karens

It was a slow day at work, so I went to our Give A Book/Take a Book table and found a AAA book for the midwest.

I walked around (I work in a gym) asking people if they would like to visit any of the states mentioned, and the consensus was No. I said, let's be more open-minded - I'm sure we can find interesting stuff anywhere.

So, I open the book, and I find an interesting place called...PRAIRIE DOG TOWN.

According to AAA, it features animals common to western Kansas, including bobcats, buffaloes, donkeys, goats and prairie dogs. Many can be petted and fed. (I am not making this part up): Animal oddities such as a cow with 5 legs are also displayed.

So there.

P.S. Before anyone jumps on me and says how dare I make fun of Kansas and there are so many great places there...I am sure you are right! I am joking, people, but feel compelled to say this b/c I just know inevitably there will be someone commenting on how Kansas is great, and why don't I go live there, etc. etc.

placeu2

While I appreciate a slow day as much as anyone else...this seems extreme.

Where do you call home karens? It is easy to bash others whilst one is hiding.

PS I do not, nor have I ever, lived in Kansas.

Keith

I've lived in Kansas for a few years now. I find there is much more here than people realise, that I started www.kansastravel.org as a hobby earlier this year.

Keith

karens

placeu - please read my P.S.

I am joking. I think a place called Prairie Dog Town, is, on its face, a funny sounding place. I'm sure it would be a neat place to visit with young kids.

I live in Philadelphia.

You may feel free to make as much fun of Philadelphia that you want. I will not be offended. Philadelphia is not perfect, and I won't claim that it is.

I'm sure most "off the beaten path" type places, and states, have more to do than a lot of people realize.

RedRock

Stopped by Nicodemus on US-24 several years ago, a very interesting place.

http://www.nps.gov/nico/

Spent the night in Beloit and the next morning a few miles to the east got some fantastic photos of a sun flower field. All the blooms were facing the morning sun. Have never failed to find something to see and do no matter where we have wondered. Just stay off the Interstate highways and you would be surprised how much different things look.

aloha

I am gassing up the car for a trip to Prairie Dog Town. I haven't seen a five-legged cow since I was 10 and went to Tom's Monkey Jungle.

BoniseA

Prairie Dog Town is a stop off of I70 in western Kansas. Living in eastern Kansas the only reason to be on I70 in western Kansas is trying to get to Colorado.

Prairie Dog Town boasts the world's largest prairie dog. When they first opened years ago, this prairie dog was visible from the interstate. It was a very large cement prairie dog. They have now built a tall wooden fence around it so that you have to pay to see it.

People bash Kansas, but there is worse. Half of Colorado is just like western Kansas. Large portions of Wyoming, Nevada and Texas aren't that great either. Don't get me started on Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Keith

I think Nebraska is pretty cool.

Keith

RedRock

The USA is pretty cool....

http://www.recreation.gov/index.jsp

kansasmom

Good one, karens. It is actually quite embarrassing for Kansas to have a place called "prairie dog town" listed in AAA, as though we have nothing actually worth visiting here. I've driven by "Prairie Dog Town" many times with my kids on the way to CO and never even been tempted to stop. If you'd like, I could give you some places that truly are worthwhile in KS.

wtm003

It is possible to see the back end of the giant prairie dog if you crane your neck as you pass Prairie Dog Town. We've never stopped but it is fun to read the signs as we approach the attraction.

Call me crazy but I think the plains of Kansas are pretty. I guess I enjoy the beauty of the wheat fields glistening in the sun, the rows of corn and just the vast openness. It definitely gives me an appreciation for the pioneers who traveled in their wagons, while I fly by in my air conditioned car.

Plus it still can be a adventurous drive. This past summer we were dodging flash floods, "chicken egg" size hail and tornados. All we could do was pull over at a rest stop and hope the tornado wasn't coming in our direction.

logandog

I found Kansas beautiful.
Please don't forget the largest ball of twine in Crawford!

starrsville

I wanna go see the biggest ball of twine -
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/ks.html

Suki

Now see what you started karen - it's a good and interesting post about a state that doesn't get talked about much on Fodor's. Good job.

RedRock

Two more for the Sunflower State.

http://www.rushcounty.org/BarbedWireMuseum/

http://www.50states.com/kansas.htm

logandog

So sorry! The ball of twine is Cawker City. How could I forget? And I've been there!

annieladd

I've driven through Kansas more times than I can count, and yes there are some pretty boring parts. But, if you've never been through the Flint Hills in Kansas, you don't know what majestic beauty you're missing. This is the last expanse of Tallgrass Prairie on the continent. Any time of year, it's just awe inspiring. annieladd

hulajake

We make the trek at least once a year from Omaha to Lubbock to see two of our grandkids and sometimes their parents. We altered routes on occasion and a couple of times they were changed for us. It's not a bad drive at all Iowa on the other hand well that's another topic.

bbqboy

Nothing is funnier than someone from Philadelphia
making fun of Kansas. John Brown's body DOES lie a moldin' in the grave I guess.
Hey here's sumptin' hilarious-how bout that wacky cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal? Rocky-he was a sophisticated oaf....I'm sure there must be more characters in your AAA guidebook?

sister2

I think Kansas is probably better visiting , than living. I've heard it is cliquish (such as " Where did you go to High School?"..and "What subdivision do you live in?"..things that are un-important, especially if you aren't from Kansas).