1. Kansas City Is Actually Kind Of In Missouri
Kansas City is one of those weird places that’s actually located in two different states. There’s a Kansas side and a Missouri side, with the larger side being in Missouri.
2. But Kansas City Barbecue Is Still Everywhere
Just because the larger side of Kansas City is in Missouri, it doesn’t mean Kansas isn’t full of Kansas City-style barbecue joints. When it comes to barbecue, Kansas has some of the best around.
3. Kansans Still Cheer For Kansas City, Mo. Teams
Most of the sports teams in Kansas City are located on the Missouri side of the border. However, this doesn’t stop Kansans from showing the love towards professional organizations like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals despite their games being played across state lines.
4. A Bison Is Not A Buffalo
The giant mammals found in Kansas are North American bison, often confused with buffalos, which are actually only found in Asia and Africa.
5. Kansas Is Actually Flatter Than A Pancake
After conducting a scientific study, it was determined that Kansas is the 7th flattest state in the country. If one considers the curvature often found on a pancake, Kansas is actually flatter than this breakfast treat.
6. …But The Hills Still Roll
Most out-of-towners are shocked to discover that Kansas isn’t flat everywhere. It’s actually known for the rolling hills found in certain areas like the Flint Hills and Smoky Hills.
7. But There’s Still Always A Good Spot For A Photo Op
A side effect of having so much open space, Kansas City is home to a ton of bizarre roadside attractions including a giant ice cream cone building and the world’s largest ball of twine.
8. Always Bring An Emergency Kit When Traveling
If an out-of-towner is travelling through the Sunflower State, make sure they’re prepared.
Because many of the roads are relatively unpopulated, it’s always necessary to have an emergency kit filled with water, food, batteries, and plenty of warm clothing in case a trip doesn’t go as planned.
9. Don’t Go Looking For Smallville
Many out-of-towners don’t realize that Superman’s hometown is fictional, hoping to get a quick shot with one of the iconic locations like the family farm. While Smallville doesn’t exist, life in Hutchinson is regularly acknowledged as the inspiration behind Superman’s youth.
10. Everyone Is Already Well Aware That The Wizard Of Oz Was Set In Kansas
The first thing an out-of-towner tends to mention when they run into a Kansan is the Wizard of Oz. The state was shot into stardom the moment this film hit the silver screen.
However, Kansans are tired of their state being known for only this, if you’re an out-of-towner visiting, it’s best not to bring it up.
11. Yes, Those Are Stars You’re Seeing
Out-of-towners from urban areas will be shocked when they look up at night and actually see stars. Kansas has one of the most unobstructed night skies in the country, a truly beautiful sight.
12. The Bigger The Vehicle, The Better
Another thing that might shock an out-of-towner is the sheer number of trucks and SUVs they’ll encounter in Kansas. Everyone seems to have one. Blame it on the harsh winters and the huge amount of farmland.
13. Kansas Jayhawks Pride Runs Extremely Deep
As one might expect, most Kansans are diehard Jayhawks fans. Consistently a national contender in athletics, out-of-towners shouldn’t be surprised when they see tons of people cheering on the blue and crimson.
14. But Tons Of People Still Cheer For The Wildcats
While the University of Kansas gets most of the national spotlight, Kansas is home to several other awesome colleges, including Kansas State. In fact, Kansas State has nearly as many local fans as the Jayhawks, with a huge rivalry existing between the teams.
15. Even The Shockers Have A Few Fans
Another school that Kansans love to support is Wichita State. While this school might not have the same support nationwide as the two other aforementioned academic giants, the Shockers have some of the best fans around.
16. The Shockers Mascot Is Supposed To Be A Bundle Of Wheat
While it looks like some sort of giant yellow monster, WuShock is supposed to be a bushel of wheat. The name “Shockers” comes from the practice of shocking, or harvesting, wheat.
17. The People Here Drive Fast
With so much open space between destinations, don’t expect a Kansan to drive slowly. Speed limits are often 75 miles per hour, much faster than the measly 60 mph found in most states.
18. Between Camo And Fan Gear, Kansans Don’t Really Need Much Else In Their Closet
Kansas is a state full of hunters and college sports fans and the local fashion makes this fact obvious.
Hunting camo tends to get worn everywhere, even if one has no intention of killing an animal that day. It’s the same with sports gear, as fans rock the logos of their favorite teams regardless of whether or not it’s game day.
19. Don’t Be Surprised If You See A Gun
With so many hunters in Kansas, gun ownership is a very common thing. If an out-of-towner sees a pistol at someone’s side or a shotgun rack in the back of their truck, they shouldn’t feel worried at all.
20. There’s A Reason Kansas Is Known As The Sunflower State
Kansas has a ton of sunflowers, enough to paint entire landscapes bright yellow. Locals make the best of this plant, often using it in vegetable oil production.
21. There’s Also A Reason Kansas Is Known As The Wheat State
Kansas is frequently referred to as the “wheat state” thanks to its huge role in wheat production. Several years ago, Kansas produced enough wheat for 33 billion loaves of bread, enough for every American to have over 100 loaves each year.
22. There Really Are THAT Many Tornados
Ever since the Wizard of Oz, Kansas has become known for tornados. While it’s not a daily occurrence for every resident in the state, Kansas does rank 2nd nationally when it comes to these storms with over 60 per year.
23. All Weather Here Is Wacky
When there aren’t tornados, Kansans are used to everything from sweltering heat to fist-sized hail stones. It’s not surprise that Kansas is home to the windiest city in the America, Dodge City, with an average wind speed of 15 mph.
24. There’s This Thing Called Rural Flight
In recent years, tons of people in rural towns are moving to the larger cities. This has resulted in thousands of ghost towns popping up across the state. It’s very important to gas up the vehicle before driving a long distance, as another gas station might not appear for quite some time.
25. Verruckt Is German For “Insane”
If an out-of-towner is visiting Kansas City, they might encounter the word “verruckt.” It’s the name of the fastest and tallest water slide in the world and it can be found at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on the Kansas side of Kansas City.
26. People Call It Pop Here
Some places call it “soda,” others call it “coke,” and in Kansas people call any flavor of carbonated sugar water “pop.” It’s always easy to spot an out-of-towner if they’re calling it something else.
27. Expect To See American Pride Everywhere
An out-of-towner is likely to point out home many American flags they come across while in Kansas. Kansas is one of the most patriotic states in the country and they’re never shy when it comes to showing off red, white, and blue.
28. Kansas Might As Well Be Nicknamed “The Red Sea”
Kansas is a huge supporter of the GOP. When it comes to plotting political orientation in the Sunflower State, the whole state is pretty much a bright red.
29. Kansans Love Kansas Life
Kansans love their way of life and they aren’t shy about it. Things tend to be a bit slower here, in a good way, plus it’s impossible to beat the beautiful sunsets and stunning night skies.
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about Kansas? Tell us in the comments below!
