If you're going to take a day trip in Kansas, make it count. Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas and was the first site ever chosen by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark. Not a bad resume.
Surprise! The Monument Rocks aren't actually rocks. They're chalk formations reaching more than 70 feet high. The formations are actually remnants of a seaway that separated Western and Eastern North America during the Cretaceous Period.
The term "Cretaceous Period" may have tipped you off - these are very ancient formations. In fact, the area is full of Cretaceous period fossils, an astounding opportunity for your inner archaeologist to let loose.
Though the Monument Rocks themselves appear very desert-like, the area is actually surrounded by local flora and fauna. Interestingly, the landmark is located on private property and it is thanks to the owner's benevolence that tourists are able to visit.
Let's not lie, this is a prime selfie opportunity. But while you're snapping away, keep in mind the few basic rules of visiting. No climbing the rocks (actually they're quite fragile, so it's best not to touch them at all), no hunting/camping/barbecuing and no ATVs or dirt bikes.
Monument Rocks are open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, and boy can those views be spectacular.
Each formation is unique and can look different at different points of the day. They've all been colloquially named by visitors, things like “The Eye of the Needle” and ” Charlie the Dog.” See if you can spot which is which!
The Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark may be centuries old, but it always feels like a fresh experience! The landscape is so unlike much of Kansas that it's like transporting to a completely different state in one day trip.
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