7 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In Kansas This Year
Kansas may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of epic natural beauty, but like just about all corners of the U.S., it has its fair share if you know where to look. Although it doesn't have the snowcapped peaks of the west or the endless forests of the east, its vast plains are unique in their own right, and showcase several notable landmarks highlighting the significance of the region's natural and human histories.
Explore with us today and uncover seven of our most highly recommended natural wonders in Kansas that you can and should visit this year.
Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks, also called the Chalk Pyramids, is classified as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior. It's not hard to see why this destination has gained a spot in the hearts of Kansans and visitors alike.
These towering rock formations rise up to 50 feet from the flat prairie landscape around them, showcasing layers of ancient marine sediment for you to see up close. The date back to the Cretaceous Period, around 80 million years ago, when the area was covered by the Western Interior Seaway. The limestone spires, arches, and buttes are rich with embedded fossils, including shark teeth and shells, offering a window into the region鈥檚 prehistoric past.
Here, you are free to explore the area on foot and appreciate the unique rocky shapes and natural arches while also enjoying expansive views of the surrounding plains. Arriving at sunset is particularly recommended, as the rocks take on warm, golden hues, making it a hotspot for landscape photographers. The best time to visit is late spring to early fall, as the dry conditions make the unpaved roads more accessible, and sunset provides the most dramatic views.
Gypsum Hills (Red Hills)
The Gypsum Hills, commonly known as the Red Hills, stretch across south-central Kansas, offering a surprising departure from the state鈥檚 typical flat landscapes. This eye-catching region features rolling red mesas, buttes, and deep canyons accented by layers of white gypsum. The combination of red clay and white gypsum creates a cool-looking contrast, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the light makes the colors really pop. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, offering mild temperatures, vibrant wildflowers, and ideal conditions for photography.
Many arrive via the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, which runs through the small town of Medicine Lodge and also provides access to hiking and popular photography spots. Keep an eye open for the area's diverse plants and animals too, including bison, deer, and prairie wildflowers.
Cheyenne Bottoms
Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland wetland in the United States, spanning approximately 41,000 acres. This vital ecosystem, although not necessarily the most amazing in terms of visual beauty, attracts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year, making it an internationally recognized site for birdwatching. The wetland is part of the Central Flyway, serving as a crucial stopover for species such as sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, and a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds.
The Kansas Wetlands Education Center provides you with deeper insight into the area's ecological significance and contains viewing platforms and interpretive trails for you to enjoy. You can explore the wetlands via walking paths and observation points in and around the protected area, which allow for potentially close-up views of its wildlife.
Cheyenne Bottoms is not only a prime destination for bird enthusiasts but also a peaceful retreat for anyone interested in Kansas's natural landscapes and biodiversity. If this interests you, note that the best time to visit is during spring and fall migrations when bird activity is at its peak.
Kanopolis Lake State Park and the Smoky Hill River
Kanopolis State Park, in central Kansas, is the state's first state park and an excellent starting point for exploring the meandering Smoky Hill River. The park surrounds the over 3,400-acre Kanopolis Lake, providing spots to launch a boat, go fishing, and swim, making it a popular destination in the often sweltering summer months.
What sets this area apart from other lakes is its rugged sandstone canyons, seemingly endless rolling hills, and natural prairie landscapes that closely resemble the ecosystem before human development. The 30 miles of trails that can be found here wind through various creeks, interesting rock formations, and even caves, some of which reveal petroglyphs left by Native Americans.
A popular hike is the Buffalo Track Canyon Nature Trail, featuring a number of notable rock formations and native flora along the way. Wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and an array of bird species also thrive here.
Whether hiking, horseback riding, or simply exploring the natural rock amphitheaters of the park, a visit here is a great way to further understand the human and natural histories of central Kansas while also having some active fun outdoors. The best time to visit is from spring through fall, when the weather is comfortable for hiking, and summer is ideal for water activities on the lake.
Mushroom Rock State Park
Mushroom Rock State Park is Kansas鈥檚 smallest state park, but features some of the most unusual rock formations in the country. It is a favored stop for geology enthusiasts, photographers, and families looking for a quick and fascinating outdoor experience.
The park鈥檚 namesake rocks resemble giant mushrooms, with large sandstone caps perched on narrower pedestals of softer rock. Like many interesting geological wonders in Kansas, these formations are remnants of an ancient inland sea, shaped over millions of years by erosion. The 鈥渕ushrooms鈥� are part of the Dakota Formation, known for its layered sandstone and conglomerate rocks.
Be sure to walk one or more of the park鈥檚 short trails, which lead to the mushroom-shaped rocks and other curious geological features throughout. While small, Mushroom Rock State Park鈥檚 geological significance and distinct landscape make it a worthwhile visit, particularly for those traveling along the Post Rock Scenic Byway or nearby Kanopolis State Park. This park is accessible year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring the formations.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills of Kansas protects one of the last remaining expanses of tallgrass prairie in North America. Covering approximately 10,894 acres, the preserve is a window into a landscape that once covered 170 million acres of the continent.
Here, you can discover more than 40 miles of trails that wind through the vast grassland, passing through wildflower meadows and scenic viewpoints. You may also come across its population of reintroduced herds of bison, which can often be seen grazing among the native grasses. Furthermore, the nearby historic Spring Hill Ranch includes a gorgeous limestone house built in 1881 and a barn, giving you a look into this region's ranching past. The best time to visit is late spring to early fall, when the grasses are lush, wildflowers are in bloom, and bison sightings are more frequent.
The nearby cities of Cottonwood Falls and Strong City have their own share of historic and natural landmarks, like the Chase Lake Falls, but also provide you with hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other amenities for your travels.
Cimarron National Grassland
Cimarron National Grassland spans a massive 108,175 acres of scenic mixed-grass prairie, canyons, and riverbeds. The landscape is historically notable as a remnant of the Dust Bowl era, now restored to support diverse wildlife and native vegetation. The famous Santa Fe Trail Historic Route also ran through the area, marked by visible wagon ruts and interpretive signs that highlight the region鈥檚 role in the westward expansion of the United States.
Explore the Grassland鈥檚 varied terrain through hiking and camping, and be sure to pay a visit to the Cimarron River, which is often dry on the surface but supports a unique riparian ecosystem that contrasts with the arid prairie. The grassland is also home to mule deer, pronghorn, and an array of bird species
The Point of Rock Interpretive Site is perhaps the best-known place to go for unobstructed views of the prairie and snap a great landscape photo or two, particularly during sunsets if you stick around later in the day. Spring and fall offer the best conditions for visiting, with cooler temperatures ideal for hiking and landscape photography.
Explore the Beauty of Nature in Kansas
Whether you're a resident or passing through on a road trip, these natural wonders make Kansas a worthwhile place to make a few or more stops along the way. In fact, this underrated state can harbor an entire adventure of its own, given its vast wildlands, numerous trails, and incredible collection of spots for landscape photography opportunities.
From its prairies to its rolling hills, make Kansas your next unique vacation destination this year and come back with memories of a region that certainly does not get the same attention as states like California, Colorado, or other well-known nature-filled corners of the country.
