When it comes to exploring the state of Kansas, there is no better way to start than with a Kansas County Map. Kansas is home to 105 counties, each with its own unique history and culture. From the wide-open plains of the western counties to the bustling cities in the east, there is something for everyone in Kansas. In this essay, we will explore the top 20 counties in Kansas and what makes them unique.
- Johnson County Located in the eastern part of the state, Johnson County is the most populous county in Kansas. It is home to several major cities, including Overland Park and Olathe, and is known for its excellent schools, high quality of life, and thriving economy. With a population of over 600,000 people, Johnson County is the place to be for those seeking a big city feel in Kansas.
- Sedgwick County Located in south-central Kansas, Sedgwick County is the second-most populous county in the state. Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, is located in Sedgwick County. The county is known for its aviation industry, with companies like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems calling it home. In addition, Sedgwick County is also home to several universities, including Wichita State University.
- Shawnee County Shawnee County is located in northeast Kansas and is home to the state capital, Topeka. The county is known for its historic sites, including the Kansas State Capitol building and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. In addition, Shawnee County is home to Washburn University, one of the oldest universities in the state.
- Wyandotte County Located in the northeastern part of the state, Wyandotte County is home to the city of Kansas City, Kansas. The county is known for its historic sites, including the Strawberry Hill Museum and the Huron Indian Cemetery. In addition, Wyandotte County is home to several major sports teams, including Sporting Kansas City and the Kansas City T-Bones.
- Douglas County Located in northeast Kansas, Douglas County is home to the city of Lawrence and the University of Kansas. The county is known for its vibrant arts scene, with several galleries and theaters located in downtown Lawrence. In addition, Douglas County is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Clinton State Park and the Haskell-Baker Wetlands.
- Leavenworth County Located in northeast Kansas, Leavenworth County is home to the city of Leavenworth, known for its historic sites and military installations. Fort Leavenworth, the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi River, is located in the county. In addition, Leavenworth County is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and Wyandotte County Lake Park.
- Riley County Located in northeast Kansas, Riley County is home to the city of Manhattan and Kansas State University. The county is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including Tuttle Creek State Park and the Konza Prairie Biological Station. In addition, Riley County is home to several historic sites, including the Kansas State University Gardens and the Flint Hills Discovery Center.
- Reno County Located in south-central Kansas, Reno County is known for its agriculture and manufacturing industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Cheney State Park and the Sand Hills State Park. In addition, Reno County is home to the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, a museum and education center dedicated to space exploration.
- Crawford County Located in southeast Kansas, Crawford County is known for its mining and manufacturing industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Crawford State Park and the Mined Land Wildlife Area. In addition, Crawford County is home to the Pittsburg State University, a public university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Saline County Located in central Kansas, Saline County is known for its agriculture and transportation industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Rolling Hills Zoo and the Smoky Hill River Festival. In addition, Saline County is home to the Kansas Wesleyan University, a private university that offers programs in business, education, and the arts.
- Franklin County Located in eastern Kansas, Franklin County is known for its agriculture and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is home to several parks and trails, including the Prairie Spirit Trail and the Ottawa City Park. In addition, Franklin County is home to the Ottawa University, a private university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Lyon County Located in east-central Kansas, Lyon County is known for its agriculture and manufacturing industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Chase State Fishing Lake and the Camp Alexander Wilderness Area. In addition, Lyon County is home to the Emporia State University, a public university that offers programs in education, business, and the arts.
- Ellis County Located in western Kansas, Ellis County is known for its agriculture and energy industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Cedar Bluff State Park and the Hays Aquatic Park. In addition, Ellis County is home to the Fort Hays State University, a public university that offers programs in the sciences, education, and the arts.
- Harvey County Located in south-central Kansas, Harvey County is known for its agriculture and manufacturing industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Harvey County East Park and the Sand Creek Trail. In addition, Harvey County is home to the Bethel College, a private college that offers undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, and education.
- Ford County Located in southwest Kansas, Ford County is known for its agriculture and oil industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Santa Fe Trail Tracks and the Dodge City Raceway Park. In addition, Ford County is home to the Dodge City Community College, a public community college that offers associate degree programs in the sciences, arts, and technology.
- Geary County Located in northeast Kansas, Geary County is known for its military and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is home to the Fort Riley Military Base and the Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas. In addition, Geary County is home to the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, a public university that offers programs in engineering, technology, and aviation.
- Montgomery County Located in southeast Kansas, Montgomery County is known for its agriculture and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Elk City State Park and the Independence City Park. In addition, Montgomery County is home to the Coffeyville Community College, a public community college that offers associate degree programs in the arts, sciences, and technology.
- Bourbon County Located in southeast Kansas, Bourbon County is known for its historic sites and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is home to the Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Gunn Park. In addition, Bourbon County is home to the Fort Scott Community College, a public community college that offers associate degree programs in the arts, sciences, and technology.
- McPherson County Located in central Kansas, McPherson County is known for its agriculture and manufacturing industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the McPherson State Fishing Lake and the McPherson Water Park. In addition, McPherson County is home to the McPherson College, a private college that offers undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, and education.
- Reno County Located in south-central Kansas, Reno County is known for its agriculture and manufacturing industries. The county is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Dillon Nature Center and the Hutchinson Zoo. In addition, Reno County is home to the Hutchinson Community College, a public community college that offers associate degree programs in the arts, sciences, and technology.
In conclusion, Kansas is a diverse state with many different regions and counties, each with their own unique characteristics and attractions. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, education, or industry, there is something for everyone in Kansas. If you are planning to visit or move to Kansas, be sure to explore the top 20 counties in the state and discover all the amazing things they have to offer. And don’t forget to check out the Kansas county map to help plan your journey and make the most of your time in the Sunflower State.