Kansas
Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

Kansas Has A Grand Canyon And It’s Too Beautiful For Words

Kansas's Arikaree Breaks offer dramatic canyons, cooler temperatures, and native wildlife, making it a unique and budget-friendly travel destination.

Published Jul 28, 2016

Written by 

Annie

Everyone knows about (and travels to) the iconic Grand Canyon in Arizona... but did you know that Kansas is home to a few majestic canyons of its own? If a road trip to hot AZ just isn't in your budget this summer, why not plan to instead visit Cheyenne County's jaw dropping and unexpected Arikaree Breaks?

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Flickr/Kansas Tourism
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Flickr/Kansas Tourism
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Flickr/Kansas Tourism Follow

Named an "8 Wonders of Kansas" finalist, the Arikaree Breaks are badlands that feature a dramatic 2 1/2 mile break created by water some 10,000 years ago. (Since the soil -- called Loess -- has a tendency to erode, it formed the deep canyons and steep cliffs that can be seen are seen today.) What else can you expect to find in this unique area? For starters, you can plan to experience a short-grass prairie landscape, cooler temperatures (because of its unusually high elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level), and native wildlife that frequently roam the premise.

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Flickr/Kansas Tourism
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Flickr/Kansas Tourism

For more information on the Arikaree Breaks and popular routes to take, visit the City of St. Francis's website.

Discover even more natural Kansas wonders by clicking on Here Are The 13 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Kansas!

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The Little Known Cave In Kansas That Everyone Should Explore At Least Once

Explore the little-known caves at Kanopolis Park in Kansas, which offer a unique spelunking experience.

Updated Jul 21, 2024

Written by 

Clarisa

How many caves in Kansas have you witnessed? We know there are a few places where you’re allowed to explore public caves, but they’re sometimes hard to find or access. This little-known cave area in Kansas is the perfect opportunity to explore something that many Kansans might not have heard of. Have you ever been to Farris Cave in Kanopolis before? If not, come with us on this adventure unlike any other.

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At Kanopolis Lake State Park, near the lake of the same name, there's a short trail from a parking area that leads you through the brush into a clearing.

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Steven Rodriquez/Flickr

It doesn't take long to see the three caves, but once you're here, you'll spend a long time looking and exploring. There's also a trail leading to the top of the area above the caves if you want to keep going!

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Mark Price/Google

Summer or winter, these caves are left alone in nature, but what were they used for at first?

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Steven Rodriquez/Flickr

A miner from Colorado named Charles Griffee excavated these caves in the 1880s, but the land was later bought by the Faris family.

In the summer, they stay cooler than the area around them. In the winter, they're a welcome break from the cold and the wind.

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NotTheAverageGamerz/Google

The two larger caves were used by the Faris family as a spring house, generator room and, a schoolhouse as well.

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The first two caves are tall enough to walk into, but what's this?

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Steven Rodriquez/Flickr

The third cave is much smaller and contains a natural spring that often sends clean water running over the ground.

The outside of the caves are covered in markings from people who have visited.

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Steven Rodriquez/Flickr

There's something instinctive in us that makes us want to leave a mark on the world. Fortunately, the rock here is soft enough to scratch something out without a lot of effort. I wonder how old some of these marks are?

Of course, no photo is as nice as seeing it in person.

This video by YouTuber KCVids816 captures the inside and outside of these amazing caves, as well as some of the wildlife you might want to look out for while you're here. Enjoy!

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What do you think about Faris Cave, one of the best hidden gems in Kansas? You’ll want to check out this cool hiking trail that has another cave you’re welcome to explore. It’s also located at Kanopolis Lake State Park.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/ks-hiking-trail-another-world/

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The One Place In Kansas That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Kansas' Elk City State Park offers a Middle Earth-like experience with its diverse landscape and scenic hiking trails.

Updated Jun 3, 2024

Written by 

Annie

You have read the books, seen the movies, and consider yourself to be the ultimate J. R. R. Tolkien fan... but have you had the opportunity to visit Middle Earth? No? Don't fret, my precious; consider this your official invitation, as Kansas is home to this one place that looks like something from the iconic novels. Kansas' Elk City State Park is an enchanting location that deserves to be on your bucket list.

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Located 5 miles northwest of Independence, Elk City State Park is a unique 857-acre park that boasts limestone bluffs and canyons, rock overhangs, woodlands, and a 4,500-acre reservoir of the same name.

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Granger Meador / Flickr

Because of its diverse landscape and ecosystem, we find this gem of a state park to be Middle Earth-esque and can't help but keep our eyes peeled for Gollum in both the caves and at the banks of the Elk City Reservoir!

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Granger Meador / Flickr

In order to get the most out of your epic quest through this fantasy land, we recommend walking along the 15-mile Elk River Hiking Trail.

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WichitaHoots / TripAdvisor

The trail was named both an 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography finalist AND the best hike to take in Kansas by Backpacker Magazine.

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Kim C / TripAdvisor

The deep crevices through the rocks could be hiding any manner of enchanting creature.

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Granger Meador / Flickr

And the random stone walls were certainly the work of crafty little Middle Earth citizens.

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Granger Meador / Flickr

Each and every time we take this interesting trail we discover new spots to marvel at.

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Granger Meador / Flickr

And its epic views are a constant reminder that magic really does exist.

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Granger Meador / Flickr

No matter what season you set out on your adventure you will be rewarded with scenic views because this is one of the most beautiful places in Kansas.

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Granger Meador / Flickr

Kansas state parks allow us to enjoy nature with a sense of wonder that never goes away. No matter how many steps we take through life there will always be something new to uncover around the next bend in the trail. Have you discovered the magic at Kansas' Elk City State Park? If you agree that it is one of the best state parks in Kansas, tell us all about your favorite spot in the park in the comments.

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For even more Kansas nature, check out one of these incredible hikes in Kansas! If you do a lot of hiking, you'll love our go-to resource for trail maps and info - AllTrails+.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/best-hikes-in-kansas/

If you feel truly alive when you are traipsing through the woods as we do, you'll want to put some of these amazing hiking trails on your bucket list:

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