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
Sod House
The sod house shows the ingenuity of the homesteaders. The late 19th century dwelling exhibits furniture, clothing and other artifacts of pioneer life on the prairie. Volunteers constructed the sod house in 1984. Sod blocks, 1 foot by 2 feet by 4
Colby, KS Pioneer HistoryQuinter City Park
Quinter's City Park with the newly completed pool (1990) is a haven of rest for weary travelers. The park has picnic tables and shelter houses nestled under many shade trees.
Quinter, KS ParksCottonwood Ranch
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 which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places
, KS Historic RanchesThe Cheyenne County Museum
The museum features a diorama complete with prehistoric fossils uncovered locally. This diorama shows life as it progressed over the millenia on the High Plains, and includes furniture and period exhibits of frontier life. All of the exhibits are of Cheyenne County history.
St. Francis, KS MuseumsSappa Park
Take a drive through the 488-acre wooded scenic Sappa Park as nature reveals its unique setting with the lush greens of spring, harvest golds in the summer, and a variety of sparkling fall colors.
Oberlin, KS ParksOl' Depot
The renovated Atwood Depot is now a gift and collectibles store that sits at the edge of Lake Atwood.
Atwood, KS Railroad HistorySugar Hills Golf Course
Welcome to Sugar Hills Golf Club. Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills with blue grass fairways and challenging greens. For tee times, cart rentals or any other information, contact the Club Manager at
Goodland, KS Golf CoursesRawlins County Courthouse
The Rawlins County Courthouse was built in 1906 and exemplifies Greco-roman architecture.
Atwood, KS Historic Courthouses"Spirit of the Prairie" Sculpture
This representation of the steadfast spirit of the early pioneers that led the way into the frontier stands in front of the Thomas County Courthouse. Artist - Charles Norton, 1985, from Leoti, Kansas
Colby, KS ArtsYe Olde Country Church
The Church was built by the First German Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church congregation in 1914. The original pump organ that was purchased and placed in the church in 1914
St. Francis, KS Historic ChurchesNorton County Historical Museum
Did you know that Norton County, Kansas, was the site of one of the biggest meteor impacts in the United States? At about 5:00 p.m. on February 18, 1948, there was a loud explosion and fireball approximately 15
Norton, KS Museums