Summer may be coming to an end, but there are still plenty of places to see and things to do in Kansas this fall. This month we are featuring sunflower fields, state fair and scenic drives. As life tends to pick up pace in August, we are promoting a slower type of travel. Stand in a sunflower field and let the sun warm your face and soul. Feel nostalgia kick in when you load up the family and head to Hutch for the Kansas State Fair, knowing feel-good memories are sure to be made. Roll the windows down and turn the radio up, some Kansas roads are best traveled with a breeze and car karaoke.
Wanting to share travel ideas on your show? Email me to set up an interview, colby.sharplesterry@ks.gov
Be sure to use #ToTheStarsKS when posting about Kansas on your social channels.
They Don’t Call Us the Sunflower State For Nothing
These beauties aren’t just our state flower but also are a gorgeous backdrop for photos around Kansas! Sunflowers pop up each summer in the state but remember, not all sunflower fields that are planted are open to the public, so please be respectful of the fields and research before you head out with a camera. Visiting sunflower fields that are open to the public is a great way to support local farmers and to Shop Kansas Farms!
Select the button below for our sunflower field tracker!
Kansas State Fair
Celebrate all things Kansas in Hutchinson, September 10 – 19, 2021!
The 2021 Kansas State Fair kicks off September 10-19, and with the opening of the gates, comes a lot of fond memories. Nothing says so long summer like the Fair. It’s the ultimate celebration of Kansas culture, industry, agriculture, people communities and, of course, food. It’s a place where all the iconic features of Kansas life – from prized livestock and vegetables to 4-H to music to tractor sales – and everything else in between come together. Today, the Fair is the largest gathering of Kansans in the state, drawing in an average of 340,000 people annually. It continues to be a family tradition mixed with new and exciting thrills. It’s still the place to see the famous butter sculpture, giant pumpkins, grandstand entertainment, the legendary Ye Old Mill and the Governor’s Cookie Jar.
Highways & Byways
Kansas has a network of highways and byways that are in excellent condition, convenient, and scenic. Explore all the places they can take you!
Highways cross the state like a grid, going every direction and taking you to new places. 1-70 bisects the state running east-west, and is nicknamed “The Main Street of Kansas.” The first stretch of 1-70 was laid in Kansas, and it serves an important role in connecting the country.
A byway is a road less traveled– a way off the beaten path to experience beauty and history. It may not be the most direct route to where you’re going, but taking it will make your journey more memorable.
Kansas has twelve byways, nine scenic–two of which are National Scenic Byways– and three historic byways.
Events in Kansas
Check out the wide variety of special events taking place near you year-round – celebrating arts, culture, athletics and more. We’ve highlighted some favorites so that you can find things to do in Kansas, or you can see weekly & monthly events below. Find Kansas events happening near you this weekend including sports, festivals, and holiday experiences.
For more inspiration, check out the 2021 Kansas Travel Guide and the Kansas Byways Guide
