“You’re Not in Kansas Now!” - But Carla and Jason Rupp are.
“You’re Not in Kansas Now!” is a line from the original “Wizard of Oz” film so with the current pre Oscar buzz about the cast of “Wicked for Good” it seems great timing for our intrepid explorers Carla and Jason Rupp to find themselves in Kansas. This is the land that inspired Dorothy’s unforgettable story and the whimsical trail that ties it to “ The Wizard of Oz”…….Ed.
As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, the state of Kansas honors native peoples, pioneers, freedom seekers, settlers, and immigrants who have shaped this thriving Sunflower State. Hospitality and courteousness are cultural hallmarks and Kansas is also known for its sunsets, star-studded skies, agricultural heritage, and wide-open landscapes. The state became the 34th U.S. state in 1861, with Topeka as its capital and Wichita as its largest city. Yet its smaller towns, each with their own Main Street charm and attractions are worth exploring..
One such enchanting Kansas destination is Liberal, a town with global recognition thanks to its celebration of all things Oz. Here, visitors can literally “follow the Yellow Brick Road.” The Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz experience brings Dorothy’s world to life with replicas, re-creations, and scenes that make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into the movie. Outside, a giant red slipper slide adds a playful, quirky touch. Tour guides lead guests through a replica of the kind of home Dorothy might have lived in, and a colorful Land of Oz that mirrors moments and characters from the film: the Scarecrow, Tin Man.Wicked Witch and Wizard.
Beyond the Dorothy-themed attractions, Liberal is also known for its International Pancake Day Race, International Pancake Hall of Fame and local Pancake House restaurant, which serves up a large assortment of home-style pancakes. Liberal is also personally meaningful for Carla, whose mother Marie once worked in the town as head of social welfare. Nearby Ulysses, is where Carla’s father worked as an agricultural agent. It is a place with its own small-town charm. The unique architecture of the Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Main Artery shop, and a Mexican-style Ice Cream shop all offer warm community experiences that showcase the friendliness Kansas is known for.
While many people imagine Kansas as endlessly flat, the Rupps found unexpected places such as the Sand Dunes park at Syracuse where you ride dune buggies. Also the Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park with its tall white chalk formations and the Dalton Gang Hideout in Meade where visitors can crawl through underground escape tunnels used by the notorious outlaw brothers. Kansas is also full of quirky touches too, like the multiple Gus the Gorilla statues found throughout Pittsburg,that represent Pittsburg State University’s mascot. There are a lot of the Old West frontier characters depicted around Dodge City in statues and in the Boot Hill Museum. Here you can get a cowboy hat, and even dress up for a vintage photograph.
echo the drama and excitement of Dorothy’s journey, filled with unexpected turns, mysterious hideouts, and memorable characters.—a different kind of performance, but just as dramatic and larger-than-life as Oz.
Kansas honors Native American heritage too. At the Mid-America All-Indian Museum in Wichita, the Rupps saw dancers in traditional dress, heard prayers, learned history, and shared in community traditions. The city’s most famous symbol “The Keeper of the Plains” is a tall, majestic sculpture that glows at night as firepots light the river area and there are quirky lodgings to add another layer of adventure. At HorseThief Reservoir, the Rupps spent a night in an authentic yurt during a thrilling lightning storm, thankfully, the yurt held strong!.
Kansas may not actually have ruby slippers, enchanted forests, or flying monkeys, but it does have history, quirkiness, and frontier spirit and fans of The Wizard of Oz still flock here. Travelers from around the world ask Carla and Jason if they know Dorothy and Toto ? in Liberal, you can relive the fantasy through immersive exhibits, storytelling, and nostalgia that spark the imagination. With a sense of magic woven through its culture, the state lives up to its cinematic reputation as a place where ordinary roads lead to extraordinary stories. For visitors following their own Yellow Brick Road, Kansas remains a land of wonder and warm hearted adventure.
Come to Kansas, adventure awaits! . The “Sunflower State” welcomes visitors and prices are less than in the more populated USA states. Visit Travel Kansas at www.travelks.com for unique destinations or contact us for more tips. Jason Rupp and Carla Marie Rupp are freelance travel journalists, with the emails of [email protected] and [email protected].