KANSAS! Magazine

This weekend, Abilene is hosting its annual Oktoberfest. Find out the details, plus it's not the only Oktoberfest in Kansas you can enjoy.

Oktoberfest in Kansas Kansas towns are bringing Bavarian traditions to life this fall with Oktoberfests featuring beer, authentic German cuisine, music, and family fun. Join the festivities in Abilene, Hays, Junction City, and more, as communities gather for games, cultural performances, and camaraderie. Prost!

The newest issue of KANSAS! has arrived... and it's out-of-this-world. Our cover depicts the town of Geneseo - which proclaims itself as the "UFO Capital of Kansas."

Cover Artist: Torren Thomas

We want to hear from you! Every few years we like to do a readers' survey to help us ensure we're providing the best magazine experience we can to our readers. We'd appreciate your feedback - it will only take a few minutes.

(You don't have to be a subscriber to take the survey)

KANSAS! Magazine Reader Survey As our 80th anniversary quickly approaches, we want to take time to see how we can continue to provide our readers the best magazine experience. We'd truly  appreciate it, if you would take a moment and fill out this survey and provide any feedback you would like to share. 

Gold, Historic Feature

In City of Sorrow, writer Will Haynes looks back at the devastating day Quantrill and his men attacked the city of Lawrence. The story was published on the 160th anniversary of the horrific event.

Will Haynes is the Director of Engagement and Learning at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence.

Read the Story: https://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/articles/post/city-of-sorrow-the-story-of-quantrills-raid-on-lawrence

There are still a few weeks until the Olympics, but our team already brought home the gold. We'll be posting more about the winners throughout the week.

Congratulations and thank you to our passionate crew of editors, writers, photographers, artists, supporters, and readers. We couldn't publish the magazine without each of you.

Artwork: Torren Thomas

“You feel like you’re in one of the last wild places in Kansas,” says Libby Albers, director of Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, about her paddling adventures on the Arkansas River.

Kansas' River Adventures Adventure awaits in the untamed beauty of Kansas' three navigable rivers: the Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri. Paddle through scenic landscapes, spot vibrant wildlife, and explore welcoming communities along the state's National Water Trails. Unveil hidden gems and embark on a journey roads can't rev...

An ancient sea and the life that thrived in it shaped the contour of the land we know. Though the Western Interior Sea has not been with us for millions of years, its legacy surrounds us.

✒: Amber Fraley

Explore Kansas' High Plains Ancient Water World Uncover the fascinating history of Kansas' ancient seas and their lasting impact. From prehistoric marine life to stunning fossils, dive into the story of the Western Interior Sea with expert insights and must-visit museum exhibits.

From the Archives Friday

This year, Topeka Zoo's rainforest is celebrating 50 years. Here is a story we did on the new rainforest from the summer of 1975 (a year after it opened).

From the Archives: A Rainforest in Kansas Celebrating 50 years in 2024, the Topeka Zoo's rainforest has been a favorite for local families and travelers. In this story, from the magazine's archives, discover the Topeka Zoo's Tropical Rainforest, an award-winning exhibit offering a breathtaking adventure into a lush, exotic environment. Lear...

We are accepting photography submissions for our annual calendar and the magazine's gallery section. If you know a Kansas photographer who would be interested, share this post. Thanks!

Calendar - https://www.dropbox.com/request/EaF9Yphm3kKs6m3LbVzf

Gallery - https://www.dropbox.com/request/PctpbGd4I2vjgcS2MwyD

Kansas was originally home to over 800,000 acres of natural wetlands. Spanish explorers mentioned these vast stretches of wetlands. Later, ducks and geese from these waters were shipped to eastern markets by the wagon load.

Many have been drained. Many remain. Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira are our best, and two of the best in the world.

Cheyenne Bottoms is America’s largest inland wetland complex. Its 41,000 acres are largely split between the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Nature Conservancy. - Excerpt from Michael Pearce's story in the current issue.

https://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/articles/post/the-kansas-wetlands/

NPR has a story this week that Ed Dwight (at 90 years old) finally made it to space. In "After Ad Astra" we talked with Mr. Dwight about how he nearly became America's first Black astronaut. After his military career, he became a highly acclaimed artist.

We're thrilled Mr. Dwight had the opportunity to (finally) experience space first-hand.

The link to NPR's article is in the comments.

After Ad Astra: The Story of Ed Dwight When the government pulled the plug on Ed Dwight Jr.’s chance to become the nation’s first Black astronaut, the talented Kansas native refocused his life into becoming a barbecue entrepreneur, a personal pilot, and then one of the nation’s most sought-after sculptors.

Please share...

We're accepting photography submissions for our 2025 calendar! The deadline to submit images for the calendar is June 15th.

https://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/photography/submit-photography/

Our next issue of KANSAS! has arrived. We're kicking off spring with a special Water Issue. Focusing both on conservation & recreation!

Diving into this issue you'll read about:
- High Plains Under the Sea
- Native Grasses in Kansas
- Where Every Drop Counts
- Lakeside Dining
- Little Apple Glow Paddle & More!

📷: Dave Mayes

Jim Sands has made preserving the Buffalo soldiers’ stories his work, as well as preserving the legacy of the broader Black community in Junction City and the surrounding area. Partnering with an array of community volunteers and organizations, Sands has helped start the Black History Trail of Geary County, a series of signs and markers identifying and exploring accomplishments, tribulations, and often nearly-lost legacies.

Read the full story: https://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/articles/post/black-history-trail-of-geary-county

✒️: Cecilia Harris
📷: Nick Krug

Geary County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Happy International Women's Day!

Looking back at Kansas' history, and present, several women have not only made an impact on our state but have broken barriers for women all over the world. We'd like to recognize a few.

Lucinda Todd was an African-American teacher and education activist. The Todd family was one of 13 petitioners in the class action suit to bring about integration in Topeka's elementary schools, Brown v. Board of Education.

Amelia Earhart, an Atchison native, trailblazed her way into the hearts of all around the world as a female aviation pioneer.

Osa Johnson, along with her husband Martin, were early documentary filmmakers. You can learn more about the Johnsons at their museum in Chaunte.

Lynette Woodard was born and raised in Wichita and played women's basketball at the University of Kansas. She made history by becoming the first female member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Eliza "Lyda" Burton Conley was a Wyandot Native American and an American lawyer. She was the first person of Native American ancestry to argue a case in front of the Supreme Court.

Georgia Neese Clark Gray was a Kansas banker - president of Richland State Bank, before becoming the first woman treasurer of the United States in 1949 during Harry Truman's presidency.

Clarina Howard Nichols came to the Kansas Territory in 1854. She was an abolitionist and a passionate advocate for women’s rights. While in Kansas she was the associate editor of an antislavery newspaper.

These are only a handful of the hundreds we could name. We thank them and all women who continue to strive for a brighter future by empowering others.

First settled in 1850 by the Wyandot Nation in what would become the Kansas Territory, Quindaro was a beacon of hope for enslaved people looking for freedom. Today, time and nature have taken their toll on the site.

In this story, writer Amber Fraley talks with Luther Smith and Holly Zane who are dedicated to the preservation of not only what remains of the abolitionist settlement, but its story.

Writer: Amber Fraley
Photographers: Andrea Etzel & Carter Gaskins

Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area, Inc., Old Quindaro Museum, Visit Kansas City Kansas

Quindaro: A Great, Nearly Lost City of Free Peoples Quindaro was an abolitionist frontier city founded by Indigenous people and strengthened by those who escaped slavery—now, a new generation works to restore and preserve its history

Our next issue is on its way to subscribers!

In this issue of KANSAS!, we're time-traveling back into our state's history. Stories in this special "freedom" issue include - Brown vs. Board of Education's 70th Anniversary, the Dockum Drugstore Sit-In, Preserving the Ruins of Quindaro, Geary County's Black History Trail, and more.

Thank you to our contributors: Aaron Patton, Cecilia Harris, Nick Krug, Kenny Felt, Meta Newell West, Brian Goodman, Amber Fraley, Carter Gaskins, Frank Barthell, Beccy Tanner, Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum, and Kansas State Historical Society.

We want to congratulate Professor Alex Red Corn, Executive Director of the Kansas Association for Native American Education, for receiving the national O'Brien Award for his work to improve indigenous education.

You can read his article 'We Are Still Here' from our "Being Native, Being Kansan" issue.

'We are Still Here' A more appropriate and accurate understanding of Native peoples and nations begins with education

Imagine strolling down candlelit paths through tranquil, snow-covered woods as the stresses of the holiday season melt away.

Featured in this story: Overland Park Arboretum & Gardens, Dyck Arboretum of the Plains & Botanica

Botanical Gardens Light Up for the Holidays Imagine strolling down candlelit paths through tranquil, snow-covered woods as the stresses of the holiday season melt away. Every November, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers

Spark your holiday spirit with an evening at Holton’s Small Town Christmas.

Small Town Christmas Travel home for the holidays in Holton

NEW ISSUE ALERT!

Subscribers be on the lookout! Your next issue is on its way. Also, with the magazine you'll be receiving the new 2024 wall calendar.

In this edition, we're getting a jump on planning our 2024 list of places to see and things to do, including the newly opened Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, Boot Hill Museum, National Orphan Train Complex, and the latest state park Lehigh Portland State Park in Iola.

You'll also read about:
+ Historic Kansas Hotels, featuring The Courtland Hotel, The Eldridge Hotel, Grand Central Hotel & Grill, Midland Railroad Hotel, The Historic Wolf Hotel and Events Center & the Historic Elgin Hotel
+ The Lost City of Etzanoa
+ Crispin's Museum of the Wonders

Thank you to our writers, photographers, artists, and editors for another great issue.

Today in 1892, the townspeople of Coffeyville successfully defended their banks against the Dalton Gang.

When visiting Coffeyville stop by the Dalton Defenders Museum.

In this article from our archives, we discuss the Dalton Gang, Henry Newton Brown, Bonnie & Clyde, and the Benders.

From the Archives: Kansas Outlaws The Sunflower State is known for its famous lawmen—but its infamous villains are legendary as well

Based on reader responses, we can say the Notorious issue of KANSAS! is a fan favorite.

We’re at the Kansas State Fair! Come see us in the Pride of Kansas building with Kansas Tourism.

From the Archives Friday

Between June 26 through July 11, 1804, Lewis and Clark along with their expedition party made camp and explored the land that would one day become the state of Kansas.

This article was originally featured in the winter of 2003.

Discovering Lewis and Clark | KANSAS! Magazine Following the footsteps of America's great explorers Lewis and Clark has they ventured through land that would one day be the state of Kansas.

From our team, Happy Independence Day!