Kansas, in the central Great Plains, is called the “Sunflower State” due to the wild sunflowers that grow there. Kansas has a population of 2.9 million, with Topeka as the capital and Wichita as the largest city, known for its contributions to the aviation industry.
10 Largest Cities in Kansas
1. Wichita (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Sedgwick County
- Area: 163.59 square miles
- Population: 397,532 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 316
- Zip Codes: 67201-67278
- Latitude: 37.687176
- Longitude: -97.330053
Location and History:
Wichita, located in south-central Kansas along the Arkansas River, is the largest city in the state. It was founded in 1868 as a trading post and quickly grew due to its position on the Chisholm Trail, serving as a hub for cattle drives in the late 19th century. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s transformed Wichita into a major center for trade and commerce. In the 20th century, Wichita earned the nickname “Air Capital of the World” due to its significant role in the aviation industry, with companies like Beechcraft, Cessna, and Boeing establishing manufacturing plants in the city. Today, Wichita remains a center for aerospace, healthcare, and education.
Major Landmarks:
- Exploration Place: A science museum located along the Arkansas River, featuring hands-on exhibits and an aviation collection.
- Sedgwick County Zoo: One of the largest zoos in the Midwest, home to over 3,000 animals from around the world.
- Old Cowtown Museum: An open-air museum recreating life in Wichita during the late 19th century.
- Keeper of the Plains: A 44-foot statue at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, symbolizing the city’s Native American heritage.
Major Highways:
Wichita is served by several major highways, including Interstate 35 (Kansas Turnpike), which runs north-south through the eastern part of the city, connecting it to Kansas City and Oklahoma City. Interstate 135 runs north-south from Wichita to Salina, while U.S. Route 54 and U.S. Route 400 provide east-west access. Interstate 235 is a bypass that loops around the western part of the city. These highways make Wichita a key transportation hub in the region.
2. Overland Park (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Johnson County
- Area: 75.6 square miles
- Population: 200,733 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 913
- Zip Codes: 66062, 66202-66225, 66282-66283
- Latitude: 38.982228
- Longitude: -94.670792
Location and History:
Overland Park is located in northeastern Kansas, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. It was founded in 1905 by William B. Strang Jr. as a planned community along a railroad line, initially serving as a residential suburb. Overland Park saw rapid growth after World War II, developing into one of the largest cities in Kansas due to its proximity to Kansas City and its strong local economy. Overland Park is known for its excellent schools, quality of life, and thriving business community, including a significant presence of corporate headquarters and technology firms.
Major Landmarks:
- Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens: A 300-acre arboretum featuring walking trails, gardens, and educational exhibits.
- Museum at Prairiefire: A museum showcasing natural history exhibits, including rotating displays from the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
- Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead: A family-friendly attraction offering a glimpse of farm life, with animals, gardens, and educational programs.
- Oak Park Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in the region, featuring a variety of retailers and dining options.
Major Highways:
Overland Park is intersected by Interstate 435, which forms a loop around the Kansas City metropolitan area, providing easy access to surrounding suburbs. U.S. Route 69 runs north-south through the city, offering a direct route to downtown Kansas City. Interstate 35 connects Overland Park to other cities in Kansas and Missouri. State Highway 150 and U.S. Route 56 also serve the area, making Overland Park well-connected within the region.
3. Kansas City (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Wyandotte County
- Area: 128.38 square miles
- Population: 156,607 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 913
- Zip Codes: 66101-66160
- Latitude: 39.114053
- Longitude: -94.627464
Location and History:
Kansas City, Kansas (often referred to as KCK), is located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, directly across from Kansas City, Missouri. It was founded in 1872, shortly after Kansas achieved statehood, and developed as a key industrial and railroad hub due to its strategic location. Throughout its history, KCK has been closely tied to the larger Kansas City metropolitan area, serving as an important center for manufacturing, transportation, and trade. In recent decades, the city has diversified its economy and is home to a growing arts and entertainment scene.
Major Landmarks:
- Kansas Speedway: A major NASCAR racetrack hosting several high-profile racing events throughout the year.
- Legends Outlets Kansas City: A large shopping and entertainment district featuring shops, restaurants, and attractions like the T-Bones Baseball Stadium.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark: A popular water park offering slides, lazy rivers, and family-friendly activities.
- Wyandotte County Lake Park: A scenic park with fishing, boating, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
Major Highways:
Kansas City, Kansas is served by Interstate 70, which runs east-west through the city, connecting it to Topeka and Kansas City, Missouri. Interstate 635 runs north-south, acting as a bypass around the downtown area, while Interstate 435 loops around the entire Kansas City metropolitan area. U.S. Route 69 and U.S. Route 24 also serve the area, providing additional regional access. These highways make KCK a key transportation and logistics center in the region.
4. Olathe (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Johnson County
- Area: 60.42 square miles
- Population: 146,606 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 913
- Zip Codes: 66051-66063
- Latitude: 38.881396
- Longitude: -94.819128
Location and History:
Olathe, located in northeastern Kansas, is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. It was founded in 1857 by Dr. John T. Barton and quickly became a key stop along the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails. The name “Olathe” comes from the Shawnee word for “beautiful.” Olathe’s early growth was spurred by its role as a transportation hub, and in the 20th century, it developed into a thriving suburban community. Today, Olathe is one of the fastest-growing cities in Kansas, with a strong local economy driven by industries such as logistics, education, and healthcare.
Major Landmarks:
- Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site: A preserved 19th-century stagecoach stop offering interactive exhibits and demonstrations of pioneer life.
- Ernie Miller Nature Center: A nature preserve with trails, wildlife, and educational programs on local ecology.
- Heritage Park: A large park featuring a golf course, dog park, lake, and sports fields.
- Olathe Community Center: A modern facility offering a pool, gym, and various recreational activities for residents.
Major Highways:
Olathe is intersected by Interstate 35, which runs north-south, connecting the city to downtown Kansas City and Wichita. U.S. Route 169 also runs through Olathe, providing access to nearby towns and suburbs. Kansas Highway 7 (K-7) is a major north-south route that runs along the western edge of the city, facilitating local and regional travel. These highways support Olathe’s growth as a major suburban center in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
5. Topeka (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Shawnee County
- Area: 62.96 square miles
- Population: 125,819 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 785
- Zip Codes: 66601-66699
- Latitude: 39.047345
- Longitude: -95.675158
Location and History:
Topeka, the capital of Kansas, is located in the eastern part of the state along the Kansas River. Founded in 1854 by anti-slavery settlers, Topeka played a central role in the conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces during the “Bleeding Kansas” period prior to the Civil War. It became the state capital when Kansas achieved statehood in 1861. Throughout its history, Topeka has been a center for government and industry, with significant contributions from railroads and manufacturing. Today, Topeka remains a key governmental and cultural center in Kansas.
Major Landmarks:
- Kansas State Capitol: A beautiful neoclassical building with a copper dome, offering tours and exhibits on Kansas history.
- Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site: A museum located in the former Monroe Elementary School, commemorating the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that ended segregation in public schools.
- Kansas Museum of History: Featuring exhibits on the state’s history, from Native American cultures to modern times.
- Gage Park: A large city park with a zoo, miniature train, rose garden, and playgrounds.
Major Highways:
Topeka is served by Interstate 70, which runs east-west through the city, connecting it to Kansas City and Denver. Interstate 470 provides a bypass around the southern part of the city, while U.S. Route 75 runs north-south through Topeka, linking it to Omaha and the southern part of the state. U.S. Route 24 also runs through the area, providing additional regional access. These highways are crucial for Topeka’s role as the state capital and for its connection to the rest of Kansas and the Midwest.
6. Lawrence (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Douglas County
- Area: 34.26 square miles
- Population: 98,043 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 785
- Zip Codes: 66044-66049
- Latitude: 38.971668
- Longitude: -95.235250
Location and History:
Lawrence is located in northeastern Kansas along the Kansas River and is home to the University of Kansas. Founded in 1854 by abolitionists from Massachusetts, Lawrence was a center of the anti-slavery movement in Kansas during the 1850s, with its residents strongly opposing the expansion of slavery into the new territory. The city played a key role in the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict and was famously attacked in 1863 during Quantrill’s Raid. Today, Lawrence is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, as well as its reputation as a progressive college town.
Major Landmarks:
- University of Kansas: A prestigious public university with a beautiful campus, home to the KU Jayhawks and historic buildings like the Campanile.
- Massachusetts Street (Mass Street): The heart of downtown Lawrence, featuring shops, restaurants, galleries, and live music venues.
- Spencer Museum of Art: Located on the KU campus, this museum showcases art from around the world, with a focus on American and Native American works.
- Clinton State Park: A popular outdoor destination for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, located near Clinton Lake.
Major Highways:
Lawrence is served by Interstate 70 (Kansas Turnpike), which runs east-west through the northern part of the city, providing direct access to Topeka and Kansas City. U.S. Route 59 runs north-south, linking Lawrence to Ottawa and other towns. Kansas Highway 10 (K-10) is a major east-west route that connects Lawrence to the Kansas City metropolitan area. These highways support Lawrence’s role as a regional center for education and culture.
7. Shawnee (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Johnson County
- Area: 42.86 square miles
- Population: 67,595 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 913
- Zip Codes: 66203, 66216, 66217, 66218, 66226, 66227
- Latitude: 39.022846
- Longitude: -94.715186
Location and History:
Shawnee is located in northeastern Kansas, just west of Kansas City. It was established in the mid-19th century as a trading post and grew as settlers moved into the region. Named after the Shawnee Native American tribe, Shawnee’s early economy was based on agriculture and trade. In the 20th century, Shawnee transitioned into a suburban community, benefiting from its proximity to Kansas City. Today, it is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and strong local economy, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and professional services.
Major Landmarks:
- Shawnee Mission Park: A large park offering hiking, boating, fishing, and picnic areas, as well as a dog park and archery range.
- Johnson County Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of Johnson County, featuring exhibits on suburban development and local history.
- Shawnee Town 1929: A living history museum that recreates life in Shawnee during the late 1920s, with historical buildings and interactive exhibits.
- Mill Creek Streamway Park: A scenic park with miles of walking and biking trails along Mill Creek.
Major Highways:
Shawnee is connected by Interstate 435, which forms a loop around the Kansas City metropolitan area, providing easy access to surrounding suburbs. Kansas Highway 7 (K-7) is a major north-south route that runs along the western edge of Shawnee, facilitating local and regional travel. U.S. Route 69 is located nearby, providing access to downtown Kansas City. These highways are essential for Shawnee’s connectivity to the rest of the Kansas City metro area.
8. Manhattan (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Riley County, Pottawatomie County
- Area: 19.00 square miles
- Population: 54,369 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 785
- Zip Codes: 66502-66503
- Latitude: 39.183608
- Longitude: -96.571669
Location and History:
Manhattan, known as “The Little Apple,” is located in northeastern Kansas at the confluence of the Kansas and Big Blue Rivers. It was founded in 1855 by settlers from the New England Emigrant Aid Company, with the intention of establishing a Free State community in the Kansas Territory. Manhattan is home to Kansas State University (KSU), which was established in 1863 as the state’s first public institution of higher education. The presence of KSU has shaped much of the city’s development, making Manhattan a center for education, research, and agricultural innovation.
Major Landmarks:
- Kansas State University: A major public university with a beautiful campus, known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine.
- Flint Hills Discovery Center: A museum and educational center showcasing the natural and cultural history of the Flint Hills region.
- Konza Prairie Biological Station: A research area and nature preserve featuring miles of hiking trails through tallgrass prairie.
- Sunset Zoo: A small, family-friendly zoo featuring animals from around the world, with a focus on conservation and education.
Major Highways:
Manhattan is served by U.S. Route 24, which runs east-west through the city, providing access to Topeka and Junction City. Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) is a major east-west route connecting Manhattan to Fort Riley and Interstate 70. U.S. Route 177 runs north-south, linking Manhattan to nearby communities and Interstate 70. These highways are crucial for Manhattan’s role as a regional educational and agricultural center.
9. Lenexa (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Johnson County
- Area: 34.45 square miles
- Population: 55,625 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 913
- Zip Codes: 66210, 66215, 66219, 66220, 66227, 66285
- Latitude: 38.961719
- Longitude: -94.778154
Location and History:
Lenexa is located in northeastern Kansas, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. It was established in 1869 and originally grew as an agricultural community, with a strong focus on farming and livestock. Lenexa remained a small town for much of its early history but experienced rapid suburban growth in the latter half of the 20th century as Kansas City expanded westward. Today, Lenexa is known for its strong local economy, family-friendly neighborhoods, and vibrant parks system, making it a desirable suburb for residents and businesses alike.
Major Landmarks:
- Lenexa City Center: A modern, mixed-use development featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, along with civic buildings like City Hall and a public market.
- Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park: A popular park offering walking trails, fishing ponds, playgrounds, and seasonal events like the Lenexa Spinach Festival.
- Legler Barn Museum: A historic barn that now serves as a museum showcasing Lenexa’s agricultural heritage and local history.
- Black Hoof Park: A scenic park with trails, a lake, and a large playground, popular for outdoor recreation.
Major Highways:
Lenexa is intersected by Interstate 435, which loops around the Kansas City metropolitan area, providing access to nearby suburbs and major employment centers. Interstate 35 runs north-south through the city, linking Lenexa to downtown Kansas City and Wichita. Kansas Highway 10 (K-10) is a major east-west route connecting Lenexa to Lawrence and other western suburbs. These highways are essential for Lenexa’s connectivity within the Kansas City metro area.
10. Salina (Kansas)
City Facts
- County: Saline County
- Area: 25.15 square miles
- Population: 46,830 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 785
- Zip Codes: 67401-67402
- Latitude: 38.840280
- Longitude: -97.611423
Location and History:
Salina is located in central Kansas along the Smoky Hill River. Founded in 1858, Salina developed as a major trade and transportation center due to its location along key trails and railroads. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Salina into a hub for agriculture and industry, with a focus on wheat and grain production. Salina continues to play a key role in Kansas agriculture, while also diversifying into manufacturing and education. The city is home to Kansas Wesleyan University and a regional airport that supports business and cargo transport.
Major Landmarks:
- Rolling Hills Zoo: A zoo and wildlife museum offering exhibits on animals from around the world, located just outside of Salina.
- Smoky Hill Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of central Kansas, with interactive exhibits and local artifacts.
- Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park: A popular water park featuring slides, a lazy river, and swimming pools, perfect for family fun.
- Lakewood Park: A large city park with walking trails, fishing, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Smoky Hill River.
Major Highways:
Salina is located along Interstate 70, which runs east-west through northern Kansas, providing direct access to Kansas City and Denver. Interstate 135 runs north-south from Salina to Wichita, connecting the city to the broader region. U.S. Route 81 also runs through Salina, serving as a key north-south route linking the city to Nebraska and Oklahoma. These highways make Salina a vital transportation and logistics hub in central Kansas.