Where is Kansas Located in the United States?
Kansas is located in the Midwestern United States, known for its flat plains, rich agricultural heritage, and historical significance in the early development of the American frontier. The state is famous for its contributions to the grain and livestock industries and serves as a major producer of wheat, earning it the nickname “The Wheat State.” Kansas is bordered by four U.S. states: Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south, and Colorado to the west. The postal abbreviation for Kansas is KS, and the state has a population of approximately 2.9 million people. Spanning an area of 82,278 square miles, Kansas is the 15th largest state by area. The state capital is Topeka, while the largest city is Wichita. Kansas became the 34th state to join the Union in 1861. The state operates in two time zones: most of Kansas is in the Central Time Zone (CT), while a small portion of western Kansas operates on Mountain Time (MT).
Bordering States
Nebraska
To the north, Kansas shares a long border with Nebraska. This border stretches over 400 miles, primarily through rural plains that are used for agriculture, with corn, wheat, and soybeans being major crops. The Kansas-Nebraska border region is historically significant as it was part of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which played a crucial role in the debate over slavery leading up to the Civil War. The cities of Hiawatha, Kansas, and Beatrice, Nebraska, are notable hubs along this border, with a strong agricultural focus that supports the economies of both states.
The two states share similar landscapes and industries, with farming, livestock, and agribusiness being essential. Both Kansas and Nebraska are also key players in the cattle industry, with feedlots and processing plants dotting the rural areas near the border. In terms of transportation, highways like U.S. Route 77 and U.S. Route 36 connect the states, facilitating the flow of goods and commerce between Kansas and Nebraska.
Missouri
To the east, Kansas shares a border with Missouri, marked by the Missouri River in the northeastern part of the state. The Kansas-Missouri border is historically significant due to the events surrounding Bleeding Kansas, a series of violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the 1850s. Today, the metropolitan area of Kansas City, which spans both Kansas and Missouri, serves as a vital economic hub for both states. Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, are centers for industry, transportation, and culture, making the border region a major area for commerce and cross-state interaction.
In addition to the urban areas, eastern Kansas and western Missouri share similar agricultural lands, producing corn, soybeans, and wheat. The Interstate 70 corridor connects the two states, facilitating transportation and trade between the Kansas City metro area and the state capital, Topeka. The Missouri River provides critical water resources and recreational opportunities for the region.
Oklahoma
To the south, Kansas shares a border with Oklahoma that runs for about 200 miles. This border is known for its agricultural and oil industries, with both states having significant energy production. The area around the border is part of the Great Plains, with flat lands dominated by wheat farming, cattle ranching, and oil fields. The cities of Arkansas City, Kansas, and Ponca City, Oklahoma, serve as key economic centers along the border, with strong ties to agriculture and energy.
Kansas and Oklahoma share a common cultural heritage, with Native American history and the legacy of the Dust Bowl era influencing the region’s development. Highways like U.S. Route 166 and Interstate 35 connect the two states, promoting commerce, tourism, and transportation. The southern border is also home to important wildlife reserves and parks, such as the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which protects a portion of the natural prairie ecosystem that once covered much of the Great Plains.
Colorado
To the west, Kansas borders Colorado, with the boundary running along the edge of the Great Plains and the transition into the Rocky Mountain region. The Kansas-Colorado border area is sparsely populated, with vast expanses of farmland and ranches dominating the landscape. The cities of Goodland, Kansas, and Burlington, Colorado, are small but important agricultural hubs that serve as centers for wheat farming, cattle ranching, and trade.
The western Kansas region is known for its dry, semi-arid climate, which supports crops like wheat and sunflowers. The Interstate 70 corridor connects Kansas with Colorado, facilitating trade and transportation between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountain region. Western Kansas and eastern Colorado share a strong agricultural economy, with a focus on grain production and livestock farming.
GPS Coordinates
Kansas is geographically located between 37° N and 40° N latitude and 94°38′ W and 102° W longitude, placing it in the central part of the United States. Kansas’s location in the heart of the Great Plains gives it a flat to gently rolling landscape, making it one of the flattest states in the U.S. The central geographic position also makes Kansas a critical hub for transportation and agriculture, as the state connects the eastern and western regions of the country.
The northernmost point of Kansas is located near the town of White Cloud, close to the Nebraska border. This area is characterized by rolling hills and agricultural fields, typical of the state’s northeastern region. The southernmost point of Kansas is near the town of Elk Falls, close to the Oklahoma border. This area lies within the Chautauqua Hills, a region of low, rolling hills that contrasts with the flatter plains to the west.
The easternmost point of Kansas is near the city of Leavenworth, along the Missouri River. This part of Kansas has a more varied topography, with river valleys and hills, and it plays a key role in the state’s industrial and transportation networks, especially near the Kansas City metropolitan area. In contrast, the westernmost point of Kansas is near the town of Syracuse, close to the Colorado border. The western part of the state is much flatter and drier, dominated by expansive farmlands and wide-open spaces typical of the Great Plains.
Kansas’s central location places it entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT), with the exception of a small portion of the western part of the state, which operates on Mountain Time (MT). The state’s position on the Great Plains makes it subject to a variety of weather conditions, from hot summers to cold winters, with the potential for tornadoes due to its location in Tornado Alley.
Levels of Elevation
Kansas is often considered one of the flattest states in the U.S., but its elevation does vary, gradually rising from east to west. The lowest point in Kansas is located at 679 feet above sea level, where the Verdigris River crosses the southeastern corner of the state near the town of Coffeyville. This region, part of the Osage Plains, is characterized by gently rolling hills, fertile farmland, and the convergence of several rivers that provide important water resources for agriculture and industry.
In contrast, the highest point in Kansas is Mount Sunflower, located at 4,039 feet above sea level in the far western part of the state, near the Colorado border. Despite its name, Mount Sunflower is not a mountain but a gently sloping rise on the Great Plains. The surrounding landscape is typical of western Kansas, with flat plains that stretch into Colorado and support wheat farming and cattle ranching. The elevation gradually increases as you move westward across the state, with the land becoming more arid and less fertile as it approaches the Rocky Mountains.
The central part of Kansas, including cities like Salina and Hays, sits at an elevation of around 1,200 to 1,800 feet above sea level. This region is known for its fertile soil and agricultural productivity, particularly in grain and livestock production. The terrain in central Kansas is mostly flat to gently rolling, with vast fields of wheat and corn dominating the landscape.
Eastern Kansas, where cities like Topeka and Lawrence are located, has slightly lower elevations, typically ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet above sea level. This region is characterized by river valleys, particularly along the Kansas River, and is home to more densely populated urban centers. The eastern part of the state is more humid and has richer soil, supporting a diverse range of crops and industries.
Most Extreme Points of the State
Kansas’s most extreme geographic points offer a glimpse into the state’s diverse terrain, from flat plains to rolling hills and river valleys.
- Northernmost point: The northernmost point of Kansas is located near the town of White Cloud, close to the Nebraska border, in Doniphan County. This region is part of the Glaciated Region, characterized by rolling hills and fertile farmland. The proximity to the Missouri River makes this area important for agriculture, with corn and soybean fields dominating the landscape. White Cloud is known for its scenic views of the river and surrounding countryside, offering a glimpse into Kansas’s agricultural heritage.
- Southernmost point: The southernmost point of Kansas is near the town of Elk Falls, in Chautauqua County, close to the Oklahoma border. This area is part of the Chautauqua Hills, a region of low, rolling hills and rocky outcrops that provide a unique contrast to the flat plains to the west. The region is sparsely populated, with cattle ranching and oil production being the primary economic activities. Elk Falls is a small, historic town known for its picturesque waterfall and old-fashioned charm.
- Easternmost point: Kansas’s easternmost point is near Leavenworth, in Leavenworth County, along the Missouri River. This part of Kansas is more urbanized and industrialized than much of the rest of the state, with the city of Leavenworth being home to one of the oldest military installations in the United States, Fort Leavenworth. The Missouri River is a vital transportation route, and the area’s proximity to the Kansas City metropolitan area makes it a key economic and transportation hub for the state.
- Westernmost point: The westernmost point of Kansas is near the town of Syracuse, in Hamilton County, close to the Colorado border. This region is part of the High Plains, characterized by flat, open farmland that stretches toward the Rocky Mountains. The western part of Kansas is drier and less populated than the eastern part, with wheat farming and cattle ranching being the dominant industries. Syracuse is a small agricultural town that serves as a center for the surrounding farming communities.
Major Mountains
Kansas is not known for having traditional mountain ranges, as the state is primarily defined by its flat plains and gently rolling hills. However, there are some notable elevated areas and geological features that stand out in the mostly flat landscape.
The Flint Hills region, located in the eastern part of the state, is one of the most prominent elevated areas in Kansas. The Flint Hills are not mountains but a series of rolling hills composed of limestone and flint rock that rise above the surrounding plains. This region is known for its tallgrass prairie, one of the last remaining tracts of native prairie in the United States. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, located near the town of Strong City, protects a significant portion of this unique ecosystem, offering visitors the chance to hike and explore the rolling hills and diverse plant and animal species. The Flint Hills are also home to large cattle ranches, with the rough terrain making it unsuitable for farming but ideal for grazing.
Another notable elevated area in Kansas is the Chautauqua Hills, located in the southeastern part of the state. The Chautauqua Hills are a low range of hills that are rich in sandstone and are covered with oak and hickory forests. This region is more rugged than the surrounding plains and supports a mix of cattle ranching and oil production. The Chautauqua Hills are a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and camping, with the area’s natural beauty drawing visitors from across the state.
In western Kansas, the Cimarron National Grassland offers a different kind of elevated terrain. While the area is not mountainous, it features rolling sand dunes, bluffs, and mesas that rise above the otherwise flat plains. The Cimarron National Grassland is a protected area that provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The landscape is stark and arid, offering a unique contrast to the more fertile and humid eastern part of the state.
The Smoky Hills, located in north-central Kansas, are another significant elevated region. The Smoky Hills are a series of low, rolling hills composed of sandstone and limestone, with the highest points reaching just over 2,000 feet above sea level. This region is named for the “smoky” appearance of the hills during the early morning and evening when the sun casts a haze over the landscape. The Smoky Hills are known for their rugged beauty and are home to several state parks and recreational areas, including Wilson State Park, which offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Kansas is home to several significant rivers and lakes that play a crucial role in the state’s agriculture, industry, and recreation. The state’s rivers provide water for irrigation and are essential for the region’s agricultural productivity, while its lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
The most important river in Kansas is the Kansas River, also known as the Kaw River. The Kansas River flows from the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers near Junction City and runs eastward for about 170 miles before emptying into the Missouri River at Kansas City. The Kansas River is a vital water source for agriculture and industry in the state, providing irrigation for crops and water for municipal and industrial use. The river is also a popular spot for recreational activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with several parks and nature reserves located along its banks.
Another major river in Kansas is the Arkansas River, which flows through the southern part of the state. The Arkansas River enters Kansas from Colorado and flows through cities like Garden City, Hutchinson, and Wichita before continuing into Oklahoma. The river is used for irrigation in the state’s agricultural regions and is an important waterway for both farming and recreation. The Arkansas River Valley is known for its fertile soil and is a key area for the production of crops like wheat, corn, and alfalfa.
The Missouri River forms part of Kansas’s eastern border and is one of the longest rivers in North America. While only a small portion of the river runs through Kansas, it is significant for the state’s transportation and commerce. The Missouri River serves as a major shipping route, with the city of Atchison playing a key role in river trade. The river is also a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water sports, with several parks and recreation areas located along its banks.
Kansas is also home to several important lakes, most of which are man-made reservoirs created for flood control, irrigation, and recreation. The largest lake in Kansas is Milford Lake, located near Junction City. Milford Lake covers over 15,000 acres and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and walleye, making it a favorite spot for anglers.
Clinton Lake, located near Lawrence, is another significant reservoir in Kansas. The lake is used for flood control, water supply, and recreation, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. Clinton Lake is surrounded by parks and nature reserves, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Tuttle Creek Lake, located near Manhattan, is another large reservoir that provides flood control and water for irrigation. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and picnicking, with several parks and campgrounds located along its shores. The lake is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from across the state.
