage

Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations 2024

6 Essential Banking Apps for International Travel – Managing Your Finances on the Go

Traveling With Kids – 10 Tips to Create Memorable Family Holidays

The post 15 Things You Need to Know About Kansas first appeared on The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / FOTOKITA.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip

Related posts:

20 Wallet-Friendly Family-Fun Alternatives to Disney World
20 Critical Survival Tips Every Solo Female Traveler Needs to Know
14 Smart Money Moves for American Travelers: Build Wealth While Exploring the World
18 Dreamy Destinations: The Ultimate Honeymoon Havens in the USA
23 Wallet-Wise Wishes: Budget-Friendly Destinations for American Explorers
Try Something Different: 21 Undiscovered US Places to Vacation
The 'Ignorant American' Stereotype - Is It True?
22 Sun-Soaked Southeast Asian Beaches That Justify Emptying Your Savings
Is Your Wallet Ready for This? The Ultimate Guide to America's Priciest Places to Visit
20 Decadent Destinations: The Ultimate Guide for Chocolate Lovers
Anti-U.S. Sentiments Abroad - Why They Exist
15 Amazing Things People Don't Get About Camping
10 Budget-Friendly Home Décor Ideas for American Travelers: Bring the World to Your Space
21 Ways Immigration Has Reshaped America's Tourism Industry
25 Ways to Reveal to Your Kids They're Going to Disney
15 Countries Luring US Travelers with Affordable Medical Care
Digital Nomad Heaven - Top 21 Cities with Lightning-Fast Internet and Low Living Costs
14 Surprising Things Outlawed in the US But Accepted Around the World
How to Backpack the World on $50 a Day
18 Unconventional Jobs That Take You Around the World
The Cost of Comfort? What It Takes to Retire in America’s Premier Havens
15 Strategic Shifts Climate Protesters Should Consider: A Guide for Eco-Savvy American Travelers
15 Preventative Health Checks That Can Save You Money
25 American States Nobody Wants to Visit Anymore
20 Genius Hacks: Mastering the Art of Shoestring Budget Travel
21 Countries to Avoid as a Single Women Traveler
It's an Ohio Thing: 21 Weird Habits Cherished by the Buckeye State
The Paris Guide: Arrondissements (Neighborhoods) You’ll Love and Loathe
Weird and Wonderful: 10 Unusual Museums Across the USA
20 Views That Will Make You Want to Visit France