Kansas, the Sunflower State, is an underappreciated travel destination. From vast, wide-open prairies to vibrant cities, Kansas offers visitors a bevy of diverse attractions to check out. With historical sights highlighting the state’s essential and bloody place in American history, delectable, mouth-watering Barbeque joints, and warm and friendly people, Kansas epitomizes Americana in the country’s heartland.
Kansas welcomes you sign at he state border
Photo by depositphotos.com
Historic Kansas
The John Brown Museum is located about an hour south of Kansas in Osawatomie, at the sight of the Battle of Osawatomie. Admission to the museum is free, and once inside, visitors will learn about legendary abolitionist John Brown who played a pivotal role in the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict of the 1850s.
The Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield State Historic Sight is located in Pleasanton, Kansas. The site is where one of the largest calvary battles of the American Civil War took place on October 25th, 1864. The battle resulted in a victory for the outnumbered Union soldiers who defeated their confederate foes from Missouri. Visitors can walk the battlefield and learn the gruesome details in the historic site’s comprehensive visitors center.
Wichita, Kansas, USA downtown skyline at dusk.
Photo by depositphotos.com
BBQ
A Trip to Kansas would not be complete without trying the state’s iconic barbeque. Below are just a few of the state’s best joints.
Located in Wichita, the state’s largest city, When Pigs Fly is a family-owned and operated spot that has received rave reviews since opening in 2010. Try the smoked meats, which include brisket, pulled pork, turkey, and jalapeno cheddar sausage. They also offer dry-rubbed ribs, chicken, and gigantic baked potatoes.
Another family owned and run operation, Lonnie’s receives acclaim for its delicious meats, including smoked brisket and turkey, which are smoked for 18 hours, and the impeccable service and friendliness of the staff. Lonnie’s is located in Topeka, the state capital.
Massachusetts Street, Lawrence
Lawrence, Kansas, is a picturesque college town home to the University of Kansas Jayhawks, one of the nation’s best college basketball programs. Snuggled between Topeka and Kansas City, Lawrence is one of Kansas’s gems and is considered one of the best college towns in America. The heart of Lawrence is Massachusetts street, located in downtown Lawrence. Mass street, as locals refer to it, is abuzz with activity day and night. The street boasts over 100 shops, restaurants, galleries, bars, and coffee shops. The busy street also features several live music venues, while various street performers and artists perform for the public daily.
Sources Used:
John Brown Museum- https://www.kshs.org/p/john-brown-museum/19574
Mine Creek Civil War Center- https://www.kshs.org/p/mine-creek-civil-war-battlefield/19567
When Pigs Fly- https://www.whenpigsflywichita.com/home
Lonnie Q’s BBQ- https://lonnieqsbbq.com/
Lawrence Kansas- https://www.explorelawrence.com/plan-your-visit/neighborhoods/downtown/
Wichita BBQ Guide- https://www.wichitabyeb.com/
Best things to do in Kansas- https://vacationidea.com/destinations/best-things-to-do-in-kansas.html