One of my family’s favorite summer traditions is taking advantage of the Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program. Every year we look forward to exploring new places, revisiting favorite attractions, and making memories together, all without worrying about admission costs.

Made possible through funding from the Kansas Legislature, Sunflower Summer gives Kansas families with school-aged children the opportunity to visit participating attractions across the state for free. It’s a wonderful way to encourage families to discover everything Kansas has to offer while supporting local tourism destinations.

Adventure Is Just Around the Corner

The program runs July 9 through August 2, and getting started is easy. Families simply download the free Sunflower Summer app, register eligible family members, and begin exploring.

One of my favorite features is the interactive map. Whether you’re planning a vacation or just taking a day trip, the app shows participating attractions wherever you are in Kansas.

On a recent drive home from Iowa, my family decided to stop in Marysville and visit the Pony Express Museum. It’s probably not a stop we would have made otherwise, but because admission was included through Sunflower Summer, we decided to check it out. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. We learned about the Pony Express, climbed into a real stagecoach, and even hunted down a few of Marysville’s famous painted black squirrels.

Sometimes the best family memories come from places you never planned to visit.

Every Visit Helps Local Attractions

One of the best parts of the Sunflower Summer program is that it benefits communities across Kansas, including Mitchell County.

Even attractions that are already free, such as the World’s Largest Ball of Twine and the Mitchell County Historical Museum, receive support through the program. Every time a participating family checks in using the app, those attractions receive $5 per visitor.

Last year alone, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine received nearly $400 through Sunflower Summer. Those funds help with maintenance and preservation, ensuring one of Mitchell County’s most recognizable attractions continues welcoming visitors for years to come.

Make Mitchell County Part of Your Summer Adventure

If you’re looking for an affordable way to spend time together as a family, I highly encourage you to take advantage of the Sunflower Summer program this year. Visit somewhere you’ve never been, return to one of your favorite destinations, and create memories along the way.

And while you’re exploring Kansas, be sure to include Mitchell County on your itinerary. Every visit helps support the attractions that tell our community’s story and make Mitchell County a special place to experience.

We look forward to welcoming you this summer!

Mandy Fincham
Mitchell County Tourism Director

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