High Plains, Kansas
Once the hunting grounds of nomadic Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians, the High Plains is grand in scale. This is a land of vast rolling praries, sculpted by creeks, rivers, and shimmering fields of golden grain. Here you can wander the "Kansas Pyramids" - or Monument Rocks National Landmark - a fossil hunter's paradise, where prehistoric inland seas once covered the plains. You'll also come across High Plains towns, rich in history, country charm and some of the most unusual small-town museums in the nation. What's the best way to get to the High Plains of Kansas? Head northwest and follow a road less traveled.
Explore High Plains
Cottonwood Ranch
State Historic Site In 1982 the State of Kansas purchased approximately twenty-three acres of the original Cottonwood Ranch. Today the Kansas State Historical Society administers the property as one of the state's best preserved historic sites. In the late 1800
Morland, KS Pioneer HistoryKirwin National Wildlife Refuge
The Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is an 11,000
, KS Wildlife RefugesArikaree Breaks Driving Tour
The breaks, located on the extreme northern edge of Cheyenne County, are 36 miles long and approximately two to three miles wide. This area of extremely rough terrain, with its deep ravines and gullies is a marked contrast to the plains generally associated with the area. The breaks were formed 9,00
St. Francis, KS ToursPratt Pony Bridge
The historic Pratt Pony Bridge was made in the early 1900s in Nebraska. It contains no bracing which let horses cross with less reluctance. It now resides in city park and is one of only two pratt bridges remaining.
Morland, KS Historic BridgesMt. Sunflower
Mt. Sunflower was designated as Kansas highest point in 1961. A United States Geological Survey officially plotted the elevation at 4039 feet. True mountains are called such because of a 2000 foot difference in altitude in a 10-20
Sharon Springs, KS Natural AttractionsFick Fossil & Historical Museum
Oakley's Fick Fossil and Historical Museum is listed among the 25 Great Museums in the U.S. Local fossils, a general store, fine antiques, a sod house, artifacts from Fort Monument, and over 1,500 photographs makes this museum both entertaining and educational.
Oakley, KS MuseumsColby Parks
Villa High Park is truly the "Oasis on the Plains". This park, consisting of 40 acres, was created in the late 1960`s with the aid of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Colby, KS Recreation
AME Church
Area residents founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) in 1879. Members initially met in a sod structure. In 1885, the sod church was replaced with a limestone structure. In 1910
Nicodemus, KS Historic ChurchesThomas County Courthouse
Built in 1906, Thomas County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Romanesque Revival style building is graced by the "Spirit of the Prairie"
Colby, KS Historic CourthousesPrairie Dog Town
Prairie Dog Town began as a hobby 30 years ago, with a pet coyote named "Missy", a pet badger named, "Badge" and a bobcat named "Shasta"
Oakley, KS Wildlife Refuges