Wichita
In Wichita, there are great restaurants and plenty of things to do. And as a bonus, you never know when you might bump into actress Kirstie Alley (The former star of Cheers has a home there). Here, you can see the original Pizza Hut restaurant, located on the campus of Wichita State University. Wichita also has an authentic Cowtown and a fabulous minor-league baseball stadium. Most importantly – don’t miss the chance to walk across the iconic Keeper of the Plains pedestrian bridge at night.
Manhattan
Known locally as “the little apple,” Manhattan is a delightful surprise located in the Flint Hills of Kansas. This small college town has a fun vibe with a welcoming downtown and a slew of bars and restaurants in their “Aggieville” section of town. Be sure to visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center to learn about the area’s legendary tallgrass, and then head to the Konza Prairie’s hiking trails less than ten minutes from downtown. Also, check out Manhattan’s Varsity Donuts!
Lawrence
Like Manhattan, Lawrence is also a college town with a fun vibe and lots of things going on throughout the year. In addition to the University of Kansas, Lawrence is also home to Haskell Indian Nations University. If you’re passing through, stop to see the university’s cultural center and ask about visiting the massive medicine wheel located on the back side of the campus. Grinter Farms, a gigantic sunflower field, is a place to make all of your Instagram dreams come true; just be sure to go at just the right time of the year.
Topeka
Being the capital city of Kansas, there’s always something going on, but a few things not to miss if you’re passing through. Take the free tour of the Kansas State Capitol and see the building’s dome up close. Topeka is also home to the Evel Knievel Museum, which houses the largest collection of Evel Knievel memorabilia and artifacts in the U.S. For history buffs, be sure to tour the Brown v. Board of Education historical site, which is now a National Historical Park commemorating this landmark ruling.
Kansas City
Considering checking out the Kansas side of Kansas City? Particularly, the Kansas Speedway is one site that has put KCK on the map. There is also some great history, such as Lewis & Clark’s landing at Kaw Point in 1804, which happens to be the spot where the Missouri and Kansas Rivers combine. Shoppers will love the Legends Outlet where, in addition to finding great deals, there is opportunity to learn about the most famous Kansans in history. And, if your group is looking for a waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge is one of the best in the Midwest.
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