Posted in Kansas April 07, 2019 by

There’s No Other Historical Landmark In Kansas Quite Like This 100-Year-Old Tree

Can you think of an important tree in Kansas that people have loved for decades? This special old tree has been a local monument for years, avoiding fire and heavy storms, and once even a highway expansion. Have you ever been by this important Kansas tree before? I hope you honked if you did!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
See that dry old thing sticking out of the flat Kansas ground? That's our favorite tree. Truly, many of us would be upset if this tree were to fall over suddenly, even though it's just a tree to some.
Janette Lund/Lucky Tree Facebook
This old cottonwood may only be about 100 years old, but that's pretty old for a cottonwood tree. At this age, they usually die from the inside out and fall to high winds or a good storm, but against all odds, this tree has remained standing.
Ashley Carson/Lucky Tree Facebook
It's survived much of what Kansas throws at us, including prairie fire, lightning, heavy rain and ice, and even the straight prairie winds that try their hardest to knock even the strongest of us over.
Jon Powell/Lucky Tree Facebook
It has had many names over the years, including the Lucky Tree, Wishing Tree, Honking Tree, and just "that old tree on K96." People honk as they pass it going either direction on the highway for good luck, and if you have a chance to pull over far enough and meet it up close, you'll find ribbons from lost loved ones, memorials, and one strong tree that has defied time. It even wore an American flag after 9/11. For many, it's been a solid example about how persistence can mean strength.
Alice McMillan/Lucky Tree Facebook
While we know it will be knocked down one way or another, we hope it sticks around for decades to come. Honk if you see it, of course!
Shawn F/Google

You’ll find the famous Kansas Honking Tree along K96, Northwest of Wichita and Maize. If you do visit and take photos, feel free to visit the tree’s Facebook page, and post your photos there.

If you love roadside attractions like this one that you can mark off as you travel, you’ll love this list of great roadside attractions to stop at along your drive.

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