I’ve always taken a lot of pride in being from the state of Kansas and I think it comes across in my music.

From Clearwater, Kansas, Logan Mize is a country singer and an official Kansas Tourism Ambassador. He’s got a new album coming out, and he’s coming to Kansas for Manhattan’s annual Country Stampede from June 26 – 29. We reached out to find out what he thought was so special about Kansas, and we have his music video that celebrates just how special this state really is.

Kansas Trail Guide: Our book is all about trails in Kansas for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Many of the trails are in state and county parks. Do you have a favorite park or favorite trail in Kansas? If so, what is it that makes it special for you?

Mize: I grew up going to Cheney and Lake Afton a lot. I have really fun memories of both places.  I’ve always thought Wilson Lake was really pretty as well.  I look forward to visiting all of them eventually.

[Our book can help you with that!]

Kansas Trail Guide: What does it mean for you to be a Kansas Tourism Ambassador?

Mize: I’ve always taken a lot of pride in being from the state of Kansas and I think it comes across in my music. It’s a huge honor to be given the title. I just want to make sure I’m going above and beyond to promote the great features the state has to offer.

Kansas Trail Guide: What are some of the biggest Kansas misconceptions you think people have?

Mize: I think it’s usually referred to as that long stretch of drive people have to cross on the way to the Rockies.  It’s important for people to know there are plenty of attractions/destinations here in Kansas that I think would surprise most people passing through.

Kansas Trail Guide: Out of staters often think of Kansas as “flyover country” – what would you say to change their minds?

Mize: I’d say to keep flying over so they don’t come crowd up all the open space that makes it feel so free Haha….I’d tell them they’re missing out on the best sunset they’ve ever seen, the best hunting trip they’ve been on, the best biking trails, small town main streets, cafés and diners, and down to earth people they’ve ever met.

Kansas Trail Guide: What’s your favorite part of playing in Kansas? Is there anything that stands out with crowds in Kansas compared to elsewhere?

Mize: Playing in Kansas is always a blast. It’s like a big reunion. Even if it’s a bunch of folks I’ve never met I can tell we get each other.  It’s a lot of fun and no ones trying to figure me out here.  I’m just one in the crowd and I like it that way.

Kansas Trail Guide: Do you have anything special planned for Country Stampede?

Mize: New album release! It’s tentatively scheduled for a July 1st release which means we’ll be selling them the last week of June exclusively at country stampede. So if you want it early that’s the only place to get it.

Kansas Trail Guide: When you think of Kansas, what’s the image that comes to mind?

Mize: I’m 6 years old in my dad’s jeep riding down a dirt road in Sumner County.  It’s evening in the summer. The wheat is a golden color and fields are scattered with rolling combines, the cottonwoods line the Ninnescah river banks, and we’re turning down a one lane dirt driveway just before crossing the Nixon bridge. We weren’t in any kind of hurry. Everyone we passed waved back at us.