January 29 is Kansas Day, so what better time to reflect on the gorgeous state we call home?! Here are 18 reasons why Kansas is the BEST state in the nation:

1. The Sunflower State is a beacon of history...
Flickr/frank thompson photos
Kansas is home to many National Historic Sites, including the town of Nicodemus, the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War.
2. ...culture...
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Not only is Kansas home to several unique towns (including Lindsborg, pictured), but also many fun festivals including Oktoberfest (Hays), Prairie (Salina) and Washunga Days (Council Grove.) Check around to find the one nearest you!
3. ...and innovators.
Wikimedia Commons
When helium was discovered in an oil drilling operation in 1903 in Dexter, they weren't only uncovering a vital element, but the happiness of children everywhere!
4. Kansas State has turned out notable politicians, award-winning actors, activists and athletes...
Wikimedia Commons
5. ...while KU alumni have gone on to co-develop life saving vaccines, chair billion dollar companies, and travel space (3 NASA graduates)!
Flickr/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
6. Kansas is home to the stunning Flint Hills...
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
7. ...sunrises worth waking up for...
Flickr/Patrick Emerson
8. ...and mind-blowing sunsets.
Flickr/Adam Sparks
9. Kansas produces enough wheat each year to bake 36 billion loaves of bread. (That's enough to feed more than 6 billion people for about two weeks).
Flickr/Kelsey
In fact, all the wheat grown in Kansas in a single year would fit in a train stretching from western Kansas to the Atlantic Ocean.

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10. The yearly average temperature for Kansas is a comfortable 56 degrees (F)…
Flickr/.imelda
11. There is no shortage of adventure with our numerous caves...
Flickr/Vincent Parsons
Horsethief Canyon, Kanopolis State Park.
12. ...hikes...
Flickr/Granger Meador
Elk River Trail.
13. ...and even waterfalls.
Flickr/Nick Varvel
Cedar Lake, Olathe.
14. Kansans love their country!
Flickr/Marines
...and aren't afraid to show it!
15. We get to eat this...
Flickr/Lady Ducayne
16. ...this...
Yelp
17. ...and even this on a regular basis.
Yelp
For the few of you who are not of German descent, this is Grebble and it's probably the best thing you'll ever taste.
18. Finally, Kansas is home to some of the nicest, hardest working, most salt-of-the-earth people you will ever have the pleasure of knowing!
Flickr/Vladimir Pustovit

Happy 155th Birthday, Kansas—you’ve never looked better!

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