Check out this list of things Kansas is famous for, including its natural beauty, historic sites, and delicious food!
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The Land of Oz
Did you know that The Wizard of Oz was actually filmed in Kansas? And that’s not all this Midwestern state is famous for! From its role in American history to its unique geographical features, Kansas has plenty to offer.
Kansas is often referred to as “The Wheat State” because of its vast wheat fields. In fact, wheat is the official state grain! This crop plays a big role in the state’s economy and is used in many different products, from bread and pastries to beer and cereal.
Kansas is also home to the world’s largest ball of twine, which was made by one man over the course of 30 years. It weighs in at an impressive 17,400 pounds (7,814 kg)! You can see this giant ball of twine for yourself at the Cawker City Twine Ball Festival, which is held every year on the first Saturday in August.
Other things Kansas is famous for include being the birthplace of hip hop legend Wesley Willis, as well as comedy icons Buster Keaton and Bill Cosby. The first ever Burger King restaurant was also opened in Kansas City in 1954. So next time you’re enjoying a Whopper, remember to thank Kansas!
The Tallgrass Prairie
Kansas is famously known as the “Sunflower State” or the “Jayhawker State,” but it also has another, lesser-known nickname: “The Tallgrass Prairie State.” And for good reason! A majority of the state is covered in tallgrass prairie, a type of grassland that once spanned millions of acres across the United States.
Tallgrass prairie is a beautiful and unique ecosystem that is home to many different plants and animals. The tallgrass itself can grow up to seven feet tall, which is much taller than other types of grasses. The prairie also contains a variety of wildflowers, including Kansas’ state flower, the sunflower.
Not only is tallgrass prairie picturesque, but it also plays an important role in our environment. The deep roots of the tallgrass help to prevent soil erosion and provide homes for many different types of animals. The prairie also helps to filter our water and air, and it serves as a carbon sink, which means that it helps to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, much of Kansas’ tallgrass prairie has been destroyed over the years due to development and agriculture. However, there are still some pockets of this unique ecosystem left in the state, and there are efforts underway to restore and preserve this valuable resource for future generations.
The Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail was a legendary commercial and military highway that stretched from Missouri to New Mexico. Spanning some 800 miles, the trail was used by traders, trappers, settlers, and soldiers from 1821 to 1880. It played a key role in the Westward Expansion of the United States and was the site of several important historical events, including the University of Missouri’s founding in 1839.
Today, visitors can explore the trail’s many remaining landmarks. These includes forts, trading posts, and Native American villages. The Santa Fe Trail is also a popular recreation destination, offering hikers, bikers, and horseback riders beautiful views of the American frontier.
The Flint Hills
The Flint Hills are a unique and beautiful part of Kansas. This area is famous for its tallgrass prairie and its history as the “Wild West.” The Flint Hills are home to many cowboy towns, rodeos, and cattle drives. This region is also known for its beautiful sunsets, which are some of the best in the world.
Kansas Sunflowers
One of the things that Kansas is most famous for is our beautiful sunflowers! Every summer, fields of sunflowers bloom across the state, making for some breathtaking scenery. In fact, the sunflower is even the official state flower of Kansas.
Kansas is also known for our impressive array of wildlife. With Prairie Chickens, White-tailed Deer, and even Bison, there’s no shortage of animals to see in Kansas. If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll be especially impressed by the more than 400 different species of birds that make their home in our state.
And of course, we can’t forget about our rich history. From the time of the early Native Americans to the days of the Wild West, Kansas has a long and interesting history. Today, you can explore that history at any number of museums and historic sites located throughout the state.
