Lisa Waterman Gray - Explorers Guide Kansas

Welcome to the first edition of Kansas: An Explorers Guide. As with every book in this series, all attractions, inns, and restaurants are chosen based on personal experience rather than paid advertising.

WHATS WHERE

At the front of this book youll find an alphabetical listing of items from throughout the state that fit into different categories, such as wineries or military forts.

LODGING

Unless otherwise noted, assume that all lodging is generally available year-round; however, making a reservation is always recommended. Its also a good idea to ask about smoking, children, and pet policies, and whether an establishment takes credit cards. If Wi-Fi, television, or a private telephone is important, ask about these as well, particularly for bed & breakfasts or rural inns. In most cases, lodging rates listed reflect double occupancy, but be sure that you clarify this when you book a room.

Prices. Room rates listed were current as of 2010, but please dont hold us, or individual property owners, responsible for these rates. In addition, our prices do not include tax, which can vary from one city to the next.

RESTAURANTS

Restaurants listed in Dining Out sections are generally pricier and more upscale, while those in the Eating Out category are generally less expensive and typically most appropriate for families. Price codes for entres include inexpensive: up to $15; moderate: $1540; and expensive: $4065.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

Child-friendly. The child-friendly symbol appears beside lodging, restaurants, activities, and shops that will especially appeal to youngsters.

Wheelchair-accessible. The wheelchair symbol appears beside lodging, restaurants, and attractions that are primarily disabled accessible, although the wheelchair entrance may not be at the main entrance. In the case of lodging, at least one guest room is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compatible.

Bar/nightspot.

Wi-Fi access.

I appreciate your comments and corrections regarding places that you visit, and, if you find a true gem that I didnt include, please let me know for future editions. Address correspondence to Explorers Guide Editor, The Countryman Press, P.O. Box 748, Woodstock, VT 05091; or e-mail us at countrymanpress@wwnorton.com . Contact me directly through my website: www.thestorytellerkc.net .

I ts been 25 years since I moved to the state of Kansas after marrying a native Kansan. Ill never forget when my uncle, a longtime New Yorker, called this area the sane part of the country at our wedding. Maybe the fact that the geographical center for the 48 contiguous states lies in Kansas helps to keep us grounded.

Kansas became the nations 34th state in 1861. It was named after the American Indian tribe, the Kansa, which already lived here when fur trappers arrived in the 1830s. It later became known as the Sunflower State (after the state flower) and the Wheat State because both crops are so abundant and Kansas still produces 20 percent of the nations annual wheat supply. Its also known as the Jayhawk State, which refers to people from Kansas who were opposed to slavery, went to Missouri, freed slaves, and brought them here. Kansas was the first state west of the Mississippi to set up oil operations, in 1892, and the state still produces 30 million barrels annually, putting Kansas among the nations top 10 oil-producing states. Kansas also extrudes up to 560 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year. Its the nations largest producer of helium and also produces petroleum, propane, cement, salt, and natural gas. Known as the Aviation Capital of the World, Wichita companies manufacture half of the worlds general aviation aircraft.

Kansas is a huge state with a relatively sparse population. Less than 3 million people call Kansas home, despite the fact that it covers nearly 83,000 square miles. More than 400 towns have a population of less than 1,000, and 330 of them have less than 500 residents. That leaves a lot of undeveloped land.

It also leaves a lot of land for farming and grazing. Agriculture still occupies an enormous amount of the states landmass. Kansas leads the United States in wheat production, producing 20 percent of the nations annual supply. Other principal crops include sorghum, hay, and corn. Kansas is one of the nations top three beef producers and first in the number of commercial cattle processed. In addition, more than six thousand head of buffalo graze on the states ranches and refuges.

In 1955 the Kansas legislature designated the American buffalo as the state animal because there were so many in the area during territorial days and early statehood. Today there are two cows for every human in this state, and more than five hundred bald eagles winter in Kansas, too, from October through February.

For many Kansans, spending time outdoors is sheer joy. Visitors can experience the magic while hunting pheasant in western Kansas or quail in eastern Kansas or catching fish in a reservoir or farm pond. With rich traditions of hunting, fishing, camping, and most other outdoors activities you can think of, Kansas hosts five river systems, more than 50,000 streams with names, 24 state parks, 45 fishing lakes, and nearly 100 wildlife areas. Visit the last 16,000 square miles of the nations tallgrass prairie or watch buffalo roam in many places throughout the state.

Kansans are proud of where they live, and family and heritage mean a great deal to them. American Indian culture is evident in dozens of powwows and historic sites across the state. Youll see this pride in Lindsborg, known as Little Sweden USA, the thriving Amish settlement in Yoder, and Wilsons Czech culture, just to name a few.