KANSAS & OKLAHOMA – HEART AND SOUL OF THE USA!
In the grassy prairies and broad expanses of the Great Plains, you’ll find the heart and soul of the USA – Kansas & Oklahoma!
America’s rich history and diverse culture are evident on the back roads and myriad landscapes; the eclectic small towns and cosmopolitan – yet friendly – cities of these two Heartland States. The dozen scenic and historic Byways of Kansas – compact, well-signposted self-drive routes – offer experiences as diverse as Flint Hills and Wetlands & Wildlife; Frontier Military history, and of course the iconic Route 66. The ‘Mother Road’ emerges from Kansas into more than 400 miles of diners, classic car shows, museums and other cool attractions as it wends its way through Oklahoma.
The Heartlands – then and now!
Cowboys and Indians, their backgrounds, lives and challenges are fascinating and poignant, and much more than just historical, for cowboy and Native American life very much continues today in both states. Every year, hundreds of county rodeos and powwows take place, pretty much every weekend – in small towns and on Kansas and Oklahomas’ working ranches.
Let’s Eat!
Hearty and delicious farm-to-plate food is grown, prepared … and best of all, enjoyed by visitors (the Heartland State folks love welcoming visitors – no matter where they hail from!) throughout the region. Famous fare includes barbeque, fried chicken, onion burgers and pie (with ice cream, of course!). A hot and booming local culinary scene bubbles away in Kansas City, Lawrence and Wichita, KS; Oklahoma City, Tulsa and all along Route 66, OK.
Rhythm & Routes!
JJ Cale, Melissa Etheridge, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Leon Russell – these famous musicians and many more are native Kansans and Oklahomans. Classic pop, country, R&R and bluegrass events dot the calendar – and the two states. Live music is very much the soundtrack to everyday life here.
Kansas & Oklahoma Ideas
See below for a few more great holiday ideas, or visit www.travelksok.ie for more general information on the Heartland States.
Our tour operator partner in the Cork area, Shandon Travel, offers great Flydrive itineraries – with more to come soon!
Kansas & Oklahoma Ideas – a few favourites …
QUIRKY KANSAS – LUCAS, KS
Almost defying description, the small town community of Lucas, KS is a repository of quirky municipal art and grassroots contemporary culture – it demands a visit.
NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM – OKC
Fine western art, pop culture, Native American artifacts and historical cowboy gear. This World class Museum tells America’s story.
COSMOSPHERE & UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM – HUTCHISON, KS
From the endless quest for salt, deep below the Kansas countryside, to the restless exploration of space – these are two fascinating museums!
24 HOURS IN TULSA, OK
Birthplace of Route 66 – the Mother Road. Home to an enterprising band of independent oil producers, Tulsa today offers outstanding museums and art galleries, music and nightlife.
NATIVE AMERICA
More than 40 Native American tribes are settled in Kansas & Oklahoma, all maintain their distinctive identities and many share their traditions in eloquent living history cultural centers and at powwows.