Lighthouse of Alexandria. Statue of Zeus at Olympia. Great Wall of China. What do these three have in common? Aside from having nothing to do with Kansas, they have each been named one of the Wonders of the World. This got me thinking: With so many incredible man-made and natural structures in the Sunflower State alone, how is that none of our wonders made the list? Fortunately for us, the Kansas Sampler Foundation has compiled their own 8 Wonders of Kansas list, but today we will be creating our own ballot, beginning with:

1. Cowley Lake Waterfall (Dexter)

Located near the town of Dexter, this 25 foot tall masterpiece has been named a "Must See" by AARP, Yahoo, and Most Amazing in the World. Just one glimpse of this waterfall and you’ll understand why. Never seen or heard of the Cowley Lake Waterfall? You’re not alone... In fact, signs to the waterfall were not even posted until the late 2010s, when a few were finally posted around Cowley County State Park.

2. Arikaree Breaks (Cheyenne County)

Located in northwest Kansas are the extraordinary Arikaree Breaks; a series of deep ravines and gullies that were formed millions of years ago by deposits of clay, sand, and silt. (This is hands down something that you would not expect to see on the Kansas prairie.)

3. Paul Boyer Museum of Animated Carvings (Belleville)

You may have noticed that I have mentioned the Boyer Gallery several times recently, but... once you see Boyer's collection of intricate, hand-made animated sculptures, you will understand why this community treasure deserves to be uncovered.

4. Gella's Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. (Hays)

I know what you're thinking and yes; a diner and brewery does deserve to make the list. Don't believe me? Try a pint of one of their award-winning brews and a plate of their authentic German food (just like grandma used to make.)

5. Flint Hills Scenic Byway

It doesn't get any more beautiful than K-177, which passes through not only the colorful tallgrass prairie, but the charming towns of Cottonwood Falls and Council Grove as well. (Tip: Make plans to pull over and have lunch in one of these places... you won't be sorry!)

6. Keeper of the Plains (Wichita)

In the early 1970s, the impressive 44 ft.-tall steel sculpture was commissioned by the city for the U.S. bicentennial and sculpted by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin. He has stood guard over the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers since 1974 and is one of the tallest statues in the country.

7. Konza Prairie (Manhattan)

Have you been searching high and low for a home where the buffalo roam? Then you have been looking for the Konza Prairie, a 3,487-hectare native tallgrass prairie preserve located in the heart of the Flint Hills. Take a picnic, hike the trails, and enjoy this peaceful area on the plains.

Which other Kansas locations would you add to the list?