Kansas

The unofficial hub of America’s heartland, Kansas, delivers a surprising mix of fun and interesting diversions. For history buffs, fans of the offbeat, or just plain, old sightseers, Kansas is the place to be.
The Overland Park area of Kansas City is a great place to fuel up for a short trip into the prairie. A wide variety of restaurants provide a great starting point enhanced by funky antique shops and heritage exhibits.
As soon as you are ready for more, just hop onto I-35 south towards Edgerton and bone up on the “three R’s” at the Lanesfield School Historic Site. This living tribute to early American education features exhibits, re-enactors, and activities all designed to give visitors a taste of “old-time schoolin’.” And once you get the living history bug, nothing can stop you from heading down the road to Wellsville for a visit to Back To Basics, everyone’s favorite one-stop shop for re-enactment clothing and accessories from the 1850s to 1900.
A trip west on I-56 and north on State Rte 177 takes you to the historic and fun “Aggieville” section of downtown Manhattan, aka “The Little Apple”. This town, the home of Kansas State University, features four full blocks absolutely jam-packed with more than 100 specialty shops, restaurants, and nightspots.
Finish your tour of Kansas by heading east on US-70 to state capital of Topeka. Make sure you have time to explore the six acres of history at the Ward Meade Historic Site; it’s not to be missed. The botanic gardens, vintage buildings, and re-enactors bring 19th century Kansas to life.
www.travelks.com; 800/2-KANSAS.