Celebrating Kansas Day Your Way

As much as we love to hate this 1939 MGM classic, deep down, we all have a soft spot for it. Pop in the film and join Dorothy and her friends on their journey to Oz!

One of Kansas's first major claims to fame, the film (if you have, by some miracle, never seen it) begins on a farm in Kansas. When a tornado sweeps through, Dorothy and her little dog are transported to the land of Oz. In search of the way home, they encounter memorable friends like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. They must follow the Yellow Brick Road and find the wizard in order to get home!

Can they make it past the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys? You've got to watch to find out! 

What's better than watching the "Wizard of Oz"? Finding your way to Oz yourself!

You can walk down some yellow brick roads right here in Wichita! Though Wichitans are generally sick of hearing jokes about the "Wizard of Oz", that darn soft spot for the movie is made apparent by several places, organizations and even businesses around town that feature connections to the movie.

If you'd like to get out of the house and experience a little taste of the film, check out our Wizard of Oz in Wichita article. 

Delve deep into Kansas's history with a trip to Old Cowtown Museum.

You'll get a firsthand look at what life on the plains was like in the late 1800's. Take wagon rides, tour historic buildings from the 19th century, watch gunfight re-enactments and interact with costumed performers as you wander the dusty streets. You can also peruse special exhibits and collections of historic artifacts on your visit! 

Old Cowtown Museum is located at 1865 W. Museum Blvd. and is open from 2-9 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 4-9 p.m. on Sundays and is closed on Mondays.

Although Kansas Day is intended to commemorate the incorporation of Kansas as a state, it's also a great time to break out your old Kansas albums. Known for hits like "Carry On My Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind", Kansas's music never gets old!

The group hails from Topeka, Kansas, and rose to national prominence in the 1970's, appearing on Billboard charts for more than 200 weeks in the 1970's and 1980's. Kansas has played to sold-out arenas throughout North America, Europe and even Japan.

Although every day is a great day for WSU, KU and KSU gear, Kansas Day is exceptionally so.

Break out a shirt, jacket or hat from your alma mater and wear it loud and proud!

For Wichitans, Shocker gear, in particular, is a big deal, as the Wichita State campus is located in town. In addition to its exceptional academic programs, WSU's athletics, particularly basketball, have drawn national attention. All in all, the Shockers have reached the Sweet 16 six times, the Elite Eight four times, and the Final Four twice, with the most recent appearance at this level occurring in 2013. 

If you've got shocker gear, you're all set. If not, Check out the Rhatigan Student Center for some great WSU wearables.

At about 150 miles away from Wichita, a trip to Topeka makes a nice, scenic, two-hour (approximate) drive through the Flint Hills. The Kansas State Historical Society hosts an annual Kansas Day event for school students and the general public at the Capitol Visitor Center each year. This year, the event will begin on Friday, Jan. 27, beginning at 11 a.m.

Other Capitol tours, including dome tours and historic tours, may be scheduled separately online.

Kansas has deep roots in the aviation industry. The Kansas Aviation Museum and Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame create a perfect opportunity to learn about Kansas. Located in Wichita, the Air Capital of the World, The Kansas Aviation Museum offers a family-friendly experience that's jam-packed with opportunities for learning!

Tour the facility to learn about different types of aircrafts and how they function. There are also plenty of hands-on opportunities to experience, so be prepared for an entertaining, interesting and engaging visit! 

Celebrating Kansas means everything our state has to offer, including the quirks that make Kansas so great. Kansas is home to a variety of odd attractions, including the world's largest ball of twine, Truckhenge, Big Brutus and more. Did you know Kansas was home to the world's largest easel? What about a wheat representation of the Liberty bell?

Yep! Kansas is home to all of these things and more. Check out our list of Kansas's Odd Attractions.