let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
NatureNational & State Parks

This State Park In Kansas Is So Little Known, You’ll Practically Have It All To Yourself

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park in western Kansas offers unique chalk formations and seclusion.

Published Jun 21, 2022

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

The Sunflower State is a beautiful place. Many visitors tend to stick to the eastern side of the state, where our bigger cities are. Wichita and Kansas City are great places with some of the best attractions in Kansas. But that doesn't mean there's not plenty to admire in the western half of the state. One of our favorite spots in western Kansas is Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Tucked away in Logan County, this is one of the newer state parks in Kansas, having just been given that designation in 2018. It's not nearly as popular as many of the attractions in the more-visited regions of the state, so you'll likely find it quite secluded if you visit.

This 330-acre park features some of the unique stone formations that western Kansas is known for. They're actually made of chalk, like the famous Monument Rocks.

A rugged landscape featuring layered rock formations under a cloudy sky, with sparse vegetation in the foreground.
Ty Nigh/Flickr

Amazingly, this area was once underwater. Long ago, a sea covered this entire region.

A panoramic view of a dry, rocky landscape with sparse vegetation and distant hills under a soft sky.
Scott Lakeside/Google Maps

The fossilized remains of swimming reptiles have been discovered here.

The park may appear somewhat barren at first glance, but it's actually home to a host of plant and animal life.

A rocky canyon surrounded by lush green vegetation under a clear blue sky.
D LC/Google Maps

The park received its name because the chalk formations resemble the ancient walls of Jerusalem.

A dramatic landscape featuring unique rock formations under a cloudy sky at dusk.
john xue/Google Maps

This is a beautiful park, but with its somewhat remote location, it doesn't tend to get as many visitors as the attractions near Kansas City and Wichita.

Rocky formations rise against a cloudy sky, surrounded by sparse vegetation in a desert landscape.
Tim Sperry/Google Maps

Next time you're looking to enjoy natural beauty without the crowds, you'll definitely want to make a stop by this secluded state park in Kansas!

A solitary bench overlooks a vast canyon at sunset, with soft hues of orange and blue in the sky.
Mark Alexander/Google Maps

Have you ever visited Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park in Kansas or any of the other chalk formations in western Kansas? Share your experiences in the comments!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Trips & Routes

The Instagrammable Roadside Attraction Is Worth the Drive From Dallas

Forget Paris; just a short drive from Dallas, Texas, is a whimsical Eiffel Tower worthy of your Instagram. Here’s what makes it worth the trip.

by Melanie Johnson
on Jul 21
Views of a replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas, with a large red cowboy hat on top.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Historic Brick Brownstone Is One of the Most Successful Airbnbs in Massachusetts

Step inside a historic Victorian brownstone overlooking Union Park in Boston’s sought-after South End. With three floors of living space and some of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and landmarks within walking distance, this Airbnb offers a memorable way to experience Boston.

by Megan Todaro
on Jul 21
The exterior of a brick building in Boston Massachusetts, where one of the most historic Airbnbs is.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

The 11 Most Spectacular Tree Tunnel Drives in America

Some roads exist just to get you somewhere else. These eleven don't, and that's exactly the point.

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 21
Cypress tree tunnel at Point Reyes, California, USA
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The 17 Most Charming Hidden Towns You’ve Never Heard Of Across the U.S.

Every state hides at least one town this good, and locals would rather keep it that way. We found 17 of them, from quiet river towns to desert outposts, so you can get there before everyone else does.

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 21
Dahlonega, Georgia aerial view, one of the most charming hidden towns in the U.S.
Trips & Routes
Travel Preparation & Advice

The Regional Airports Across America With the Most and Least Expensive Airfare (2026 Rankings)

Only In Your State used government data to compare average airfare costs for departing flights at more than 100 of America’s regional airports to find where travelers get the most bang for their buck.

by Josh Koebert
on Jul 21
ATI cargo Boeing 767 aircraft and air traffic control tower, SeaTac Seattle, USA