“In the State Where Star-Gazing Is Found To Be Best”
Just few weeks ago we celebrated Kansas’ 161st birthday and launched our new campaign video. To celebrate Kansas’ groundbreaking entry into the Union, we chose to feature groundbreaking Kansans. While Tourism’s job is to promote the places and attractions that are unique to Kansas, it is the people that make the state special. The poem featured in the Tourism Kansas Day video is written by Kansas cowboy poet, Ron Wilson. Wilson is the director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University and owns Lazy T Ranch near Manhattan. Wilson’s work was also included in the Kansas Tourism’s Story Series video, A Cowboy State.
Thank you to our media partners that joined in on the celebration. If you missed it, don’t worry, we celebrate the Sunflower State every day here at Kansas Tourism, and you can too!
Be sure to use #ToTheStarsKS when posting about Kansas on your social channels.
Thrillist names Wamego As One of Eight Destinations For Hidden Gem Travel
Honestly, we could all use a little more spontaneity & novelty in our lives right now.
And while it might not be as easy to island-hop through the Mediterranean or elbow your way through a crowded karaoke bar in Tokyo, we’re here to remind you that you don’t have to travel somewhere far-flung to find the unexpected and memorable. Sometimes, the hidden gem just down the road is even more exciting. Across the US, there are small towns with some far-out history and culture—places where UFO sightings are a daily occurrence, Bigfoot roams the vineyards, and the ghost of mob boss Al Capone haunts the halls. These eight under-the-radar destinations with distinct personalities and unique local histories lie within a few hours of a major city—right under your nose, but just far enough away to feel like an adventure.
Speak Softly and Carry a Big Rifle: A Church Steeped in Abolitionist History
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Wamego, Kansas
The Oz Museum Is Your One-Stop Shop for Movie Memorabilia
Thrillist text and articles are written by Vanita Salisbury
The Garage in Salina is Open For Visitors
The Garage in Salina opened its door to the public on February 11th. I had the pleasure of attending their ribbon cutting, and from a novice automobile visitor, this museum is AWESOME. From the self-serve beer taps, the electric Hot Wheels Course, and the Elvis mural, this museum is family fun for all. Tons of interactive exhibits, like VR car painting, interactive gas pumps, and even a race car simulation.
Main exhibits include; The Crossroads Car Experience: See classic cars that have been restored to pristine condition and explore hands-on educational simulations at the Crossroads Car Experience. Kustom Kemps of America Museum & Hall of Fame: Take a look at full custom creations from the brightest automotive artists from across the country. Their inaugural auto exhibit is, From Horses to Horse Power: automobiles and vehicles from pre-1900s through the 1940s.
Cuba, Kansas Rock-A-Thon
The Cuba Rock-A-Thon is a 30+-year tradition in Cuba, Kansas featuring continuous rocking of rocking chairs 24 hours a day for this week-long event. This annual community fundraiser also offers Czech foods, local entertainment, a benefit auction, craft displays, and more. The event is held the third weekend in March at the Cuba Community Hall on Main Street of Cuba.
Many early settlers to the area were Czech immigrants from Bohemia that settled in the mid-1870s. Originally the majority of the population of Cuba were of Czech and Austrian descent. Cuba still holds a very rich Czech heritage, you can still find Old Recipe Czech Bologna and Jaternice at the local grocery store, hear polka music on Main Street and find a delicious Kolache in town.
8 Memorable Stops Along the Kansas African American History Trail
The Kansas motto Ad Astra Per Aspera (to the stars through difficulties) aptly describes the trajectory Black Kansans have followed over centuries of oppression and hardship. As the Kansas Territory was being settled in the 1850s, a deeply unsettling era known as Bleeding Kansas began. Proslavery and free-state advocates engaged in a vicious exchange of words and weapons, eventually leading to Kansas suffering the highest rate of casualties of any Union state during the Civil War.
Events in Kansas
Check out the wide variety of special events taking place near you year-round – celebrating arts, culture, athletics and more! Need something to do this weekend? Or planning a trip? Kansas has you covered with events and festivals happening every single weekend across the state!
For PR & media questions and inquiries, email colby.sharplesterry@ks.gov
