The most stunning places to visit in the Sunflower State – Kansas

Stef Zisovska
A flock of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) flying into the sunset. Taken at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas
A flock of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) flying into the sunset. Taken at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas

Kansas, like many states in the country, offers a wide variety of outdoor spots for the curious visitor. If you have never thought of Kansas as being a cool travel destination, check this list out and see for yourself.

Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark

Monument Rocks, Kansas, USA
Monument Rocks, Kansas, USA

The Monument Rock National Park is an extraordinary location in Kansas where you can see rock formations up to 70 feet tall. They are estimated to be 80 million years old. The chalk formations are mainly arches and buttes. The Keyhole is the most famous among them, and it’s a perfect place to observe the sunset.

Mushroom Rock, Mushroom Rock State Park

Mushroom Rock State Park of Kansas – Author: Nationalparks – CC BY-SA 2.5
Mushroom Rock State Park of Kansas – Author: Nationalparks – CC BY-SA 2.5

The park is located in the Smoky Hills in north-central Kansas. Rock formations called hoodoos can be spotted all over the park. These strange-looking rocks were formed through uneven erosion and severe weather conditions. Mushroom Rock State Park is a small area that offers unique surroundings where you can experience a part of the region’s history. The Mushroom rocks were of great importance for the Native American tribes living in the area.

Quivira Wildlife Refuge

Birds on one of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge’s salt marshes
Birds on one of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge’s salt marshes

A perfect getaway for bird lovers, Quivira Wildlife Refuge is the largest wetlands area in mainland US. It’s home to many migrating bird species, as well as snakes, beavers, and turtles. If you are a wildlife-spotting fan, then you can enjoy a day on one of the walking trails and take some cool photos tom post on Instagram.

The Flint Hills

The Flint Hills
The Flint Hills

Covering 4,000,000 acres, the Flint Hills is one of the world’s largest tall grass areas. It is home to the American bison and a wide variety of birds. Unspoiled wildflower fields that look like an endless colorful carpet can be seen across the whole area and it is considered to be the last area of intact tallgrass prairie left in the country. Spending some time around the Flint Hills will recharge your batteries and remind how beautiful our planet is. The Flint Hills is often referred to as the beating heart of Kansas.

Sauer Castle

Sauer Castle in Kansas City, KS – Author: FatherStorm – CC BY-SA 3.0
Sauer Castle in Kansas City, KS – Author: FatherStorm – CC BY-SA 3.0

Sauer Castle was the home of many unhappy generations of the Sauer family. Besides the tragic happenings that followed the family, the house is an extraordinary gothic-style mansion in Kansas City that you need to visit. Bring your friends with you and have a thrilling and adventurous picnic in the area.

Lake Scott State Park

Remains of the Indian Pueblo “El Cuartelejo” in Scott County, Kansas, USA – Plazak – CC BY-SA 3.0
Remains of the Indian Pueblo “El Cuartelejo” in Scott County, Kansas, USA – Plazak – CC BY-SA 3.0

Lake Scott State Park offers fun for all family members. Hiking and horseback riding trails are available for everyone who wants to enjoy these outdoor activities. Also, you can go canoeing on the fresh-water lakes or spend an afternoon fishing. Camping is allowed as well for those who would like to spend a weekend around the lake. The area contains the ruins of the only Indian pueblo in Kansas. The name of it is El Cuartelejo, and it’s located in Scott County.

Whenever you decide to visit the state where Dorothy and Toto of the Wizard of Oz came from, you can be sure that you’ll have a great time. Abundant in natural beauty and treasures, Kansas always provides a welcome to visitors from all over the country. Choose a place you think you might like or plan a tour around the whole state – you won’t regret it. Explore the wonders of each state in your country and have fun along the way. Good luck!

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival