Kansas Has It All
Kansas, also known as the Breadbasket State of America, is often imagined as having huge golden wheat and corn fields. Well, that’s not entirely wrong, but some of its natural wonders are not given the attention they deserve.
It has plain fields, surreal landscapes, awesome rock formations, cascading waterfalls, exciting hikes, and a lot of fun at any time of the year.
Arikaree Breaks
Okay, now for the land known for plain fields, this natural wonder is astounding. At Arikaree Breaks, the landscape dramatically transforms from flat plains to rugged canyons and rolling hills.
This 36-mile stretch of breathtaking beauty in the state’s northwestern corner, near the Nebraska border, was made by ancient rivers and shaped by time. You’ll see rugged canyons, steep ravines, and rolling hills covered by wind-blown clay and slit.
Little Jerusalem Badlands
Now, this one looks almost unworldly. Little Jerusalem Badlands is in Logan County, spanning over 330 acres.
Home to the largest expanse of Niobrara Chalk formations in the state, these stunning white rock formations, sculpted by erosion over 85 million years, create a dramatic landscape of spires, buttes, and cliffs rising to 100 feet high.
Wow, that’s huge! And you’ll find a rich fossil record of ancient sea creatures, showing glimpses into a time when this area was covered with sea.
Monument Rocks
Have you ever seen giant rocks in the middle of a plain field? In Gove County, Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, rise majestically from the earth, reaching heights of up to 70 feet.
They genuinely look like the Stone Henge of Kansas. They are remains of the Western Interior Seaway, which once flowed here, leaving behind these giant geological limestone rocks. Even this is filled with fossils of ancient sea creatures, so be on the lookout.
Alcove Springs
If the previous one didn’t excite you, this one will. It’s a surreal natural water spring that cascades over a limestone ledge, creating a stunning waterfall.
The Alcove Springs on the Oregon Trail in Blue Rapids is an easy 0.4-mile hike where many travelers used to rest and replenish their water supply or sometimes even wait for the water levels to go down of the Blue River.
This lush landscape with cool waterfall and relaxing vibes makes for a perfect trip.
Pillsbury Crossing
Another magical waterfall is Pillsbury Crossing, just 6 miles southeast of Manhattan. Don’t picture a colossal waterfall, as it’s a low-water waterfall, but it has fantastic wildlife all around and framed flora and fauna.
This picturesque waterfall, where water flows over a flat limestone ledge, drops about 5 feet and creates a serene, 60-foot-wide cascade. Cool water plunging down a limestone henge gives it a relaxing and peaceful aura.
Cowley Lake Waterfall
If you’re looking for a quaint and serene spot for a getaway, you need to check out Cowley Lake Waterfalls. Within the Cowley State Fishing Lake area, these delightful falls are not as grand but have a natural charm.
The waterfalls cascade over a rocky outcrop at the edge of Cowley Lake, which spans approximately 1,500 acres, making it a popular spot for fishing and boating. Maybe pack a picnic and go fishing in the lake at these amazing waterfalls.
Gypsum Hills
Do you ever wonder why we don’t have red-colored hills instead of green? Well, Kansas has that. The Red Hill or Gypsum Hills are 42 miles long and renowned for their striking red and pink gypsum rock formations, which create a dramatic and colorful contrast against the flat plains.
They’re made up of dolomite, gypsum, sandstone, siltstone, and brick-red shales, thus their reddish tone. Rich in history, the area was once home to Native American tribes and remains significant to local ranching culture, so you must check them out.
Mushroom Rock State Park
You’ll be pleasantly surprised with this one, especially mushroom lovers. Now we’ve got red hills, but what about a giant mushroom-shaped rock in a park? A 27-foot-diameter mushroom-shaped rock, with several smaller ones around the park in Ellsworth County.
The “mushrooms” are formed from sandstone, where harder capstones of cemented calcium carbonate have resisted erosion better than the softer sandstone beneath, resulting in their iconic shapes.
Horsethief Canyon
This rugged beauty is in Kanopolis State Park in Marquette and is for everyone who loves deep canyons and a great hike with incredible views.
Horsethief Canyon has dramatic sandstone cliffs about 300 million years old, deep crevices, winding trails, and towering rock formations created by millions of years of erosion. Wildlife, such as deer, turkeys, and numerous bird species, roams the area too.
Flint Hills
The last one on the list has grass that grows up to 10 feet. Yes, it’s all-natural grass. Flint Hills is the last of tallgrass prairie ecosystems on Earth, located in eastern Kansas and extending into northern Oklahoma.
Steep hillsides, rocky outcrops, and broad valleys with over 70 species of grasses and 300 species of wildflowers are a beautiful site to enjoy. Why miss a chance to witness this magnificent landscape right here in Kansas?
The Places in Kansas Are Mindblogging
Kansas might be known as the Sunflower State, but it’s packed with more than endless fields.
Think again if you thought it was all flat plains! Kansas has jaw-dropping, history-rich wonders like serene waterfalls, massive mushroom-shaped rocks, fiery red hills, and tallgrass prairies with grasses that can reach up to ten feet high.
These underrated landscapes are pure gems, making Kansas a cool place to explore any time of the year!
