16 Things Everyone MUST DO In Kansas In 2016

The Tallgrass Prairie once covered more than 170 million acres of North America. Sadly, only 4% of that remains today. The good news, however, is that Kansas is home to this rare preserve that is worth exploring.

Did you know that there are 15 salt mines in the U.S., but only the Strataca in Hutchinson is open to the public? How cool is that? I'll meet you there!

After visiting Strataca in Hutch, make plans to get your geek on at the Smallville Comic-Con next summer! If comic books and video games aren't your thing, see #5.

This Atchison tradition, which honors the legacy of the aviation pioneer with music, carnival rides, food and craft vendors, and more, is another fun and unique festival that everyone should experience! The Sunflower State is home to various festivals throughout the year including Oktoberfest (Hays), Prairie (Salina), and Washunga Days (Council Grove). Check around to find the one nearest you.

The first Pizza Hut was founded by two Wichita State students in 1958.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was founded in Wichita in 2002 and opened its first storefront in Hutchinson two years later.

This stunning "8 Wonders of Kansas" landmark was carved out by water approximately 10,000 years ago, which caused the dramatic 2-3 mile-wide break in the ground.

Last summer, my husband and I took our toddler to the drive-in movie for the first time and had a BLAST! Lucky for us, there are still a handful of drive-in theaters left around Kansas, including Wichita's Starlite Drive-In (pictured).

Raise your hand if you love getting a good deal! *raises both hands* Seriously, is there anything more fun than going to a flea market? You never know what you're going to find and are almost always guaranteed a great deal!

Obviously, you'll have to travel to the Missouri side of KC, but it's worth it to cheer on our boys in blue!

Go figure that a state as beautiful as Kansas would also be haunted... If you are a fan of the paranormal, make sure to visit one of the many allegedly haunted sites in Kansas. (Pictured is Jackson Park in Atchison, which is said to be haunted by a woman who was found hanging from a tree in the park following her prom.)

It's a well known fact that some of the best food you will ever taste comes from a diner. Make plans to visit a different Kansas diner every week for an entire year. Your taste buds will thank you!