Kansas—a state that’s often called “The Heartland,” where the wind blows like it means business, and the wide-open spaces are your backyard. Whether you’re from Wichita, Topeka, or a small town in the Flint Hills, if you check off most of these signs, you’re undoubtedly a true Kansan. Let’s see how many of these sound like you!
You’ve explained to someone, “Kansas is more than just flat land.”
Everyone thinks Kansas is just flat, but you know better. From the rolling hills of the Flint Hills to the bluffs along the Missouri River, you’ve spent plenty of time explaining that Kansas has more topography than the world gives it credit for.
You’ve been in a tornado warning and treated it like just another day.
Tornadoes are a part of life in Kansas, and you’ve probably experienced at least one close call. Whether you’re in the basement with a flashlight or watching the sky turn green from the porch, you’ve learned to stay calm and get on with life once it’s over.
You’ve defended your state’s motto, “Ad astra per aspera,” which means “To the stars through difficulties.”
You know that Kansas has more to offer than just sunflowers and cowboys, and you’ll proudly explain that “Ad astra per aspera” represents the strength and determination of the people who have called Kansas home. And, yes, you’ve probably used it in a speech once or twice.
You’ve made a joke about Dorothy and “The Wizard of Oz”—and you’ve heard it a thousand times.
If you’re from Kansas, you know that “Wizard of Oz” jokes are inevitable. You’ve probably rolled your eyes at someone saying, “We’re not in Kansas anymore!” but you can’t help but smile when it’s said in a fun way.
You’ve been to the Kansas State Fair—and you’ve eaten your weight in fair food.
The Kansas State Fair isn’t just an event; it’s a tradition. Whether it’s fried everything, giant turkey legs, or a homemade pie, you’ve spent a day at the fair sampling the best food the state has to offer.
You know that “Sunflower State” is more than just a cute nickname—it’s a state of pride.
Kansas is the Sunflower State, and you’ve probably picked or seen fields of them stretch for miles. You know that sunflowers are more than just a symbol—they represent the beauty and spirit of Kansas.
You’ve spent hours on a gravel road—and you didn’t mind a bit.
Gravel roads are a part of the Kansas experience. You’ve spent hours driving down these quiet roads, often heading to somewhere just as quiet, and you know there’s something peaceful about the isolation of those long stretches of rural life.
You’ve argued that Kansas City-style BBQ is the best.
Kansas City is known for its BBQ, and you’ve probably spent time debating with people from other states about the superiority of its smoked meats and tangy sauce. You’ve tried to convert people into believers, and you know your favorite joint by heart.
You’ve told someone, “I’m from Kansas” and followed it up with “Yes, it really is that flat.”
When you tell people you’re from Kansas, they often don’t believe you. You’ve made the joke that it’s “flat as a pancake” at least a hundred times—and every time, you still get a chuckle.
You know that the Kansas Wind doesn’t just blow—it howls.
The wind in Kansas is an entity all its own. Whether it’s gusting through the plains or whipping through a city street, you’ve learned to live with the wind. And on really windy days, you know to hold onto your hat (or risk it flying off into the next county).
You’ve driven across I-70 and wondered if you’ll ever see another exit sign.
I-70 across Kansas feels like it goes on forever, and you’ve driven it. Whether you’re heading east to west or vice versa, you’ve seen a lot of nothing—and a lot of everything at the same time. You’ve probably said, “It’s a lot of wheat and sky, but it’s our wheat and sky.”
You’ve spent a weekend at a local diner, chatting with everyone, and feeling like you know all the secrets of the town.
Small-town diners are a staple of life in Kansas. You’ve spent many a morning or afternoon in one, sipping coffee, catching up on the latest gossip, and feeling connected to the pulse of your community.
If you checked off most of these signs, you’re a true Kansan. Whether it’s the wind, the wide-open spaces, or the unbeatable BBQ, Kansas is a state with a lot of pride and heart. So, the next time someone asks where you’re from, give them a big smile and say, “Kansas”—and maybe invite them for a plate of BBQ while you’re at it!
