Motoring Mondays: Kansas Waterfalls

The Deep Creek Waterfall at Pillsbury Crossing

There are numerous beautiful natural waterfalls located throughout the state.


Elk Falls (Elk County)
Infamously known for being the “World’s Largest Ghost town,” it also is home to the Elk River and the Elk Falls.

Overland Park Arboretum (Johnson county)

The waterfall is located in the heart of the park, surrounded by nature walks and trails –a gorgeous and peaceful place to escape the city.

Drinkwater & Schriver Flour Mill (Chase County)

Located next to the vintage Flour Mill, the waterfall is surrounded by a forest of greenery.

Cedar Creek Falls (Johnson County)

In addition to the tranquility of the waterfall, Lake Olathe has great fishing locations directly below the falls.

Soden’s Dam Falls (Lyon County)

The source of this waterfall is from the Cottonwood River. It is also located near the Soden's Grove Bridge, a concrete rainbow arch bridge. 

Chase Lake Falls (Chase County)

Cottonwood Falls may be a rural town but it is also home to beautiful waterfalls.

The Deep Creek Waterfall at Pillsbury Crossing (Riley County)

A hidden gem of Kansas, this waterfall has many surrounding hiking trails and great fishing spots.

Cowley Lake (Cowley County)

Cowley Lake has been on the “Must See” list of AARP, Yahoo and Most Amazing in the World.

Kanopolis Lake and Waterfalls (Ellsworth County)

The lake is located in the Kanoplis State Park, where Dakota sandstone bluffs and Horsethief Canyon caves are also main tourist attractions.

 

Motoring Mondays: The Kansas Firefighters Museum & Memorial

Kansas Firefighter Museum & Memorial located in Wichita - Courtesy Photo

     The Kansas Firefighters Museum & Memorial is located in Wichita and was created for the purpose of honoring the legacy of Kansas firefighters.

     It is also dedicated to bringing awareness to firefighter history and offering opportunities for people to participate in a program on staying safe in case of emergencies.

     The Firefighters Museum was the original old Engine House No. 6, the last station to operate using horse drawn stations in 1917. It was refurbished into a museum in 1993.

     The museum is also home to the state firefighter memorial, Kansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial, dedicated to honoring the memory of Kansas firefighters who died in the line of duty.

     The museum is open Saturdays from 11 a.m., to 3 p.m. or by appointment.

To schedule your visit today or learn more this museum, visit Kansas Firefighters Museum.

 

Motoring Mondays: Castle Rock and Monument Rock

Monument Rock located in Gove County

Classified as a National Natural Landmark, the chalk monolith duo - Castle Rock and Monument Rocks - are in Gove County. The chalk monuments were created when chalk accumulated during the crustacean period, more than 80 million years ago, and eroded into interesting shapes. 

Castle Rocks, which eroded into a spire shape, is located on the eastern side of Gove County. Monument Rocks, also dubbed “Chalk Pyramids,” are on the western side of Gove County.
The Monument Rocks can be seen along the Western Vistas Historic Scenic Byway.

If you are interested in experiencing some of the fossils discovered in Gove County, The Sternberg Museum in Hays is a great place to see them. One fossil especially fascinating is the fourteenth-foot Xiphactinus, a large marine fish, which ate a sixth-foot Gillicus, another fish, shortly before dying. This fossil was discovered in 1952.
To learn more about this dynamic duo, visit Monument Rocks & Castle Rock, Gove County

Motoring Mondays: The Midland Railway

    

 Midland Railway Trains still operate on the original train lines constructed in 1867

     The Midland Railway is more than 150 years old - the rail lines were originally constructed by the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Fort Gibson Railroad Company in 1867 and thanks members who support it, the railroad is still operating today.



Train at the Midland Railway

     The Midland Railway Historical Association is located in Baldwin City, and offers train rides that take you on a 20-plus mile journey across Kansas.

     The popular railroading association attracts families, scout troops and anyone looking to explore the history behind this historical moving landmark.

     The railway association offers train rides Thursdays thru Sundays - visit Midland Railway Historical Association today to learn more.

Motoring Monday: Fort Larned National Historic Site

Fort Larned will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army 

Fort Larned National Historic Site in Larned was originally constructed in 1859 to allow safe travels on the Sante Fe Trail from the Indians living nearby.

Now, there are Civil War reenactments, touring opportunities and educational opportunities for people to enjoy.

This year, Fort Larned National Historic Site is participating in the 150^th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army, which honors the legacy of the African American soldier units who fought in the Civil War. There are many programs and events open to the public this year that celebrate their legacy.

There are also opportunities for ranger guided tours and mobile tours in the fort. A summer time highlight of the fort is the Heritage Garden. This is a unique garden drawing upon the fort’s historical roots, since many officers and soldiers planted gardens to keep from getting scurvy. 

There are great educational opportunities at Fort Larned. The park is an active participant in the Ticket to Ride program, which gives young students free transportation to parks throughout our nation.

The historical site is open every day to the public with no admittance fee. To learn more about this historical site visit National Park Services: Fort Larned.

Shops at Fort Larned