15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Kansas That Defy Explanation
Lisa Sammons
Author
Unfortunately, the Sunflower State doesn’t always get the national attention it deserves. We’re typically considered a flyover state, somewhere filled with endless plains filled with corn and wheat. Those of us who love this magical place know that is far from the truth, and that there are virtually infinite natural wonders in Kansas. One of my favorite things about Kansas is the variety of scenery here. We’re far from just rural farmland and one-stoplight towns. There’s a grand array of landscapes to be enjoyed here, and it feels like the wonders of Kansas are never-ending! Here are a few of the best nature spots in Kansas that belong on every traveler’s bucket list:
Best Gorges & Canyons In Kansas
We have a reputation for being as flat as a pancake, but that’s false. There are a handful of states that are flatter than ours, and there are actually several gorges and canyons in Kansas. Sure, they might not have the size and scope of the Grand Canyon, but they’re just as impressive in their own right! Check out these must-see nature places in Kansas:
1. Arikaree Breaks
The state is known for its flat lands, but at Arikaree Breaks, you'll find huge ravines and gullies. The structures here are more than two to three miles wide and 36 miles in length. The land here was broken up and eroded over thousands of years to create this rough landscape. There are several public roads traveling through the breaks that provide excellent viewpoints of the scenery here.
2. Horsethief Canyon
If you want amazing hiking, biking, or equestrian trails, Kanopolis Lake State Park is the place to head. The park spans more than 22,000 acres and showcases the magnificent Horsethief Canyon, a sandstone canyon that looks like something from another planet. It's easy to see why the trail through the canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Kansas. There's a really neat cave within the canyons that's fun to explore, or you can just trek through the canyon's red walls.
Best Caves In Kansas
There’s something so mesmerizing about caves in Kansas that just inspires the imagination. Looking into the blackness of a cavern and thinking about how far back it could go is an exercise in child-like wonder! Here are a few of our best nature spots in Kansas if you are a fellow lover of caves:
3. Slide Caves
We have a surprising number of caves in Kansas, but many are located on private land and not accessible to the public. Another destination at Kanopolis Lake State Park that makes it one of the state's most beautiful places is the slide caves here. You'll find several along the Buffalo Track Nature Trail, an easy, kid-friendly hike through the canyon. The sandstone here has eroded away into the shape of a natural slide, which makes for a fun photo op.
4. Schermerhorn Park Cave
This cave in southeast Kansas is pretty cool! It's more than a half-mile in length, and home to some of the rarest animals in the state. There are some unique species of salamanders living within the cave, which is made of Mississippian limestone. Note that you are not able to enter the cave due to the delicate ecosystem within, but it's an easy walk to access the cave's exterior, and it's quite cool to see how large it is, even from the outside.
Best Waterfalls In Kansas
Aah, waterfalls. They’re practically synonymous with natural wonders! Seeing the beauty and power of a roaring cascade of water as it falls down below is an experience unlike any other. We are lucky enough to have quite a few beautiful waterfalls in Kansas, many of which don’t even require much hiking. Here are a couple of the most impressive:
5. Chase Lake Falls
This is one of the more popular waterfalls in Kansas thanks to its steady flow. It's a great place to check out the natural beauty of the rolling hills in this region of the state. This triple waterfall drops about 40 feet in total. For more information about the quick hiking trails to reach the falls, check out Alltrails.
6. Geary Falls
Geary Falls is another waterfall tucked away in the picturesque Flint Hills, and it just so happens to also be the tallest waterfall in Kansas. It's about 35 feet in height. Spring is a great time to visit: the flow is typically quite heavy, and the surrounding area is filled with wildflowers.
Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Kansas
If you’ve ever gone on a scenic drive through the Sunflower State, you know that there are some pretty spectacular panoramic viewpoints along our many roads. Whether you’re hiking on a trail or exploring an old dirt road, you’ll find no shortage of scenic overlooks in Kansas.
7. Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway spans just over 40 miles through southern Kansas. This is a magnificently beautiful area that makes for an incredible getaway. The landscape is nothing like what you'd typically expect in Kansas. The rolling red hills, buttes, and canyons will make you feel like you're on another planet.
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8. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
With more than 22,000 acres to explore, you certainly won't get bored in the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. We're not exactly known for our wetlands here, but this unique ecosystem houses a diverse collection of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. It's an absolutely stunning place that everyone should visit.
Best Rock Formations In Kansas
Is it just me, or do the rock formations in Kansas really rock?! These ancient structures contain so many centuries of history, and it’s absolutely awe-inspiring to see the effects that weather and the years have had on these mighty rocks. These are some of the most unique nature places in Kansas, and we’re so lucky to have so many cool-looking ones within our borders.
9. Monument Rocks
Interestingly enough, this little rock city is not actually made of rocks. These are Niobrara chalk formations, and some tower more than 70 feet in height. Monument Rocks were formed when this part of North America was covered by the ocean. These deposits of chalk were once at the bottom of the ocean, and when the waters receded, the chalk deposits remained after 80 million years. This is such an amazing place!
10. Castle Rock
Castle Rock is one of the most under-appreciated gems in Kansas, if you ask me. This is another chalk formation, and while it's smaller than Monument Rocks because it stands all on its lonesome, it's just as tall, at 70 feet in height. Structures like this are, sadly, extremely susceptible to erosion, so one day, they'll be all gone. It's important to check out natural wonders in Kansas like this before they disappear.
11. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
This 330-acre park in western Kansas is made up of Smoky Hill Chalk and it's quite stunning. The park gets its name because of its resemblance to the streets of ancient Jerusalem. It's a truly unique spot made up of hundreds of concretions that will make you feel like you stepped onto another planet. Since the chalk formations here are millions of years old, there are tons of fossils ingrained within them. Keep your eyes peeled for shells and bones as you examine the beautiful structures.
12. Mushroom Rock State Park
When you hear that Mushroom Rock State Park is the smallest state park in Kansas at only five acres, you might be tempted to skip it, but don't! This place is absolutely amazing - it's got a collection of fascinating rock formations created from sandstone, sedimentary rock, and natural cement. They were formed millions of years ago and were once meeting places for Native Americans who lived in the area.
Unique Natural Wonders In Kansas
Some natural attractions in Kansas don’t fit into easy categories like “waterfalls” or “rock formations.” Here are a few of the best nature spots in Kansas that aren’t quite as easily categorized as the places above, but are just as worthy of an adventure:
13. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Landscape like this was once quite common all over North America, but civilization has not been kind to the tallgrass prairies. Less than 5% of the 400,000 square miles that were once here now remain, and we're lucky enough to have much of it in Kansas. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a protected area that's a perfect example of this unique ecosystem. It's a perfect place for a contemplative stroll.
14. Cheyenne Bottoms
Are you noticing a trend here? There's a lot more variety to Kansas scenery than many outsiders think there is! The Cheyenne Bottoms wetlands span more than 41,000 acres and are an important stopping point for birds on their annual migrations. Because of this, it's an immensely popular spot for bird-watching. More than 350 different species of birds have been spotted here, and about 45% of all shorebird species in the country utilize the Cheyenne Bottoms during their migrations.
15. Cimarron National Grassland
Tucked away in southwest Kansas, you'll find the stunning Cimarron National Grasslands. This gorgeous preserve spans more than 100,000 acres and encompasses part of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, which was once a popular trading route for early pioneers. The grasslands feature a number of outdoor exhibits and informative signs about the history of the region, and this is a wonderful place for camping.
I don’t know about you, but I’m itching to go on a road trip now to check out some of these fascinating places! Did we miss your favorite natural wonder in Kansas? Share your suggestions in the comments!
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