Kansas Countryside

Kansas, from Kansas City in the east to Kanorado in the west, travelers are moving along Interstate 70. From Arkansas City and Dodge City to Junction City there are home town festivals, celebrations and family reunions. Towns like Olathe, Great Bend and Garden City developed along the route of the Old Santa Fe Trail, and draw visitors to celebrate their history and culture. Buffalo roam along the highways in Western Kansas and the state has two American bison refuges for an up-close look. Travelers also get a glimpse of America past when passing through the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in the US.

Hays celebrates 2010 Independence Day with a weekend celebration at Wild West Festival. Sports enthusiasts and fans will love the Sunflower State Games in Topeka on weekends through July. The Country Roundup mid July in Winfield is a bonus for country music fans. Terrific Kansas summer events keep residents and visitors busy and happy.

Dodge City hosts the 2010 Dodge City Days July 30th through August 8th. Events include a PRCA Rodeo, Barbeque contest, parade and live entertainment. This is the 50th anniversary for Dodge City Days and it is better than ever. Come take part in ten days of action and fun. Athletes can run the 5K or 1 mile race before the parade or enter the Cowboy Classic Golf tournament, kids will love the Carnival in the Park and everyone can meet Miss Rodeo Kansas and Teen contestants. Sawyer Brown will be the concert headliner or if you prefer to perform, Cox Communications hosts the Summer Sing 2010 contest. Bring family and friends – Dodge City Days is great summer fun.

The Best Western Country Inn & Suites makes the perfect home away from home for Dodge City Days. Within a mile or two of Dodge City's popular attractions, guests start their day with a complimentary hot breakfast. A variety of room options will accommodate large or small families and groups. Come enjoy the home-style hospitality, Dodge City Days and discover the Dodge City area.

Fall brings a variety of fun events to Kansas. Northeast Kansas celebrates Cider days at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka. In October Gary's Fall Festival east of Topeka offers fun family activities all month. Try your luck in the corn maze, pick your Halloween pumpkins at the pumpkin patch and get a scare at the haunted house. For a thrill visit Hays for the Legends of Old Boot Hill program on October 31st. Starting at dusk you can listen to the misfortunate stories of the graveyards first inhabitants.

Christmas is a special time in Kansas. A variety of holiday parades, open houses and festivals are celebrated across the state. Salina hosts a Christmas Festival and Parade of Lights in the historic Lee District. The city and the holidays come alive with lights and fun for all ages. The Best Western Heart of America Inn and the Best Western Mid-America Inn in Salina are conveniently located for visitors to the area and travelers along I-70.