Most people think of Kansas as the home of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" but actually it is a state with many exciting things to see and do right in the center of the United States. Until Alaska and Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959, the geographical center of the United States was located near Lebanon in Kansas.

Kansas has a wide variety of interesting places to visit. They range from the fossil beds and unusual geological formations such as Rock City, on the High Plains, to the wheel ruts still visible along the old Santa Fe and Oregon trails, to the many historic sites and buildings found throughout the state.

In the east, they have the Kansas City area, with its trendy shopping, dining, and nightlife; the Heritage Hills, featuring the historical college town of Lawrence; Little Ozarks, bordering the more well-known highlands in Missouri; Flint Hills, famed for its tall grass prairies; and Pony Express Country, also known for its Santa Fe and Oregon trail history.

Central Kansas includes Post Rock Country, the region surrounding Hays that inspired "Home On the Range" the state song; Heartland Country, where the town of Hutchinson has an ground-breaking new space center, the Cosmosphere; and Wichita, the state's largest city.

West Kansas includes the High Plains, known for their open spaces and impressive rock formations, and Wild West Country, where Dodge City lives on. Wild Bill Hickok, Wyatt Earp, "Bat" Masterson, and Buffalo Bill Cody all lived and worked in Kansas.

Don't forget that Kansas is in the middle of tornado alley so it is best to listen to the radio while visiting in the spring. But it's a great place to visit for those who want to see wide open spaces and take it easy. Kansas is a very laid back country. They do have cities and many historic places to visit too so come check out the center of the United States.