Kansas Group Tour Ideas
Kansas is the quintessential American prairie land, a state with wide-open places and reminders of the Old West. A natural habitat for the American bison and the largest remaining stand of tall grass prairie in the country, Kansas has an illustrious pioneer and Native American heritage. The state has its origins in the Civil War, with pro- and antislavery forces fighting over its future, finally joining the union in 1860 as a free state. It is the home of Dodge City, the legendary town of gunslingers. The Chisholm Trail, Santa Fe Trail and Pony Express all crossed Kansas. The state today is a major center of aviation and has several space-and-aeronautics-related attractions that groups will enjoy.
Lawrence Group Tours
Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, is a major cultural center with a lively student life. Jaywalk Boulevard, a tree-lined, half-mile arc on the University’s grounds, is surrounded by famous buildings designed in collegiate Gothic and modern brick styles. Five buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Natural History Museum showcases the biological diversity of the Great Plains and has living exhibits that include a working beehive and Kansas snakes and fish. The museum is also home to Commanche, a U.S. Seventh Calvary horse that survived the 1876 Battle of Little Big Horn. Lawrence has a dynamic downtown that was listed among the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Most Distinctive Destinations.” Historic Massachusetts Street has blocks of antique shops, boutiques, coffee shops and cafes with live music.
Topeka Group Tours
The state capital of Kansas, Topeka is home to many world-class attractions. The Brown v. Board National Historic Site and Museum is an experiential museum that celebrates the decision of the 1954 Supreme Court decision to desegregate public schools. The Kansas Museum of History has an 1880 Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway locomotive, plus a covered wagon, a log house and much more. Groups can go back in time at Old Prairie Town at Historic Ward-Meade Park, a village with vintage buildings transplanted from other locations, gardens and a working soda fountain. The State Capitol building has many murals and other reminders of Kansas history. Groups can tour the chambers of the State Senate and House of Representatives.
Wichita Group Tours
A former cow town, Wichita is known for its cultural attractions and Western heritage. The Wichita Art Museum features a diverse collection of American art including the Dale Chihuly Persian Seafoam Installation hanging in the lobby. For an in-depth look at the history of Native Americans in the area, visit the Mid-America All-Indian Center and Museum. Visitors can even experience a traditional Native American meal. A local architectural gem is the Allen Lambe House Museum, the last prairie house designed by the great architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Kansas Aviation Museum is set inside Wichita’s old municipal airport building and showcases over 40 of the aircraft built by the state’s famous manufacturers, including Cessna, Boeing and Learjet.
Kansas Group Tour Accommodations
Accommodation options in Kansas are diverse and every group is sure to find what they are looking for. For more information on group hotel accommodations in Kansas, visit GroupTravelDirectory.com.