Kansas Countryside

Kansas, rolling out from the Smoky Hills in the state's central region, east to the Flint Hills and south to the Gypsum Hills, is home to the last tallgrass prairie in the US. Kansas has five National Parks, and there is no better time than now to enjoy a Kansas Getaway. Celebrate Kansas's role in US history with a visit to Brown vs Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, and the Harry S Truman National Historic Site near Olathe. Venture to Emporia and Flint Hills nearby and take a look at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve - this is the prairie that once covered the US mid-west. Rich in American tradition and history – choose your favorite Kansas destination and plan your visit.

Topeka, the Kansas state capital, is a hub for commerce, culture and education. Neighborhoods from rejuvenated downtown, Potwin and Westboro to College Hill offer visitors a variety of events and activities. In warm seasons, look for the Topeka Symphony playing in concert at the Gage Park Amphitheater or take a walk through Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee. Any season is great for a visit to the Brown v Board National Historic site or the Harley-Davidson Museum. And don’t leave Topeka without tasting the fresh apple pie from Bobo’s Drive Inn on SW 10th Avenue.

East from Topeka on Interstate 70 travelers pass the town of Lawrence and the beautiful University of Kansas campus set on Mount Oread. Spot an image of a Jayhawk, the KU mascot, and you know you’re there. Stop through November on a Saturday to shop for the freshest local produce and meat at the Lawrence Farmers Market. LFM also showcases the best local craftspeople and their creations – catch it downtown at 8th street and New Hampshire Street.

Further east along the Kansas Turnpike you arrive in Kansas City, and travel a bit south on Interstate 35 you reach Olathe. Fall 2011 brings the opening of the KC’s Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts. The spectacular opening events the weekend of September 16th through 18th include performances by opera star Placido Domingo and famed violinist Itzak Perlman. The LIVESTRONG Sporting Park also opens in 2011 – check the schedule for sporting events and concerts when you are in town. Take the State Avenue exit west off Interstate 435 to get to the park.

Olathe celebrates Kansas’ 150th birthday at the 2011 Johnson County Old Settlers celebration this fall. The 112th anniversary event is September 8th through 10th in downtown Olathe. Visit and enjoy traditional American events – a parade, an ice cream social, a game of horseshoes and a Gabfest. Along with concerts, the carnival and food, you can’t go wrong.

From Topeka heading south, head west on Interstate 335 past Emporia to Interstate 35 to reach El Dorado and Wichita. Home of Wichita State University and its Shocker Athletics, games and events are constants on the calendar. Enjoy Old Town and the revitalized Red-Brick District and be sure to visit the Keeper of the Plains tribute at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River.