Rail Routes in Kansas The Kansas Rail Map provides detailed information on the several rail routes of the state. The State of Kansas is easily accessible by well laid railway tracks of the place. The Kansas Department of Transportation has divided the railroad services of the state into four categories of Class I Railroads, Class III Railroads, Passenger Railroads and Tourists Railroads . Norfolk Southern, BNSF Railway, Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern rail routes fall under the category of Class I Railroad. Amtrak is the Passenger Railroad of the State of Kansas. Cimarron Valley Railway, Kansas and Oklahoma, Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad, Garden City Western and Kyle Railroad are some of the prominent rail routes Class III category. The Tourists Railroads include Midland Railway and Abilene and Smoky Valley. The rail routes of the state of Kansas connects the prominent cities of Kansas City, Lawrence, Ottawa, Topeka, Newton, Wichita, Wellington, El Dorado, Augusta, Jetmore, Pittsburg, Hutchinson, Garden City and Kinsley. The Federal Railroad Administration of Kansas has introduced the Federal Rail Safety Accountability and Improvement Act to ensure safety and security of railway services. The Kansas State Map points out the important cities that offer railway services to the local inhabitants of the state.

Geographical Facts About Kansas General Features Kansas is located in Midwestern United States. It shares its borders with Nebraska on the north, Missouri on the east, Oklahoma on the south, and Colorado on the west. More than 60% of the state has a flat topography. The eastern region of the state has many hills and forests. Kansas can be divided into three major geographic regions: Dissected Till Plains : Located in the northeastern region of Kansas, the dissected till plains is home to many rivers and streams. The soil of this region is fertile and rich and is suitable for farming. Southeastern Plains : The Southern Plains comprises two regions, including Osage Plains and the Flint Hills. It stretches from the center of the state up to Oklahoma border. The topography of the region is characterized by gently rolling plains and few hills. Great Plains : Great Plains covers the western region of the state. It is home to the highest point in the state, Mount Sunflower. This region is characterized by rolling plains and mountains. The high plains in this region have higher elevation than the southeastern plains but are very similar to them. Climate of Kansas The climate of Kansas can be classified into three broad categories: humid continental, semi-arid steppe, and humid subtropical. The eastern region of the state has a humid continental climate, while the western region of the state has semi-arid steppe climate. The eastern region has cold winters and hot and humid summers. South-central region of the state has humid subtropical climate. The state is prone to thunderstorms and precipitation varies from region to region. Kansas averages more than 50 tornadoes annually. Mountains Mount Sunflower is the highest point in the state. The state is home to many peaks and summits, including Rock Hill, Red Hills, Jenkins Hill, Smoky Hills, and Blue Hills. Rivers The Missouri River is a tributary of Mississippi River which flows through the American Great Plains, covering regions of ten American states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and Kansas. Other important rivers in the state are Arkansas, Kansas, Republican, and Smoky Hill River. Lakes Cheyenne Bottoms is a natural lake in Kansas. It is named as one of the eight Wonders of Kansas. Other important lakes in the state are El Dorado Lake, Clinton Lake, Lake Inman, and Big Hill Lake.

Kansas State University is the oldest public university in Kansas. It is also the largest university in the state. There are 37 public institutions in Kansas which are governed by Kansas Board of Regents. The largest enrollment among the state funded universities was at the University of Kansas, followed by Kansas State University. Some of the important Universities in the Kansas are: Allen County Community College Washburn University Wichita State University Bethany College Baker University Friends University Emporia State University Kansas State University The Kansas State University or KSU, is located in Manhattan, Kansas. It is the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state. It has many satellite campuses located across the state, including Salina and an under-construction campus at Olathe. Founded as Kansas State Agricultural College on February 16, 1863, it saw a record high enrollment of 23,588 students in the Fall 2011 semester. Since 1986, it has been ranked first in the country in its total Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholars. It has 65 departments in nine colleges and offers courses in agriculture, architecture, arts and sciences, business administration, education, engineering, and many more. It also offers approximately 100 master's degree programs and nearly 50 doctoral programs. Baker University, Baldwin City The Baker University is located in Baldwin City, Kansas. Founded in 1858, it is a private, residential university and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is the oldest university in the state and comprises four schools. It offers more than 40 courses at undergraduate level. The annual enrollment in all the four schools is nearly 4,000 students. It is ranked as one of the top-ranked university in the state. Washburn University The Washburn University is located in Topeka, Kansas. Founded in February 1865 as Lincoln College, it is a co-educational , public university of higher learning. It offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. It enrolls approximately 6,500 students and has an endowment of $112 million. The campus has many notable attractions, including the Crane observatory and Mulvane Art Museum. Friends University, Wichita The Friends University is located in Wichita, Kansas. It is a private non-denominational Christian institution. The university was founded in 1898. The original structure of the building was built for Garfield University in 1886. The university offers various professional, undergraduate, and graduate level programs. Some of the notable courses offered in the university are degrees in Business and Information, Education, Fine Arts, Natural Science and Mathematics, and Health Care.

Kansas Counties The Kansas county map clearly defines the administrative sub divisions of the state. The state of Kansas has 105 counties. Each county is administered by a county Seat. Some of the important counties of Kansas are: Anderson county - The county of Anderson was founded in 1855. Brown county - Brown county encompasses a total population of 10,724 people, per the census data of 2000. Barber county - Barber county holds a total population of 5,307 people according to the census data of 2000. Chase county - The county of Chase was founded in 1859, and has a total population of 3,030 people, per the census data of 2000. Coffey county - Coffey county is administered by the county Seat of Burlington, and has a population of 8,865 people per the census data of 2000. Douglas county - Douglas county holds a total population of 99,620 people, according to the census data of 2000. Decatur county - The county of Decatur is administered by Oberlin. According to the census of 2000, Decatur has a total population of 3,472 people. Ford county - Ford county was founded in 1873. Administered by Dodge City, Ford county has a population of 32,458 people, per the census data of 2000. The Kansas State Map shows the exact geographical location of the counties. Source: factfinder.census.gov

Airports In Kansas There are 143 public use airports in Kansas. Airports in Kansas are well connected to other states in USA. The Kansas airports have technologically up-to-date systems. The Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is the largest among all the Kansas airports . It has all amenities to make traveling convenient for the passengers. It has ATMs, game rooms, snack bars, gift shops and car rental counters. Restaurants and retail shops are located all throughout the terminal. The airport also has a business and conference center, free WiFi, a Shoe Shine counter and skycap services. The airlines that operate from the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport are Air Tran Airways, Allegiant Air, US Airways, America West, AA, Continental Express, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. The staff at this airport is helpful. One can book online tickets for these airlines at their respective websites. Some airlines also offer travel points for online booking that can be redeemed against the fares of future travels. Kansas does not have an international airport but there are regular flights to the Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, Missouri. Other major airports in Kansas are in Goodland, Colby, Concordia, Manhattan, Kansas City, Russell, Hays, Garden City, Liberal, Pratt, McPherson, Salina, Topeka, Lawrence, Emporia, Fort Scott, El Dorado, Winfield, Parsons, Chanute and Pittsburgh. Here,s a look at some major airports in Kansas : Garden City Regional Airport This is a city owned, public use airport located eight nautical miles southeast of the central business district of Garden City, in Finney County, Kansas. Mostly used for general aviation, the airport is served by one commercial airline. Also, the airport has been categorized as a primary commercial service airport by the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015. Dodge City Regional Airport Located three miles east of Dodge City, in Ford County, Kansas, the Dodge City Regional Airport is being used for general aviation and serves a single airline that has been subsidized by the Essential Air Service program. Also, it has been categorized as a non-primary commercial service facility by the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015. St. Mary,s Airpark As a privately owned airport, the St. Mary,s Airpark is also a public use airport in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, United States. It is located four nautical miles north of the central business district of St. Mary,s. It has a single runway designated 18/36 with a turf along with a gravel surface that measures 2,514 by 60 feet.

General introduction

Kansas is a landlocked state in the Midwestern United States. The state is named after the Kansa Native American tribe that used to live in the area. Kansas is nicknamed the 'State of the Sunflower', with agriculture being the largest contributor to the economy. The rectangular state has the 15th largest area in America. Topeka is the state capital and the largest city is Wichita.

Geography

Kansas Much of Kansas is described by endless golden fields of wheat. The state is bordered by Nebraska to the north, Oklahoma to the south, Colorado to the west, and Missouri to the east. It is divided into 105 counties. The Missouri River runs 75 miles northeast of the boundary and many other major state rivers are found across the state. Its western region is predominantly under the Great Plains, while the eastern region is dominated by rolling hills and forests. The state is often considered the flatest state in the United States, with most of the land being used for agriculture. The highest point is Sunflower Mountain at an altitude of 1,231 meters above sea level.

Travel

Kansas Travel Destinations Listen to Dorothy, there's no place like Kansas. Woven in the rich materials of rural life, ‘The Sunflower State’ is truly a part of classic America. The state house offers all kinds of options for visitors from exploring natural beauty to the burgeoning nightlife. Go on haunted tours at Atchison, feel the rush of adrenaline on the Kansas Highway, drink a drink in vintage Dodge City pub and take a walk in the Wichita Botanical Gardens. Schlitterbahn Kansas City, Kansas Center for Atmosphere and Space, Strataca, Eisenhower Presidential Library, Sedgwick County Zoo, and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are top-rated Kansas destinations.

Transportation

Getting around Kansas By Air - Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is the busiest airport in the state. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is another gateway to the state. By Train - Amtrak's Southwest Head serves Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City in the state. Roads - The I-35 and I-70 interstate highways together with the Kansas State highway connect the major cities of Kansas.

Education

Education in Kansas There are hundreds of schools across the state, with a total of 37 public tertiary institutions and higher education institutions. The University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University, Emporia State University, and Pittsburg State University are six public or state-funded universities in Kansas.

Agriculture

Kansas produces and stores more wheat than any other state in the United States. The geographic center of the contiguous US is located near Lebanon in Smith County

Accurate Geographical Position of Kansas State Covering a total area of 81,915 sq mi, Kansas state has a 1,219 mile-long boundary. Kansas is a Midwestern state with the states of Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Nebraska sharing its borders. While Missouri borders the state on the east, Oklahoma borders it on the southern side. Colorado borders Kansas on the western front, and Nebraska on the northern side. The coordinates of the Kansas state are 38.5° N, 98.0° W.

About Kansas Woven with the rich fabric of rural life, Kansas is a slice of classic America. It is the 15th largest state by area in the US. 'The Sunflower state' is known for unspoiled landscapes, rugged cowboy culture, smoldering barbeque, and sweet echoes of jazz. The state has 105 counties, sixth most in the country. Topeka is the state capital. Known as "Air Capital Of The World", Wichita is the largest city in the state. Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, and Lawrence are other major cities in Kansas. Tourist Attractions in Kansas Botanica, The Wichita Gardens Kansas Underground Salt Museum (Strataca) Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Flint Hills Nature Trail Kansas State Capitol Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home Sedgwick County Zoo Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center Getting In and Around The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is the primary gateway to Kansas. Amtrak's Southwest Chief, which runs between between Chicago and Los Angeles, serves the state. Interstate highways (I-35 and I-70) along with Kansas state highways traverse the state.

Map of Kansas Hotels

Located in the heart of America, Kansas has 105 counties. Topeka is the state capital. Wichita - the "Air Capital of the World" - is the largest city in the state. Hutchinson houses the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center - second largest space museum in the world. Kansas City lies at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers. Located in northeastern Kansas, Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas while Manhattan is the home of Kansas State University. Wellington in Sumner County is called "The Wheat Capital of the World". In Liberal, there is a recreation of Dorothy Gale's house from The Wizard of Oz. Overland Park, Olathe, and Shawnee are other major cities in Kansas. Getting In and Around The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is a major gateway to Kansas. Amtrak operates Southwest Chief, which runs between between Chicago and Los Angeles, through the state. I-35 and I-70 are primary interstate highways in Kansas.

Where is Kansas in US ? Kansas is located in Midwestern United States. It shares its borders with Nebraska on the north, Missouri on the east, Oklahoma on the south, and Colorado on the west. How did Kansas get its name ? Kansas gets its name from the Kansa Native America tribe that inhabited the region. The name of the tribe is speculated to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south wind". What is the capital of Kansas ? Topeka is the capital of Kansas. It was founded on December 5, 1854 and incorporated on February 14, 1857. It covers an area of 57 square miles and has a population of 127,473. It is the county seat of Shawnee County and is located along the Kansas River. The name in Kansa and the Ioway languages mean "to dig good potatoes". How big is Kansas ? Kansas is the 15th largest state in United States. It covers an area of 82,277 square miles and has an estimated population of 2,853,116. It is the 33rd most populated state in the country. Which is the largest city of Kansas ? Wichita is the largest city of Kansas. Founded in 1863,it covers an area of 165.9 square miles. The population of the state is estimated to be 382,368. It was incorporated in 1870. It is the county seat of Sedgwick County and is located in south-central Kansas. What is the nickname of Kansas ? The official nickname of Kansas is the "Sunflower State". It is also known as the wheat state. The state is the leading producer of Sunflower which is also the state flower. What is the official language of Kansas? The official language of Kansas is English. What is the religion of Kansas ? Almost 86% of the state population is Christian, followed by people with no religious affiliation (9%), Jews (2%), and other religions. Who is the political leader of Kansas ? Samuel Dale "Sam" Brownback is the current and the 46th Governor of Kansas. He is a member of the Republican Party and assumed office on January 10, 2011. Jeffrey "Jeff" Colyer, a Republican, is the 49th and the current Lieutenant Governor of Kansas. He assumed office on January 10, 2011. When did Kansas achieve statehood ? With the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the region of Kansas became an unorganized territory of the United States. The territories of Nebraska and Kansas were established on May 30,1854. Kansas became the 34th state of the United States on January 29, 1861. What are some of the famous places in Kansas ? Cedar Bluff State Park, Elk City State Park, Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, Allen County Museum, Atchison County Historical Museum, Allen-Lambe House, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and Nicodemus National Historic Site are some of the famous places in Kansas. What is the economy of Kansas like ? In 2008, the gross state product of Kansas was $122.7 billion, while its per capita income was $ 35,013. It is the eighth-largest producer of oil and natural gas in the country. The agricultural outputs of the state are cattle, sheep, wheat, cotton, hogs, soybeans, salt, and corn. The main industrial outputs include transportation equipment, commercial and private aircraft, food processing, publishing, and chemical products. There are three tax brackets, ranging from 3.5% to 6.45%, while the sales tax is 6.3%.

Tourist attractions: Sedgwick County Zoo Botanica: The Wichita Gardens Great Plains Nature Center Crown Uptown Theatre Airports: Beech Airport Cessna Aircraft Field Airport Mcconnell Afb Airport Mid Continent Airport Wichita is the largest city of the US state, Kansas. It is also known as the Air Capital of the World. It is one of the leading aircraft manufacturing hubs and has six major aircraft manufacturing companies. Wichita is situated on the Arkansas River in South Central Kansas. The city of Wichita served as a trading center for nomadic people in the initial years. The area was first visited by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1541, while he was searching for the amazing "cities of gold". On his visit, he met a group of Indians whom he called Quiviras. These people have been later identified as the Wichita Indians by the archaeologists and historians. In 1863, the first permanent settlement was made at Wichita which was a collection of grass houses that were inhabited by the Wichita Indians. The city of Wichita got officially incorporated in 1870. The city saw a great population explosion after the Second World War. Hotels in Wichita: Majority of the Wichita hotels are aimed at tourists. They provide different types of food depending upon the tourists visiting the city. The friendly attitude of the staff and their outstanding service conquer the minds of its customers. Hampton Inn Wichita West, Marriott Wichita, Hilton Garden Inn , Hotel at Old Town, Residence Inn Wichita East at Plazzio, Wichita Inn West, Comfort Suites Airport, Homewood Suites by Hilton At The Waterfront, Hyatt Regency , Best Western Wichita North Hotel & Suites, Inn at Tallgrass, Holiday Inn Wichita Downtown, Four Points by Sheraton Wichita Airport, Hawthorn Suites and Northrock Suites are the popular hotels in the city. Transportation: Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, the largest airport in the state serves the city. The Wichita Transit Authority that operates 51 buses is the form of public transportation within the city. The Amtrak station in Newton that provides train service is another mode of transportation in the city. The Kansas Turnpike (Interstate 35), Interstates 135 and 235, U.S. Route 54/400 and K-96 that run through the city is an easy access to the city. Wichita Climate: Wichita experiences a varied difference in the climate as the temperatures go below -8ºC in January and soar up to 34ºC in the month of July. Wichita receives over 30 inches of rainfall. The city is very prone to severe weather, with violent thunderstorms occurring mainly during summer and spring. Even tornadoes are quite frequent in Wichita and its surrounding areas. Wichita Attractions: Exploration Place, which exhibits Flight and Design, is the main attraction of the city. The Mid-America All-India Exhibition Center that tells the story of the region's Native American heritage. Wichita Art Museum that displays works of the famous glass artists, Sedgwick County Zoo, the new Downing Gorilla Forest and Old Town Marketplace are the places that the tourists should not fail to visit. The Wichita Gardens, Exploration Place, Old Cow town Museum, Museum of World Treasures, Kansas Aviation Museum and Arkansas River Trail are the other points of interest in the city.