8 Quirky Kansas Facts That Sound Made Up (But Are Totally True)

There's so much fascinating history in Kansas. From agriculture to wars, meteorites to weather, we've got it all here. Whether you’re a lifelong Kansan or just passing through, we've gathered up a few of the weirdest facts about the Sunflower State to share with you. These fascinating tidbits highlight the geography, unique culture, and history that make Kansas one of a kind.

1. Kansas Leads the Nation in Wheat Production

Kansas is often considered the “breadbasket of the world.” The Sunflower State typically harvests between 280 and 460 million bushels of wheat yearly. About one-fifth of all wheat grown in the United States is harvested in Kansas. The state is especially renowned as a leader in winter wheat production and total cropland acreage. Speaking of quirky but interesting facts, Kansas’ annual harvest is enough to make about 36 billion loaves of bread.

2. Think Chicago Is the Windy City? Dodge City Says Otherwise

Chicago may be nicknamed the Windy City, but it is actually not among the windiest cities in the United States. While rankings vary depending on whether you're measuring wind bursts or average wind speed, several towns in Kansas typically rank higher than Chicago for windiness. Dodge City is among the windiest cities in Kansas, with an average wind speed typically around 13 miles per hour. Chicago's speed is only around 10.5 miles per hour. Thus, making Dodge City a hotspot for wind energy and Kansas as a whole one of the top states for renewable wind power generation.

3. Kansas Had One of the Highest Civil War Casualty Rates

Kansas had a massive internal division over the issue of slavery that caused immense infighting, even in the years before the start of the Civil War. Known as “Bleeding Kansas,” this turbulent period shaped the state’s identity and ultimately contributed to its strong anti-slavery stance. Kansas had one of the highest casualty rates per capita compared to other states in the Union during the Civil War. Approximately 25  percent of its enlisted male patrons were either killed or injured during the war. The main reason for this massive loss of life was the fact that Kansas joined the war immediately it started. Up to two-thirds of its male population enlisted to fight for the Union immediately the war began.

4. Kansas Is One of the Best Places in the U.S. to Find Meteorites

Kansas has an unusually high percentage of all meteorites found in the United States. About 10 percent of meteorites found in this country are found in the Sunflower State. Thanks to the dry climate in Kansas, particularly western Kansas, meteorites don't disintegrate quickly here. Additionally, the state's wide open spaces make spotting foreign objects, such as meteorites, much easier than it would be in a more forested area. The Haviland Crater and the Brenham meteorite field are some of the most visited meteorite discovery areas in the state of Kansas.

5. You’ll Find the World’s Largest Grain Elevator Right Here in Wichita

This one is contentious. Hutchinson, Kansas, claims to house the world's largest grain elevator. Theirs is 2,573 feet long and holds 18.2 million bushels of grain. However, the DeBruce grain elevator in Wichita is 2,657 feet long and holds 22.4 million bushels of grain. The Wichita elevator is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

6. The Iconic Icee Was Invented in Kansas

You might think the Icee was invented somewhere tropical, but it actually has its roots right here in Kansas. In 1958, the owner of a Dairy Queen in Coffeyville was hit with a flash of inspiration when his ice cream machine broke down. He started storing bottles of soda in the freezer, then sold them before they froze solid. He partnered with a manufacturer to make a machine and patented the drink – the rest is history. Today, the drink has not only become highly popular, but it also remains a nostalgic favorite in convenience stores and movie theaters across the nation.

7. You Can Visit the World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well Right Here in Kansas

The world's largest hand-dug well was built in 1888 in Greensburg, Kansas. The well measures 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide! The well served as the town's primary water supply until it was decommissioned in 1922. The site is now home to a fascinating museum. It is a highly popular tourist attraction, as it is regarded as a symbol of the state’s ingenuity and resilience. When visiting the museum, tourists can climb down to the well's viewing platform, view various water exhibits, and learn about Greenberg's recovery from the deadly 2007 tornado.

8. Think Kansas Is the Flattest State? Think Again

Kansas may have a reputation for being flat, but it's actually not among the flattest states in the country. We are home to the lovely rolling Flint Hills and Smoky Hills, among several other hill ranges. The Flint Hills, considered one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America, are a sight to behold. All visitors are encouraged to set some time aside to visit this must-see natural wonder. The highest point in Kansas is Mount Sunflower, which is 4,039 feet above sea level.

How many of these weird facts about Kansas did you know? Please share your thoughts with us. And, when planning a trip to explore more of Kansas's history, be sure to use our itinerary planner to map out your route with ease.