Kansas

With so much to do, Kansas really is "as big as you think." The landscape made famous by The Wizard of Oz is not the Kansas that any modern visitor will find. If you are vacationing in Kansas you'll find yourself busy as a bee eating Kansas City BBQ, visiting the Zoos and water parks, and experiencing the old west first hand at museums.

Before Kansas became the home of beef BBQ and aviation, it was home to a diverse number of Native American tribes. With five major rivers and an abundance of tributaries, the land of Kansas is much lusher than the dry prairie pictured in The Wizard of Oz. Eastern tribes lived in villages along the river valleys, while western tribes were typically semi-nomadic bison hunters. After Kansas was made eligible for statehood, there was a rush of American migration to decide whether Kansas would enter the Union as a free state or a slave state. After many bloody battles, giving the state the name "Bleeding Kansas," the state entered the Union as a free state in 1861.

Despite its bloody history, today's Kansas is a welcoming and enjoyable vacation destination. Visitors to Wichita will find delight in the Sedgwick County Zoo, where visitors can see animals from all over the world (don't miss the Cessna Penguin Cove)! Anyone interested in how Kansans lived in the "Olden Days" can visit Old Cowtown Museum where the staff dress in period costumes and do daily chores such as gardening, cooking, and tending livestock. The Museum of World Treasures is also a great spot to see ancient artifacts, the most complete albertosaurus skeleton, and a recreated castle, complete with monsters and a dungeon! While in Wichita, US capital of aviation, visitors can't miss the great Kansas Aviation Museum where visitors can learn how planes work and how they're assembled.

Lawrence also offers some fun recreation, but its best selling point is the food. After a day at the Spencer Museum of Art or the Museum of Natural History, sit down for some great Thai at Zen Zero, or if you're in Kansas for a slice of Americana, you'll want to check out Paddy O'Quigley's for beer and burgers that the locals rave about. Any fan of a good beer should visit Free State Brewing Company where they have great in-house brews as low as $3.50 a pint!

Another popular Kansas destination is Kansas City, and visitors won't be disappointed! At Worlds of Fun , the Prowler is one of the last standing wooden roller coasters! Safe and just as fun as any modern coaster, the Prowler is a favorite of Kansans. Schlitterbahn Kansas City is the best water park in Kansas with the world's longest tidal wave river. The Kansas City Zoo features a unique and amazing African Sky Safari where visitors dangle on a skyline just 35 feet above cheetahs and giraffes! After some exhausting fun, refuel at Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ with huge portions and a great Kansas City taste.

So forget about a dusty, black-and-white Kansas and jump into the colorful, fun Kansas of today with a perfect family vacation.

On your trip to Kansas, Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Baymont Inn & Suites - Starting at $59 a night this hotel is a great deal for your money. In Lawrence, near to the Spencer Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum, with an indoor pool to ice the cake!
GuestHouse International Inn - Starting at $55 a night and close to the Museum of World Treasures and the Kansas Aviation Museum. With a bar, complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet, and free public wi-fi, this is the best budget hotel in Wichita.<
Hilton Garden Inn KC - Starting at just $79 a night this great budget hotel is located in central Kansas City! The Hilton offers an indoor pool, fitness facility, free public Wi-Fi and more!

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Chateau Avalon - Starting at $139 a night this Kansas City hotel may be in the suburbs, but it's a low cost for a great stay! Chateau Avalon features spa services and massages, room service, and complimentary breakfast!
Courtyard at Old Town - Starting at $119 a night this Wichita hotel is close to Old Cowtown Museum and the Museum of World Treasures. The Courtyard also has a coffee shop and café inside with a bar and lounge for drinks. A great Wichita hotel for a great value!
Hampton Inn Lawrence - Starting at $93 a night this hotel is right near all of the best tourist spots. With an indoor pool and fitness facility and a complimentary breakfast, it's a comfortable hotel at a comfortable price.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

Great Wolf Lodge - Starting at $190 a night, if you're looking for an amazing experience this is the place to stay! With 4 in-house restaurants and a bar you'll never go hungry. Plus, this hotel has its own waterpark, a full-service health spa, and more! What's not to love?

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Baymont Inn & Suites - Starting at $59 a night this hotel is a great deal for your money. In Lawrence, near to the Spencer Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum, with an indoor pool to ice the cake!
GuestHouse International Inn - Starting at $55 a night and close to the Museum of World Treasures and the Kansas Aviation Museum. With a bar, complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet, and free public wi-fi, this is the best budget hotel in Wichita.<
Hilton Garden Inn KC - Starting at just $79 a night this great budget hotel is located in central Kansas City! The Hilton offers an indoor pool, fitness facility, free public Wi-Fi and more!

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Chateau Avalon - Starting at $139 a night this Kansas City hotel may be in the suburbs, but it's a low cost for a great stay! Chateau Avalon features spa services and massages, room service, and complimentary breakfast!
Courtyard at Old Town - Starting at $119 a night this Wichita hotel is close to Old Cowtown Museum and the Museum of World Treasures. The Courtyard also has a coffee shop and café inside with a bar and lounge for drinks. A great Wichita hotel for a great value!
Hampton Inn Lawrence - Starting at $93 a night this hotel is right near all of the best tourist spots. With an indoor pool and fitness facility and a complimentary breakfast, it's a comfortable hotel at a comfortable price.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world: Great Wolf Lodge - Starting at $190 a night, if you're looking for an amazing experience this is the place to stay! With 4 in-house restaurants and a bar you'll never go hungry. Plus, this hotel has its own waterpark, a full-service health spa, and more! What's not to love?