The state of Kansas has a lot of open expanses, which you will surely notice on a Kansas vacation.  The 13th largest state in the Union, Kansas has sprawling grasslands and prairies, and the Kansas high plains slowly rise in elevation towards the Colorado border.  While a good part of the Kansas landscape seems to offer up little in the way of diversions, those wishing to explore the options a bit will find that a Kansas vacation can be just as rewarding as a visit anywhere else in the country.  From its exciting urban areas, to its college towns and its notable state parks, Kansas has plenty to offer the unsuspecting tourist, and the Kansas hotels offer up just as much in the way of accommodations.  Come to Kansas and see what America’s heartland is up to.  Chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of things to do here. 

If you are driving into Kansas from its eastern neighbor, Missouri, standing in your way on I-70 is the thriving city of Kansas City.  Kansas City is split practically down the middle by the Kansas/Missouri border, and if you are on a cross-country drive and tiring, you will find a bevy of hotels in Kansas City that will fit any budget and taste.  Kansas City is known for is its barbecue and steaks, which lend themselves to the city’s complete dining scene.  It is also known for its jazz scene and its frontier history.  Among the cultural things to do in Kansas City is visit its museums, among which are the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum/American Jazz Museum.  As for nightlife, the downtown district of Westport has a lively scene, or you can check out the city’s rich bar and club scene.  For gaming, the Kansas City Riverboats give you a chance to tempt Lady Luck.  As is the case for most United States cities, the hotels in Kansas City offer plenty of chain hotels that are a good bet for discount Kansas lodging.  Downtown, you can find more historical and service-oriented hotels in Kansas City, and the occasional bed and breakfast is the way many choose to go. 

Following west along the state’s most traveled thoroughfare, I-70, the college town of Lawrence is where you will find the University of Kansas.  Lawrence is known for its rich music scene, and the city provides plenty of live music venues where you can leave the monotony of the radio playlists behind.  Abe & Jake’s Landing is just one of the featured music venues to visit in Lawrence, and it has hosted performers in the past like O.A.R. to John Mayer.  The Bottleneck is also a favorite music venue here, where artists such as the Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic and Lucinda Williams have performed.  Finding discount Kansas lodging in Lawrence is made easy by the list of chain hotels that have establishments here, and the various inns and bed and breakfasts are where you will stay if you want more character.  Back in the car, you are just a short drive away following west from the capital city of Topeka.  You can find first-class Kansas hotels in Topeka, as well as the chain variety budget hotels in Kansas.  Some of the attractions not to be missed in Topeka include the Brown vs. Board National Historic Site & Museum, the Kansas History Museum, the Kansas State Capitol, and Old Prairie Town, which is found at the historic Ward-Meade Park.  Topeka has a lively nightlife scene, and shopping and dining here is a pleasure for visitors and locals alike.  For gaming action, head north of the city for the casinos.

Southwest of Topeka, Interstate 35 takes you to the city of Wichita, where you will find big city excitement and small town charm.  Of considerable interest in Wichita is its Old Town District, which features the best shopping, dining and entertainment in the city.  You might consider staying in one of the Old Town Wichita KS hotels if you want to be close to everything.  Among the places that are popular to visit in Wichita include Exploration Place, the Sedgwick County Zoo, and the Mid-American All Indian Center.  Besides the downtown Wichita KS hotels, there are some nice chain brands to choose from like the Best Western Airport Inn, and the various other chain brands are your best bet for cheap Wichita KS hotels.  About 155 miles west of Wichita along Highway 400, the historic Dodge City can be found.  An important town on the crossroads of western history, Dodge City maintains its western heritage, and its hospitable people make it a joy to explore.  This is Old West frontier history at its best, and with such notable lawmen as Wyatt Earp and W.B. “Bat” Masterson bringing law and order to the town in the 1800's, the city came to influence popular culture, especially with the television show, Gunsmoke.  Along Wyatt Earp Blvd. in Dodge City is where you can find the majority of Kansas hotels in the area.  They are primarily of the chain variety, making them good bets for budget hotels in Kansas. 

Kansas is bordered to the West by Colorado, and many people driving to the Rocky Mountains from the east will pass through Kansas on Interstate 70.  All along this popular route are budget hotels in Kansas and the chain variety of discount Kansas lodging that mirrors those found along the interstates of most of the United States.  Kansas is a gateway to the West, and with surrounding states like Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska, it is truly the heartland of America.  While the western portion of Kansas leaves somewhat little to be explored, there are state parks and various museums of interest that you may consider visiting.  For more ideas on finding discount Kansas lodging, you can try searching out vacation packages online, or by perusing the internet options for budget hotels in Kansas.  Come to the Sunflower State and see what middle America is up to.  You’ll be surprised how warm the welcome can be here.