Kansas

Visons of endless prairie land under vast skies come to life on the 76-kilometer Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This rural road passes through Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, home of the last undisturbed expanses of tallgrass prairie in North America. Stop for photos at picturesque vistas, visit pioneer-era towns and explore American Indian landmarks such as the Kaw Mission State Historical Site.

This tranquil, 124-kilometer byway was made for nature lovers. Passing through the wetland landscapes of Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, the aptly named Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway is an important annual waypoint for millions of migratory birds and waterfowl. Stop in rural towns such as Hoisington, Ellinwood and Great Bend for interesting historical sites, quaint shops and dining.

For a town of 400 residents, the arts-oriented community of Lucas has attracted a big name as the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas. Check out the eclectic collection of handmade art at the Grassroots Art Center and tour of the Garden of Eden, an unusual outdoor sculpture that was a finalist for one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas.

The once-lawless, gun-slinging town of Dodge City, Kansas, epitomizes the Old West and is still a haven for would-be cowboys. Explore the Boot Hill Museum, see life-sized outlaws at the Gunfighters Wax Museum, attend a rodeo, follow wagon tracks on the Santa Fe Trail and walk the Dodge City Trail of Fame to discover Old West landmarks.

In the valley between Scott City and Oakley in western Kansas, this vast expanse of rare, shortgrass prairie is still roamed by bison. Part of the park, a region of delicate Niobrara Chalk rock formations called “Little Jerusalem,” features a stretch of 30-meter spires and cliffs. Explore two primitive hiking loops through wildlife-rich prairie with views of rocky geological formations.

Settled in 1869 by Swedish immigrants, Lindsborg offers a slice of Scandinavia in the middle of Kansas. Browse Swedish art and gift shops, sample pastries or attend one of the themed events such as Våffeldagen (Waffle Day) or the Messiah Festival of the Arts, a tradition since 1882. Don’t miss the Swedish Pavilion, the Höglund Dugout and Coronado Heights, a castle in the middle of a prairie.

Dedicated to daredevil Evel Knievel, this is a must-see museum in Topeka. The extensive displays of motorcycles, equipment, helmets and other personal effects give a comprehensive picture of the stuntman’s life. Knievel novices and fanatics alike will enjoy movie clips of his stunts, the “Big Red” Mack truck used to transport his motorcycles and the 4-D jump simulator that puts you in the driver’s seat.

In Wichita, the Museum of World Treasures is one of those rare museums that appeals to visitors of all ages. Explore three floors of exhibits that span history and interests from dinosaur fossils to Egyptian mummies to Civil War artifacts. You can even stand next to a piece of the Berlin Wall.

A decorated U.S. Army general, Eisenhower went on to serve as the 34^th U.S. president. He was known as the first “TV president,” created the interstate highway system and initiated important civil rights legislation. Visit his boyhood home and final resting place in Abilene, and tour the museum chock-full of artifacts and exhibits that examine Eisenhower’s life and cultural legacy.

There’s nothing quite like race day at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, which hosts several NASCAR races as well as many other racing events. Book a ride-along with a real race car instructor or learn to drive the car yourself; sign up with NASCAR Driving Experience for the thrill of a lifetime.