Hailey
Kansas, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, offers a variety of experiences that should be included in any traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone who appreciates unique geological formations, Kansas has something for everyone.
According to a survey by Choice Mutual Insurance, travel was at the top of people’s bucket list priorities, with 33% of 2,000 respondents creating lists of things they hoped to do before they died. If Kansas is on your list, here are the top three activities you must experience.
Visit Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka
The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka is one of the most significant historical sites in the United States. Located at 1515 SE Monroe in Topeka, this museum educates visitors about the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision of 1954.
This case famously banned racial segregation in public schools and played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The museum is housed in a former all-black elementary school, offering a deep dive into the stories of the people involved in this case. The exhibits highlight not only the decision’s impact on public education but also the broader fight for racial equality that followed.
The museum also features the Hall of Courage, where visitors can watch historical footage of law enforcement escorting black students into previously all-white schools. While this footage is incredibly powerful, the museum warns that it may not be suitable for children under 12.
Features:
- Location: 1515 SE Monroe, Topeka
- Dedicated: 2004
- Focus: The Civil Rights Movement and desegregation of public schools
- Hall of Courage: Footage of historical events
- Child Safety: Not recommended for children under 12 due to sensitive content
Wander Through Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase County is a must. The preserve is the only national park unit dedicated to protecting the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, making it a unique destination in the United States.
Spanning nearly 11,000 acres, the preserve offers visitors the chance to explore a pristine, undeveloped part of the Flint Hills—the world’s largest remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie.
This tranquil preserve is home to bison, wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy historical sites like a one-room schoolhouse and a historic ranch.
Since the preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service, it offers free entry and various outdoor activities like hiking and fishing in its three ponds.
Although you can’t drive into the preserve, a scenic drive along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway offers beautiful views of the prairie. For those wanting to immerse themselves in the area, hiking trails offer a great way to explore up close.
Features:
- Location: Chase County, Kansas
- Size: 11,000 acres
- Wildlife: Bison, wildflowers, and more
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, and photography
- Entry Fee: Free
- Restrictions: No camping, ATVs, or bicycles
Explore Western Kansas’s Unique Geological Sites
Kansas is home to some fascinating geological formations that tell the story of the region’s prehistoric past. Eighty million years ago, much of western Kansas was covered by an ancient sea, which is why the area is filled with badlands and remarkable rock formations.
One of the most notable sites is Monument Rocks, a stunning sedimentary chalk formation that rises up to 50 feet high.
Located near Oakley in Gove County, this national landmark is one of the best examples of paleozoic geology in the United States. Although Monument Rocks sits on private land, it’s open to the public and is easily accessible for those wanting to get up close to the towering formations.
Nearby, you’ll find Castle Rock, another set of chalk formations, and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park—both located in Gove County.
These areas offer a unique glimpse into Kansas’s ancient marine history, with prehistoric fossils of creatures like the Tylosaurus and the Pteranodon—now the state’s official marine fossil and flying fossil, respectively.
Features:
- Location: Gove County, Kansas
- Notable Sites: Monument Rocks, Castle Rock, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
- Geological History: Ancient sea, chalk formations, and fossils
- Fossils: Tylosaurus (marine) and Pteranodon (flying)
Explore Kansas’s Natural and Historical Wonders
Kansas offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring historical sites like the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site to hiking through the serene Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and discovering unique geological formations in western Kansas.
These sites not only showcase the state’s natural beauty but also highlight its rich cultural and historical legacy. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or geology, Kansas has something for everyone to enjoy.
Make Kansas a part of your bucket list and experience the history and beauty that the Sunflower State has to offer.