14 Strange (But True) Laws You’ll Only Hear About in Kansas

Kansas, the land of sunflowers, wide-open prairies, and tornadoes that definitely don’t need help from weird laws—but they’re here anyway. Sure, the state gave us “The Wizard of Oz” and some of the flattest land in the nation, but it also cooked up a batch of laws so oddly specific, they make you wonder what exactly was going on in Topeka back in the day. Hold on to your straw hat—things are about to get Kansas-weird.

1. It’s Illegal to Serve Ice Cream on Cherry Pie in Kansas

This one’s long been cited as a quirky law, though it’s more legend than enforced ordinance now. Still, somewhere in the books, the sweet combo of cherry pie à la mode was once frowned upon. Dessert betrayal, Midwest edition.

2. No Screeching Your Tires in Derby

In Derby, the sound of screeching tires isn’t just obnoxious—it’s illegal. Burn rubber, pay a fine. It’s the Kansas way.

3. Rabbits May Not Be Shot from Motorboats

Apparently, someone felt the need to clarify that bunny-hunting by speedboat is a hard no. Sorry Elmer Fudd.

4. It’s Illegal to Throw Knives at Men Wearing Striped Suits in Natoma

Yes, this is real. Striped suits = protected. Regular suits? Can’t help you there.

5. Mules Must Not Be Housed Within the City Limits of Lawson Unless Wearing a Bell

The mule must wear a bell so it doesn’t sneak up on unsuspecting pedestrians, we guess? Kansas takes stealth livestock very seriously.

6. You May Not Hit a Vending Machine That Took Your Money

In Wichita, hitting a vending machine in frustration could result in a fine. Even if that Snickers did get stuck.

7. It’s Illegal to Catch Fish with Your Bare Hands

Noodling might be all the rage elsewhere, but Kansas wants you to use a proper rod and reel. And maybe some patience.

8. You Can’t Snowball Fight in Topeka

Topeka once had a no-snowball ordinance, punishing “missile throwing.” Because nothing ruins a snow day like a misdemeanor.

9. Selling Liquor by the Glass Was Once Banned (and Still Is in Some Counties)

Kansas has some seriously dry counties. Some places still restrict or ban selling alcohol by the glass. Fancy cocktail bars? Don’t hold your breath.

10. It’s Illegal to Hunt Whales in Kansas

Kansas is famously landlocked. Yet somewhere, someone decided it was important to officially ban whale hunting—just in case Moby Dick shows up in a wheat field.

11. It’s Against the Law to Hit a Police Dog—Even Verbally

Harsh words for a K-9 can get you in legal trouble. That German shepherd heard what you said, and so did the judge.

12. Restaurants Cannot Sell Cherry Pie with Ice Cream on Top on Sundays

Yes, it’s slightly different than law #1. And yes, someone really hated dessert decadence on the Sabbath.

13. Minors Cannot Buy Cap Pistols in some towns

Kids may own BB guns in many places, but cap guns? Off-limits. Explosives are a gateway to shenanigans.

14. It’s Illegal to Ride an Ostrich Down Main Street in Some Towns

Look, if you’re out for an exotic joyride, Kansas law prefers you use a vehicle. Ostriches are for farms—not traffic jams.

Kansas may seem calm, quiet, and flat—but its laws are anything but boring. Whether you’re protecting rabbits from aquatic ambush or sneaking pie without ice cream, the Sunflower State has a way of keeping things… uniquely orderly. So if you’re planning a trip, bring your manners, your mule bell, and absolutely no whale-hunting gear.

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