Kansas is an agricultural heartland, with rolling hills and sweeping fields. But this state also boasts vibrant cities with fascinating cultural and historic sights. Rent a car in Kansas and you can tour all its attractions at your own pace.
State capital
A visit to Topeka is a real must for any history buff. It’s here that you’ll find the State Capitol Building, which dates to 1866 and is regarded as one of the architectural treasures of Kansas.
Take a free tour of the building to view its elaborate Senate Chamber and State Library, as well as an impressive collection of artworks which includes murals by Kansas-born John Steuart Curry, a key figure in the Regionalism movement.
You can also take a tour of the building’s magnificent dome – it’s a tough climb that includes 296 steps, but you’ll be rewarded with close-up views of the elaborate architecture and outstanding views of the city below. Dome tours are available every day except Sundays, with reservations accepted in advance. Free parking is available in the garage below the Capitol building.
History in the making
Another important historic site in Topeka can be found on SE Monroe Street. The Brown V. Board of Education National Historic Site is housed within Monroe Elementary School, once one of the city’s segregated schools. Today it’s an interactive museum that explores the role of the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling to end segregation in public schools.
Open daily with free admission, guided tours are available of the building and its exhibits. Be sure to take a walk through the Hall of Courage, recreating the experience of the first African American children to attend these schools.
Exploring Kansas City
Just a short drive east of Topeka along I-70 you’ll find Kansas City, a sprawling metropolis that lies mostly in the neighbouring state of Missouri. Famous for its barbecue cuisine, the city is home to plenty of restaurants where you can sample platters of meat and the local delicacy of burnt ends, consisting of beef crackling blackened by smoke.
As well as barbecue food, Kansas City is also known for its jazz music heritage. Head to one of the jazz and blues clubs across the city to hear its distinctive style being played every night, or visit the American Jazz Museum to learn all about the different styles and rhythms and see exhibits on big names like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. The museum even houses its own jazz club, The Blue Room, which hosts several performances every week.
Scenic drives
As well as visiting the big cities, Kansas car rental means you can also explore the more rural side of the state. Head for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway to enjoy views of tallgrass prairies and rolling hills as well as plenty of towns along the way where you can stop for something to eat and shop for locally-produced arts and crafts.
This region of Kansas is also home to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and several hiking trails, including those around Chase State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area where you can see waterfalls, plants and wildlife up close. With car rental in Kansas, it’s all within easy reach.
