For the Gambler

The plains states have an advantage when it comes to satisfying the gambler's hungry spirit. There are a few destination casinos in the plains.  South Dakota has destination casinos including riverboat casinos.  Kansas has two destination casinos, one in the infamous Dodge City and one in convenient Kansas City.  Oklahoma has numerous destination casinos.  As an amateur gambler that has been to casinos in all three states and a few others as well, I have found that the quote unquote Indian Casinos have a much better payout than the corporate casinos.  If you prefer smaller casinos attached to bingo halls, all three states have those as well.  The Royal River Casino in South Dakota is near the Minnesota border.  The drive there is soothing and scenic and once you arrive you can take advantage of their room deals.  The rooms are clean and comfortable and when you make your reservation you can receive 20 dollars in play and 30 dollars toward food.  The casino offers a variety of games and the buffet has not only typical buffet fare but a pasta station as well.  Oklahoma has a wonderful destination casino right on the border of Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas called Downstream Casino.  In fact the parking lot is in Kansas.  They have a hotel which they are currently adding onto, and a variety of machines, both old and new.  Kansas has an Indian destination casino north of Topeka called Prairieband.  All these casinos have resort qualities like pools, golf courses, and activities other than gambling.  In addition to gambling these casinos are located near other activities as well.  The Royal River Casino is near Pipestone and just north of Sioux Falls where there are numerous activities.  The Downstream Casino is near several rivers where floating is a popular activity and near attractions like Big Brutus and Route 66.  So if you're an amateur or a semi-professional gambler or you just like a smaller, quieter environment the destination casinos or smaller Indian casinos just might be perfect for you. 
A Short List of Places to try your hand:
Downstream Casino and Resort near Miami, Oklahoma
Prairieband Casino and Resort north of Topeka on highway 75
Royal River Casino and Resort in Flandreau, South Dakota
Grand Lake Casino and Resort north of Grove, Oklahoma
White Cloud Casino near White Cloud, Kansas
Boothill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas
7th Street Casino in Kansas City, Kansas

Travel Tips for the Hungry Traveler

When traveling the plains there are a lot of towns, towns that most people refer to as quaint, that have hometown restaurants run by locals.  These diners and restaurants usually have wonderful food, atmosphere, and a low price.  In Leavenworth, for instance, there are several places to find wonderful local fare.  Homers, a diner with pull-up ordering and delivery or booths inside, has wonderfully greasy hamburgers that will take you back to childhood.  If you are not in the mood for diner fare, then a picnic at a local park also makes a nostalgic stop.  In most small towns, there are local parks that have park benches or tables and picturesque views.  You could also take a blanket and eat on the grass.  

Parsons, KS Arboretum taken from http://www.parsonsks.com October 10, 2012

 When you are traveling across the state on one of the interstates, the rest stops have wonderful views and picnic tables as well.  If you are looking for a place to stop there are several places in Nebraska and Kansas that have wonderful parks that make great picnic stops.  Near Manhattan Kansas there is a place called Pillsbury Crossing that has a ford and swimming holes, and makes a wonderful family stop.  In Southeast Kansas in Parsons, a beautiful arboretum provides a picturesque backdrop for any meal.  In Schuyler, Nebraska, there are wonderful parks that provide a wonderful stop for the family.   

Pillsbury Crossing near Manhattan KS, Photo Taken from http://photo.net October 10, 2012

In Goodland, Kansas, there is Pioneer Park, adjacent to the famous Van Gogh painting, which provides shade, views, and a place for travelers to stop and picnic.  Ralston, Nebraska, also has a number of parks for tourist enjoyment, some with gazebos, some with tables, other provide areas for an alfresco luncheon.  When you travel as a family through this rural area of the country don’t limit your experience to McDonalds, Applebees, or Burger King.  Experience the charming atmosphere offered by local restaurants and parks, you won’t regret it.

Cathedral on the Plains

 St Marys Catholic Church in St Benedict, Kansas is a lovely spot, even to those who are not religious.  The cathedral is filled with religious icons in the form of paintings and statues.  There is a grotto outside the cathedral that tells the story of the WWII unit from St Benedict and the successful completion of their mission.  The place is both beautiful and peaceful.  The drive there also allows from spectacular views of the prairie and numerous historical markers and opportunities for side trips.  The town itself is small but offers charm to those visiting.  For even a fraction of the feeling one feels in the presence of the Sistine Chapel visit this lovely site.