Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area

Norma Davey

One of the most beautiful spots in Kansas is the Deep Creek Waterfall at Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, a few miles southeast of Manhattan, Kansas.  The area is a popular destination, for fishing, hiking, and kayaking, or just relaxing next to the falls. Primitive camping is available at Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, but only by special permit. To get to Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area from I-70, take exit 316 and go north on Deep Creek Road 5 miles. Turn right on Pillsbury Crossing Road approximately 2 miles to Pillsbury Crossing Lane. These are all dirt roads. For more information, click here.

Kanopolis State Park

Kansas Horse Council

The first state park in Kansas, Kanopolis State Park is situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of the state. From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, the park and surrounding area offer rugged beauty and stunning vistas. The park is split into two areas north and south of the dam and there are two federal parks, as well. Kanopolis offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area.  Kanopolis State Park is located at 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS. For more information, click here.

Monument Rocks and Castle Rock

This picture is owned by Frank Delargy Photography

Monument Rocks and Castle Rock are an 8 Wonder of Kansas as a duo entry because of the scientifically significant fossils these ancient chalk beds have produced and because they have been highly eroded into unusual spires and shapes, making them spectacular landmarks on the plains of western Kansas! Both places are on private property but the landowners are amenable to visitors and no special permission is required. Please be respectful! Monument Rocks and Castle Rock are located at 20 miles south of Oakley on U.S. 83, then 4 miles east on Jayhawk Road. For more information, click here.

Mushroom Rock State Park

Cherish Kansas

One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography, Mushroom Rock is the smallest, but one of the most unique, state parks in Kansas. The park is only 5 acres but boasts some of the most unusual rock formations anywhere. The rocks served as meeting places and landmarks for Native Americans and early pioneers such as John C. Fremont and Kit Carson. Resembling giant mushrooms rising above the horizon, the Dakota formations of Mushroom Rock State Park are the remains of beach sands and sediments of the Cretaceous Period, the interval of geologic time from about 144 to 66 million years ago. Mushroom Rock is located at Ave K, Brookville, KS. For more information, click here.

Cedar Creek Falls

Tramp Photography & Images / W.D. Nesbitt

Cedar Creek Falls is formed by an overflow dam on Cedar Creek in southwest Olathe, Kansas just above Lake Olathe. There is a flow of water year around, but Cedar Creek Falls is most impressive in the spring or after a heavy rain. Lake Olathe is a 170 acre lake surrounded by a 208 acre community park. Olathe Lake has fishing for bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, flathead catfish, green sunfish, largemouth bass, saugeye and wiper – this spot just below the falls is just one of the popular fishing spots on the lake. Cedar Creek Falls is located at 143rd street Olathe Kansas. For more information, click here.