Heartland States of America

Looking for the unusual, the unique, the amazing? For endless horizons and picturesque small towns and attractive metropolises inhabited by a very special kind of people? Then Kansas and Oklahoma are exactly the right place for you.

These two neighbouring states constitute the ‘heart’ of the US and are part of the Great Plains, the wide grasslands between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Between them, they offer a large range of very special natural and cultural experiences plus warm hospitality – people are welcoming, caring and witty, and cowboys and American Indians are not a tourist attraction, but part of everyday life.

Route 66 – America’s most famous road has many names including America’s Main Street, Queen of Highways and Mother Road, but also a mythical ring associated with Harley’s and classic cars, vast distances and the setting sun. Although it was officially decommissioned in 1985 and swallowed up by the modern highway system, 640km can still be found in Oklahoma with another short section in southeast Kansas. Experts consider the Oklahoma section of Route 66, which follows the I-44 highway to Oklahoma City and then the I-40 further westward, one of the best preserved between Chicago and Los Angeles. A lazy country drive passes neon-lit diners, Mom & Pop stores and old petrol stations. Even on the short 21km section in Kansas – between Galena, Riverton and Baxter Springs – there are attractions such as Four Women on the Route, a diner in an old petrol station in Galena and Cafe on the Route in Baxter Springs.