Kansas is the geographic center of the United States, nicknamed “The Heart of America.” The state’s name was borrowed from the local Native Americans, who called themselves “Kansa,” meaning “people of the south wind.”

Kansas Attractions
Kansas is home to numerous historic sites, including the California and Oregon National Trails, the Santa Fe National Trail, Fort Scott and Fort Larned, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

Tallgrass Prairie
Located midway between Topeka and Wichita, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects the tallgrass prairie ecosystem that once covered much of the continent. Today, prairies occupy only 4% of the United States’ land area.

Fort Scott
Named after General Winfield Scott, a commander of the Mexican-American War, Fort Scott served as a military base in the mid-19th century. Today, the fort houses 20 historic structures, a parade ground, and five acres of restored tallgrass prairie.

Wichita
In Wichita, explore Old Town with its bars, restaurants, shops, and museums. Wichita is also known for its zoo—the largest in Kansas and one of the largest in the country.

Hutchinson
The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is located in Hutchinson.

Dodge City
Dodge City is home to the Boot Hill Museum & Front Street, a reconstruction of the town in 1876. Another significant Dodge City attraction is the Carnegie Gallery of Art, housed in the former Carnegie Library building.