Prairie Fire Lodge & Ranch

Check out the Prairie Fire Lodge & Ranch, on Mill Creek, east of Maple Hill, KS, just north of I-70 between Topeka and Manhattan.From their website: "Enjoy wide open spaces, the endless blue sky and see for yourself the millions of stars that shine at night. Take a walk along a shady creek, watch the wildlife or try your hand at sporting clays, archery, fishing, hiking, and much, much more!" A very special place.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Alcove Spring

Alcove Spring is considered one of the most significant historic sites on the Oregon Trail in Kansas. 223-acre park with a self-guided walking tour. Interpretive exhibits of the wagon swales, Independence Crossing, and the spring, which was named by members of the Donner party in 1846.

Located about 6 miles north of Blue Rapids, Kansas. Follow signs from U.S. 77 north of Blue Rapids.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Civil War Veteran Virtual Cemetery

John A. Jackson, KS Gen Web Civil War Coordinator, has created, as a volunteer, the Kansas Civil War Veteran Virtual Cemetery. It is a wonderful resource and great project. He has visited cemeteries in 33 Kansas counties; photographed the tombstones of Civil War Veterans; located an obituary or bio for each, and created this website!! He currently has a total of over 160 cemeteries included. Enjoy checking it out!!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Traveling Exhibit moves to Salina

Kansas native Jim Richardson's photographs highlighted the National Geographic's April 2007 issue examination of the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas. 32 large-scale versions of the photographs featured in the magazine make up a traveling exhibit that has been touring the region, through 2007, now in 2008, and is already booked into 2009.

The exhibit is in Salina from Feb 22 - Mar 30. The complete exhibit schedule is available at kansasflinthills.travel and www. travelks.com

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Mennonite Heritage Museum - Goessel

Visit the Mennonite Heritage Museum next time you are in the far southwestern corner of Marion Co.

Dedicated in 1974, the museum complex was established to preserve the artifacts from early households, farms, schools, churches and the hospital in our Mennonite community.

The museum was erected as a living tribute to the forefathers of the Goessel community who settled this area. It tells the story of the Mennonite families who left Russia for religious freedom in 1874 and chose the Kansas plains for their new home.

The museum complex consists of eight buildings, including the Immigrant House and the Turkey Red Wheat Palace. Six historic buildings from the community have been moved to the museum for preservation and restoration.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Cowboy Jail - Council Grove

Been to a Cowboy Jail lately?


This early day calaboose (jail) was built in 1849. It was said to be the only jail on the Santa Fe Trail at the time.

Desperados, ruffians, robbers and horse thieves all "bunked" here in this early day jail. Nearby attractions, in the same park, include: the Sylvan Park Depot, a private-owned railway station, and the old KATY Depot, built around 1895 and in use until 1957.

Located on East Main Street. [I took the photo, sometime back] One of many historic sites in Council Grove.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Spring Heritage Conference Press Release

Flint Hills News
Flint Hills Tourism Coalition and the Flint Hills Heritage Task Force

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Contact: Dennis Toll, Manhattan CVB
Address: 501 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone: (785) 776-8829
Fax: (785) 776-0679
e-mail: dennis@manhattan.org
*****************

Flint Hills Heritage Conference set for April 18

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Building on the success of the first Flint Hills Heritage Conference in October in Cottonwood Falls, the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition recently announced it will hold its second heritage conference on Friday, April 18 at the Rock Springs 4-H Center.

The conference, organized by the Flint Hills Heritage Task Force, seeks to bring together residents of the Flint Hills to discuss issues relating to the unique culture, history, and landscape of the famed Kansas Flint Hills. The conference aims to focus on the need to
understand, preserve, and share the story of the Flint Hills.

"Our Heritage Task Force has hand-selected speakers who can answer your questions," said Linda Craghead, executive director of the Flint Hills Coalition. "We hope to answer questions like: What is a Heritage Area? Why should we want to become a National Heritage Area? Who should be involved? How will it affect you? We would like to encourage participation by farmers, ranchers, historians, teachers, members of the tourism industry, chamber of commerce members, elected officials, and anyone else interested in the success of the Kansas Flint Hills Region. This is going to be a great workshop!"

Speakers at the upcoming conference will focus on the role National Heritage Areas have played in promoting local stories around the country. The list of speakers at the conference includes John Cosgrove,president of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas; Sue Pridemore, heritage area partnerships coordinator for the National Park Service's Midwest regional office; Judy Billings, director of the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau and an instrumental leader in the effort to establish the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area; Linda Craghead, director of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition; and Jim Hoy, noted author of Flint Hills cowboy stories and professor of English at Emporia State University.

Cost of registration for the one-day conference is $45 per person, which includes morning and afternoon refreshments and lunch at the Rock Springs 4-H Center. For the latest information or to download a registration form, visit the Flint Hills tourism Web site at
www.KansasFlintHills.travel.

* * *

See You at the Spring Heritage Conference!! ;-)

See

We Kan! - Kansas Sampler Foundation

The Kansas Sampler Foundation now has several important programs. Check out We Kan!
We Kan! is a group of community leaders, volunteers, and supporters striving to make their communities better. Some are seeking new industry for their town, some tourism, but all are looking for ways to improve the energy in their towns. MORE POWER TO THEM ALL!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

SculptureWalk Winfield - New Project!

SculptureWalk Winfield is an exciting exhibit of outdoor sculptures displayed year-round in downtown Winfield, Kansas by Winfield Main Street. Artists place their sculptures in the program for one year, and all sculptures are aggressively promoted to the public for sale. Artists are eligible to win any one or more of the 10 awards in the Best of Show and People's Choice voting. Awards total $13,500

The SculptureWalk Winfield Team is comprised of the combined efforts of ArtWorks 360, Inc., Winfield Main Street, Winfield Convention and Tourism and volunteers from all walks of life that work on this program all year long.

The SculptureWalk Winfield Guiding Principle - To be the highest quality, most professional, financially strong, artist friendly year-round outdoor sculpture program in Kansas.

SculptureWalk Winfield adds artistic vibrancy to historic downtown and helps to grow the economy by helping to make Winfield a more attractive tourist destination point year round, and a better place to live, work and play.

A great team effort on behalf of the Winfield community!!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Eureka Community Calendar

Check out the Eureka, Kansas website! It has CURRENT Community Calendar, hour-by-hour, for today and for the week ahead. Really neat!

Also, click on the tab: "About the Foundation" - Active Community Foundations are one of the best ways for our rural communities to accomplish their positive goals - Eureka says: "to bring prosperity to Eureka, Kansas."

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Cycling News - new blog

Check out the new Kansas Cycling News Blog - all the latest information for Kansas Cyclists! Todays entry has some very interesting data on funding for bicycling in Kansas and neighboring states.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The Kansas Landscape: Images from Home

"The Kansas Landscape: Images from Home" is the name of the current Art Show at the Strecker-Nelson Gallery, through February 22, 2008, in downtown Manhattan, Kansas. The Strecker-Nelson Gallery is located in scenic downtown Manhattan, upstairs at 406 1/2 Poyntz Avenue. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Gabrielle Leaman Art Show - Junction City

Visit the free Gabrielle Leaman Art Show, featuring the artwork by Gabrielle Leaman, at the Junction City Art Gallery, 107 W 7th St., Junction City, KS 66441, through Feb. 22, 2008.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Henry's Candles, Dexter, Kansas

Henry's Candies on K-15 in Dexter offers a chance to see a candy factory in operation. Demonstrations are given on Sundays at 1:15 p.m. Call (620) 876-5423 to arrange group tours.
Open 7 days a week ^__ 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

1878 Harvey House Museum, Florence

At the age of 15, Fred Harvey left his native England for the United States. Traveling for the railroads over the next 20 years, Mr. Harvey's view was that improvement was needed in the food department. Upon arrival in Kansas in 1870, Mr. Harvey met Charlie Morse, President of the fledgling Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. For the next century, Fred Harvey's company would bring good food at reasonable prices in clean, elegant restaurants to the traveling public throughout the Southwest. Experience that era now at the Harvey House in Florence.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Oregon Trail Nature Park, Belvue, KS

Oregon Trail Nature Park & Jeffrey Energy Center Wildlife Area, three miles north of Belvue, KS, is a joint venture between Kansas Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Power and Light (now Western Resources). There are three wildlife areas and one nature park located within the property borders of Jeffery Energy Center.Belvue is located in south central Pottawatomie County along U.S. 24. The area is rich in wildlife, such as: White tailed deer, rabbit, squirrel, coyote, raccoon, opossum, prairie chicken, quail, and turkey.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Americus, Lyon County, Kansas

I took this photo in Americus last summer:

Americus and Emporia have interesting intertwining stories, from the early days:

"Prior to the legal organization of the county, the territorial government had laid out the counties, and several attempts had been made to locate a county seat. Americus, because of a larger settlement in and about the town, had succeeded in securing the county seat. Laura FRENCH, in the "History of Lyon County", gives the date as "the autumn of 1858, probably in September". From 1860 to about 1862, the settlers in the vicinity of Emporia tried all manner of strategy to take the county seat away from Americus and bring it to Emporia, which was by this time was growing faster than any of the other towns in the county. Act of the Legislature changed the boundary lines of the county twice in order to gain more votes for the south end of the county. It was finally accomplished when C. V. ESKRIDGE, a resident of Emporia, then in the Legislature, had a resolution passed declaring that all of the votes cast by the settlers in the Indian land, were illegal. This act gave Emporia the county seat, but Americus had the records and refused to give them up.

"George SIMONS told the story of "County Seat Was Moved", in the Topeka Capital, under the date of June 11. 1938. Mr. SIMONS was the printer for C. V. ESKRIDGE, when he as was editor and publisher of the Emporia Republican, and had heard the story of the move, or "steal", many times from the lips of Mr. ESKRIDGE. The story ends in a most amusing episode of how a band of Emporia men "one dark night set out from Emporia on horseback to batter in the doors of the old log courthouse, and steal the records." A tree had fallen across the Neosho River, and in the attempt to cross on the tree, one man fell in, another jumped in after him. He called to the third man "Help me save SODEN", but the third man replied, "SODEN can take care of himself, I'm saving the records." It is said the records still show the water stains. The story, as related by Mr. SIMONS, was verified by many of the old timers in Americus, and is found be a clear picture of the stalwart men and women who made the county a strong unit of Kansas State History. Many of those early settlers are buried in the Americus Cemetery, as well as in the Frost and Fruitland Cemeteries, not far from Americus."

Source: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ksfhgslc/americuscem.html (extracted 10 Jan 08)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

14th Annual Butler County Student Art Exhibit

Visit the Coutts Memorial Museum of Art in El Dorado, Kansas, February 4-23, 2003, to see the 14th Annual Butler County Student Art Exhibit. Exhibits includes works by students in Kindergarten through 8th grades. The Coutts Museum of Art is at 110 n. Main, phone is 321-1212.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit - 2008 revisited

Kansas native Jim Richardson's photographs highlighted the National Geographic's April 2007 issue examination of the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas. 32 large-scale versions of the photographs featured in the magazine make up a traveling exhibit that has been touring the region, through 2007, now in 2008, and is already booked into 2009.

The exhibit is in Pratt from Feb 4 - 21. The complete exhibit schedule is available at kansasflinthills.travel and www. travelks.com

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve & the Flint Hills

The farthest east in Kansas and eighth of the 8 Wonders of Kansas , alphabetically, based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, as announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday, 29 Jan 2008, of course, is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve & the Flint Hills, in Chase County. They represent the Sampler Rural Culture Elements of Geography and History.

The Preserve is the only "national park" in Kansas and is a growing attraction in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills. Prairies began appearing in the mid-continent from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago and have developed into one of the most complicated and diverse ecosystems in the world.
Tallgrass prairie once covered approximately 170 million acres of North America.

A wide variety of educational programs and tours are offered to help the public learn about the cultural and natural history of this area. To experience more of the Flint Hills drive the 47-miles of the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway on K-177 between Council Grove and Cassoday.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

St. Fidelis Catholic Church (Cathedral of the Plains)

As promised, here is the seventh of the 8 Wonders of Kansas , alphabetically, based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, as announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday, 29 Jan 2008.

St. Fidelis Catholic Church (Cathedral of the Plains) , near Victoria, represents the Sampler Rural Culture Element of Architecture. With a seating capacity of 1,100, St. Fidelis was the largest church west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1911. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 14, 1971.

When you make your visit to St. Fidelis, please consider turning off I-70 at K-177 and visit the Kansas Flint Hills, as well.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Monument Rocks & Castle Rock

As promised, here is the sixth of the 8 Wonders of Kansas , alphabetically, based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, as announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday, 29 Jan 2008.

Monument Rocks & Castle Rock, in Gove County, represent the Sampler Rural Culture Element of Geography. The Nature Kansas Castle Rock Drive web site has good directions as well. As you move along I-70, either east or west, please consider a side trip at K-177 into the Kansas Flint Hills!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Underground Salt Museum

As promised, here is the fifth of the 8 Wonders of Kansas , alphabetically, based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, as announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday, 29 Jan 2008.

Also in Hutchison, representing the Sampler Rural Culture Elements of Geography, History, and Commerce, the Kansas Underground Salt Museum (their website) showcases the natural treasure, salt, that exist hundreds of feet below the Kansas plains.

This site is just a few miles west of the Kansas Flint Hills, so be sure to stop by either coming or going as you visit the Salt Museum.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

As promised, here is the fourth of the 8 Wonders of Kansas , alphabetically, based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, as announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday, 29 Jan 2008.

Located just to the west of the Kansas Flint Hills, the Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center, in Hutchinson, represented the Sampler Rural Culture Elements of History, Geography, and People. Their website has earned a visit - then go see it for yourself - and, of course, check out the nearby Kansas Flint Hills as you are going or coming!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum

As promised, here is the third of the 8 Wonders of Kansas , alphabetically, based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, as announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday, 29 Jan 2008.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, in Abilene, in Dickinson County, represents the Sampler Rural Culture Elements of People and History. Be sure to visit their website, as you plan your visit to Abilene. And, be sure to see the rest of the Kansas Flint Hills, when you stop by!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Cheyenne Bottoms/ Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

As promised, here is the second of the 8 Wonders of Kansas , alphabetically, based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, as announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday, 29 Jan 2008.

In Barton and Stafford Counties, the Kansas Wetland Complex of Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is a vital migratory stop for North American shorebirds. Less than twenty miles apart, a good way to view both is to drive the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway.

While you are in the neighborhood, head a few miles east and visit the Kansas Flint Hills, as well!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

8 Wonders - Big Well

As promised, here is the first of the 8 Wonders of Kansas , alphabetically, based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, as announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday, 29 Jan 2008.

The Big Well, in Greensburg, Kiowa County, representing Kansas Sampler Rural Culture Elements: Architecture and History. The Big Well, of course, is currently closed as a result of the May 4, 2007 tornado.

Build in 1887-9, the well was hand-dug, cribbed, cased and stoned with rock from Medicine River and sand from the Cowskin Creek; some have called it "a pioneer engineering marvel."

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The 8 Wonders of Kansas!

Based on a national survey sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, the 8 Wonders of Kansas were announced by the Governor at Kansas Day, the 147th Birthday of Kansas, on Tuesday.

The last alphabetically, but first in our hearts, is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve & the Flint Hills. The other 7: Big Well, Cheyenne Bottoms/Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center, Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Monument Rocks & Castle Rock, and St. Fidelis Catholic Church (Cathedral of the Plains).

We'll look at each of them, again, in coming days; and their relation to the Kansas Flint Hills!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hlls! ;-)

Hertiage Park in Junction City

In Junction City, Heritage Park is located at the intersection of 6th Street and N. Washington Street, central public space. Check it out!

The park serves as the site for many community events and features: the Civil War Arch, a State of Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the 1st Infantry Division Memorial and more.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

"Glory of the Hills" Exhibit

The Butler County History Center's "Glory of the Hills" exhibit, in El Dorado, deals with every aspect of the Kansas Flint Hills. In fact, if you are coming from the south, it is a great place to learn about the Kansas Flint Hills before taking a tour of the Flint Hills!

“Glory of the Hills” features the unique ecological, cultural and agricultural history of the Flint Hills and Butler County. This new exhibit will help visitors understand that the Flint Hills are a precious remnant of the once vast grasslands. Through historic photographs and artifacts, the exhibit gives visitors a glimpse of early native inhabitants utilizing the land, of the first settlers devoted to the land, and of 21st Century farmers and ranchers managing a natural resource. This stimulating display of the Flint Hills, farming and ranching pays tribute to the land and the people who came here seeking not to dominate the land, but to live in productive harmony.

Exhibition can be viewed during museum hours: Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 12 – 5pm. Admission is charged. The Butler County History Center & Kansas Oil Museum is a non-profit educational institution. Website: www.kansasoilmuseum.org telephone: 316-321-9333.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Historic Beaumont Hotel

For a truly unique Kansas Flint Hills experience, visit the Historic Beaumont Hotel in the south east corner of the Flint Hills in Beaumont.

Drive in or Fly in and enjoy a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The Hotel was created in 1879 as a stagecoach and railroad stop to shelter weary pioneers - when the railroad brought cattle barons and frontier society to Beaumont.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

Have you traveled the Kansas Flint Hills National Scenic Byway lately? It is a distinctive experience, at any time of the year. Give it a try!


Flint Hills Scenic Byway is a byway located in Kansas. It is a section of K-177 located in the Flint Hills region of the state, stretching from Interstate 35 at Cassoday in the south to U.S. 56 at Council Grove in the north. Along the byway there are rolling hills and some of the only tallgrass prairie left in North America. It is a National Scenic Byway. (from Wikipedia)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Faris Family Bluegrass Show

Now at the Columbian Theatre Museum & Art Center, in Wamego:

Faris Family Bluegrass Show

January 25, 26 & 27, 2008

The Farris Family reflect the best in bluegrass music heritage inherent in today's generation of bluegrass artisits. Fresh and innovative, yet never losing touch with their roots. The result is the fresh sound of tradition! A blend of the past, persent and future.

7:30 p.m. shows Friday and Saturday, 2:00 p.m. show on Sunday.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Saving Horses - Changing Men

Just to the west of the western edge of the Kansas Flint Hills lies the Hutchinson Correctional Facility of the Kansas Department of Corrections. I was at a meeting with the warden on workforce development in Topeka on Wednesday where I learned about the wild horse program with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in Hutchinson. Check out the link for more detailed information. The warden says they welcome visitors and are very proud of all aspects of the very special program.

He noted that most of the men in the program are there for "abuses of recreational aspects" of their lives, and all will return to their communities; they will be better citizens on their return because of this program.

Some of the wild horses are kept for periods of time on Kansas Flint Hills grazing lands. I'll provide more on this program at a later time.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Birding Festival

Looking ahead: The Kansas Birding Festival will be held April 25-26-27, 2008, in Wakefield, Kansas.

Plan to take a birding and wildlife trip you well never forget. Over 300 species of birds can be seen in the Milford Lake area. April is the best time for birding in this area.

A registration form is available when you go to the website linked about. Make your plans now. For related activities, be sure to also check: kansasflinthills.travel and travelks.com

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Toronto Lake & Wildlife Area

At the far southeast corner of the Kansas Flint Hills, check out:

Toronto Lake is in the scenic valley of the Verdigris River, just south of the town of Toronto. It lies at the northern end of the Cross Timbers area, which extends through east-central Oklahoma into northern Texas. It was so named because the first explorers found it so brushy as to make it difficult to travel through.


Toronto Wildlife Area, located along the Verdigris River, Walnut Creek, and the north end of the lake, provides year-round viewing for white-tailed deer, red fox, raccoon, and turkey, particularly in the twilight hours. In summer, check the shallow waters for great blue herons. During spring and fall migrations many species of waterfowl can be seen on the lake. Plovers and sandpipers can be viewed on the northern and western mudflats. American white pelicans are common visitors to the open waters. Bald eagles perch and scavenge near the park office in winter. During summer, purple martins are seen around their houses at Toronto Point and Holiday Hill. Look to the sky and you will likely see circling turkey vultures.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Rock & Rose Ranch - Randolph, KS

Randolph is west and north of Tuttle Creek lake...

For hunting, shooting sports, kenneling dogs, fishing, wildlife recreation, hiking, camping, ranch experience, and art lessons, check this out. Guests must bring their own mounts to ride trails. Lodging available with 3 rooms.

Contact is by phone: (785) 363-2669 or mail at: 16400 Axelton Hill Rd, Randolph, KS 66554.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Antiques in the Kansas Flint Hills

There are many great antique shops throughout the Kansas Flint Hills. Be sure to visit a few when you come to visit.

One specific example would be Sisters & Co, in Paxico. Check it out, along with others, while you are in town.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Council Grove - on the Santa Fe Trail

A favorite place to start your Kansas Flint Hills visit is Council Grove, in Morris County.

The name "Council Grove" originated from treaty negotiations conducted here in 1825. The treaty, forged between U.S. commissioners and Osage Indian chiefs, granted whites safe passage along the Santa Fe Trail.

The site of Council Grove was a camping and meeting place for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers, and Santa Fe Trail traders. Here they found ample water, grass, and abundant wood due to the extensive groves of hardwood timber. As a rendezvous point for caravans moving west on the Santa Fe Trail, Council Grove provided both Hispanic and American travelers an opportunity to repair wagons and secure provisions in preparation for the long overland trip to Santa Fe.

Plan to visit soon!

We'll discuss some of the individual historic sites to see in Council Grove another day.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Landscape Arboretum

The Kansas Landscape Arboretum lies just south of Wakefield on the west side of Milford Reservoir. Over 1,000 species of native and exotic woody plants adapted to the Kansas environment are found here. The Arboretum is open daily from 8 A.M. to dusk, March 1 to October 31. Stop at the kiosk off the Utah street entrance for a brochure. Much of the area is left in native vegetation, and foot trails provide easy access to both prairie and woodland habitats. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

An Evening of Kansas History

For an evening of Kansas History: On Saturday January 19 at 7 p.m. The Columbian Theatre in Wamego, KS, will be showing the documentary: “Bloody Dawn: The Lawrence Massacre.” The documentary tells the story of the 1863 sacking of Lawrence by Guerrillas led by William Quantrill.

Tickets are $6, general admission, at the door. The Columbian Theatre will open at 6 p.m. and the film will begin at 7 p.m.

For more information on the showing please contact The Columbian Theatre box office at 785-456-2029.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Wichita - A Gateway to the Kansas Flint Hills

To learn "The Real History of Wichita" visit the Wichita-Sedgwick County The Historical Museum

The Museum is currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first ever performance of the electric guitar with a special exhibit. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Scott Spring Historical Park - Westmoreland

Check out Scott Spring Historical Park in Westmoreland. Walking trails to nearby creek and burial site. A metal sculpture of a full-sized team of oxen pulling a wagon is accessible to motorists.

This site was famous for its springs and was heavily used throughout the active history of the Oregon-California trail as a campground by emigrants.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Waterville, Kansas; on the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills

Located in southwest Marshall County on the Little Blue River where Highways US 77 and K-9 intersect, Waterville was an "end of the line" town for the railroad for a time in the nineteenth centrury. Victorian homes, the restored 1907 railroad depot (now a museum), Weaver Hotel and other sites make Waterville worth a visit.

Consider staying at the Vintage Charm B & B; call 785-363-2327.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Sedan Lodging - Kansas Flint Hills

If you are looking for lodging in the far southeast corner of the Kansas Flint Hills, you might check in Sedan, in Chautauqua County, at Red Buffalo Country

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Prairie Fire Inn and Spa - Kansas Flint Hills

For a special overnite - or more - stay in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, check out the Prairie Fire Inn and Spa, in Strong City, Kansas.

Kevin and Rachel moved from Chicago to establish this neat business opportunity in the Kansas Flint Hills. They are active supports of all things Flint Hills. Thanks for your support!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flying W Ranch - Kansas Flint Hills

I didn't have time, yesterday, to post more about the Flying W Ranch, operated by Gwen and Josh Hoy, near Cedar Point and Clements, in the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills. It is a 10,000 acre working cattle ranch that offers guest ranch services for people looking for the real Cowboy Culture and Kansas Flint Hills experience. I've been there. It is neat!

I'm looking at both their brochure and web-site, as I type this. A wide range of service, "tailored to each customer," as Josh said at the meetings, both yesterday and Wednesday evening.

Their catering and food preparation ranges from authentic Rustic Chuckwagon to Professional Kitchen serving white-table cloth Gourmet Dining for up to 700! Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

2 AGRITOURISM: Your Next Cash Crop?

See Tuesday, Jan 08, post.

Both meetings exceeded expectations, with 45 in Emporia, including many new people, and even more in Council Grove, today.


In the photo, Josh Hoy, of the Flying W Ranch, speaks to the group in Council Grove about their agritourism business - working ranch experiences and catering for up to 700 guests, along with lodging.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Photographs of Ranch Life in the Kansas Flint Hills

In the Main Gallery at the Manhattan Arts Center you can now spend some quality time with Judith Lennox Sabatini's photographs of ranch life in the Kansas Flint Hills. The show, titled "A Golden Day," is scheduled to run through February 16, 2008. The Gallery is at 1520 Poyntz Ave. in Manhattan. For more information, see:http://www.manhattancvb.org/CurrentEvents.asp?EID=3642

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

AGRITOURISM: Your Next Cash Crop?

“Flint Hills visitors are looking for such things as farm and ranch vacations, riding a combine cutting wheat, or sitting atop a horse while a rancher moves cattle. They are looking for vineyards and wineries, farm fresh eggs for breakfast, bird watching at a Country Inn, hiking, biking and riding trails. They are looking for opportunities to hunt, fish, camp or just sit around a campfire and stargaze while someone tells stories of the history, culture and traditions of the area. Our tourists are seeking high quality art, music, foods, clothing and other products representative of the Flint Hills.”

If these issues are of interest to you, please join us in Emporia on January 9 or in Council Grove on January 10 for one of two informational meetings intended for farmers, ranchers and anyone interested in starting or expanding a business in which rural tourism would be an important source of income in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Wednesday evening, the meeting in Emporia will be held at the American Legion, 2921 W. 12^th, from 6:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The Thursday meeting will be in Council Grove, on January 10, at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 21 N. Mission Street, from 1:15 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Each meeting will have three parts. First, Abby Cash, Director of Oklahoma Agritourism, will give an illustrated presentation about the characteristics of the clientele, the kinds of experiences and products they want, and how to get started in your business. Second, a panel of Kansas Agritourism providers will describe their businesses and answer questions from the audience. Finally, an upcoming business development class will be explained.

For more information on the meetings in Emporia and Council Grove call Jan Jantzen or Bruce Wells at The Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development Council, 620-340-0113, ext. 9, or the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University at 620-341-5308.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ... perhaps at one of these meetings! ;-)

Tall Grass Gospel Singin'

Held the second Friday of every month, at the Emma Chase Cafe, check out the Tall Grass Gospel Singin' event in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, Friday, January 11, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

The Emma Chase Cafe is located at 317 Broadway, phone 620-273-6020

Check out the acoustic Gospel music!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

"The Prairie on Fire" - Kansas Flint Hills

See previews of the new 12-minute art/documentary by artist Louis Copt entitled "The Prairie on Fire" at: http://www.louiscopt.com/video.html

Music for the film is by Kelley Hunt!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills ;-)

Eagle Watch in January - Kansas Flint Hills

Many eagles migrate to Kansas to spend the winter - mid-winter is a good time to view Bald Eagles in Kansas. The Chapin Nature Center in Arkansas City is coordinating an Eagle Watch event on January 26. Check the Event tab at kansasflinthills.travel for details.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills ;-)

Kansas Flint HIlls Traveling Exhibit - 2008

Kansas native, Jim Richardson, photographs highlight the National Geographic's April 2007 issue examination of the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas. 32 large-scale versions of the photographs featured in the magazine make up a traveling exhibit that has been touring the region and is already booked into 2009.

The exhibit is in Frankfort from Jan 2 - 13 and in Washington from Jan 14 to Feb 4. The complete exhibit schedule is available at kansasflinthills.travel and www. travelks.com

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills!

Dr. Bill ;-)

2008 will be a Great Year in the Kansas Flint Hills

We will do our best to assist you with plans for your visits in the Kansas Flint Hills in 2008.
Start with our website: kansasflinthills.travel
If you have comments or questions, go to the free forums at the website - or, simply add your comment or questions on this blog. We'll get right back to you.
During 2008, we will try to regularly highlight distinctive aspects of the Kansas Flint Hills and a variety of events that might interest you.
The Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc. is developing the first ever Kansas Flint Hills Tourism Guide, that should be ready by the end of March. Check the website, and this blog, regularly, for further information on the Tourism Guide.See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Ranchers Donate Conservation Easement

See the following:
Wildlife and Parks press release

;-)

Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc. holds Retreat

The Officers and Board of the Kansas Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc. held a planning retreat at the Grand Central Hotel and Grill in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.

All those able to attend had a great meeting and enjoyed the Grand Grill Menu for lunch.

Thanks to Suzan and staff for a great retreat setting.

Pottawatomie County Tourism Developments

Below I am sharing a letter from Pottawatomie County, that may be of interest:

Thought you might like to know the status of three tourism/quality of life projects we've been working on here for some time:

1. Heritage Tourism Project - Self-Guided Tours; St Marys, Oregon Trail, Westmoreland: We had considerable historic research done by Dale Nimz (the same historian who researched and wrote the feasibility study for the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area) on the most important historic personalities and events associated with our "early exploration, territorial and early settlement" history. Some of the research was then used to create the first three of approximatly 25 interpretive and directional signs to be placed in the downtowns of St Marys and Westmoreland and along the old Oregon Trail in between the two. Our first 3 interpretive signs were designed by Don and Susan Traub, www.traubdesignassociates.com , have been approved by the local design committee, have been approved for payment by teh county commission and are currently being manufactured. They will be placed in downtown St Marys, at the Old Louis Vieux Elm site on the trail, and in downtown Westmoreland.

Preliminary conceptual design has begun on teh other 18 or so, and we are applying for a Ks Humanities grant to finish them. If we are successful - I would expect that a high quality self - guided heritage walking/driving tour of the old Oregon Trail in Pottawatomie County to be in place within a year or so.

2. Recreational Trail Project - The first segment of the proposed "WAMSAGMAN" (Wamego - St George - Manhattan) trail route has been scoped on public land roughly paralleling the Old Military Trail Road, and preliminary design and cost estimates have been prepared by LandPlan Engineering of Lawrence, Kansas. The route has been officially dedicated by our county commission, for a period of 99 years, for the 7.3+ miles between Wamego and St George, . In addition, the county has applied for TEA-21 funds to finance completion of the the first 1. 5 - 2. miles of the trail. In the meantime, volunteers are searching for a "pro bono" surveyor to go ahead with survey and staking of the route, while a fairly prominent group of interested enthusiasts is working up an organized capital campaign. Whether we get the grant or not - some work will be done on the trail this coming spring, and once people actually start using it - we fully expect additional sections to be opened, even if in a temporarily somewhat "primitive" state, over the next year.

3. Recreational River Landing at Wamego: This project is one of several projects being undertaken up and down the Kansas River to make it accessible as a recreational corridor throughout its length from Junction City to Kansas City. Recent landings have already been built at St George, LeCompton, DeSoto, the Highway 177 bridge south of Manhattan, and Edwardsville. Others now in proces include ours in Wamego and another at about the juncture of the Smoky Hill and Republican near Junction City. Ultimately there will be a landing about every 10 miles along the length of the river. Final Engineering and Permitting for our river landing project was completed last summer. The site has been surveyed and staked. Ebert Construction has moved its bulldozer backhoe, and dump truck to the site. Bayer Construction has donated the rock and gravel. Construction Inc., will pour the concrete ramp, City crews will operate the equipment, Mike Calwell, Friends of the Kaw, will provide technical assistance. Volunteers will assist. This project is funded by $22,000 from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and $10,000 from the City of Wamego. Construction will begin next Monday and continue until it is completed. The project is immediately west of the Kansas River Bridge at Wamego. It includes a 20 foot wide boat landing ramp, turnaround area, parking, bathroom facility, and a small park, with a few camp sites and picnic tables.

So - things are moving along finally - after years of preparation, scoping and design work, fund raising, etc.

Once finished - these assets will add to the attractiveness and usability of our immediate area for hikers, walkers, roller bladers, bicyclists, canoeists, kayakers and river runners alike. While the self-guided tour will add to the attractions available to Heritage Travelers.

Lots of fun finally seeing some closure on these long-duration projects. Hopefully we'll hit the tipping point in the minds of our public and our elected officials before long and futher developments will really take off. Adding to the value of the Flint Hills as a destination.

Thanks

Bob Cole

Bob Cole
Robert L. Cole
Director
Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation

Holiday Calendar for Council Grove - Kansas Flint Hills

Saturday evening, December 1: Winter Wonderland Talent Show at 7 o'clock at the High School Auditorium exhibiting the best of local talents for all to enjoy. Visit local merchants for Weekend Gift Bag Drawing. Visit Santa at his Cottage on Main Street.

Thursday evening, December 6: A Kaw Mission Christmas - experience a Christmas season evening like early settlers enjoyed in the mid-1850s at the historic Kaw Mission. Enjoy vintage food and entertainment at 6:30 in an historic environment.

Saturday, December 8: Holiday Bake-Off where local amateur bakers fix and display their holiday fares for judging. After these exquisite baked goods are judged they will be sold to the general public at 2 o'clock. Enter your favorite holiday baked goods or purchase and sample some of the best from the local community. Visit local merchants for another Weekend Gift Bag Drawing.

Saturday, December 15: Visit with Santa and shop local stores to participate in the Stamped-Coupon Drawing

Saturday, December 22: Mrs. Claus' Sidewalk Bake Sale - stock up on Christmas Holiday goodies made by members of Morris County Community organizations

For more information, check the website www.councilgrove.com or phone the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office at 800-732-9211-

Flint Hills Tourism Coalition meets in Abilene

The monthly meeting of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc. <www.kansasflinthills.travel> was held in Abiliene at the Old Depot:


The group was welcomed by the Mayor Leyerzapf (far right):



The featured speaker of the day was Dick Carter of TIAK, Travel Industry of Kansas executive director, sharing with the group the latest informtion on KTI (the Kansas Travel Initiative).



For more information on KTI, check out their website at <www.thekti.net>; registration required, but interested persons are welcome to register.

Chase County Country Christmas Announcment

This is the press release from the Chase County Chamber of Commerce:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COTTONWOOD FALLS - It will be a cowboy Christmas in Chase County during this year’s Chase County Country Christmas.

“Chase C unty has been described as the place where the West truly begins,” said Deb Zeiner, director of the Chase County Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of Country Christmas. “We couldn’t think of a better way to honor our Western heritage than by having a Cowboy Country Christmas.”

Several new activities have been planned around the Cowboy Christmas theme, Zeiner said, including a cowboy-themed coloring contest, sponsored by Strong City Pizza Hut; Little Miss Cowboy Christmas contest; Meet a Cowboy with local cowboy Bruce Brock demonstrating rope tricks and leather-working; an ugly cowboy boot and hat contest; a Touch the Tack table, where children can touch a saddle, bridle and brushes used in caring for a horse; and a Blessing of the Animals at 10:30 a.m. in Swope Park in Cottonwood Falls.

“I think the Blessing of the Animals is a sweet idea,” Zeiner said. “After all, Jesus was born in a barn. I just see this as a way to acknowledge the love we have for the furry, or scaly, friends in our lives.”

Another new activity will be the first-ever Fabulous Fruitcake Toss, at the Millstream Motel in Cottonwood Falls.

“We’ll have a fruitcake toss set up for children,” said Richard Clute, co-owner of the Millstream. “And a fruitcake launch for adults. We’re going to see if we can launch them across the river. But if we don’t make it, the fish and ducks will have a special treat!”

From 2 - 5 p.m., the 2007 Holiday Homes Tour will showcase four spectacular Chase County locations - the historic Duehn Ranch home of Josh and Gwen Hoy at the Flying W Ranch near Clements, west of Strong City; the newly-restored St. Anthony Church at Strong City, a Western-themed home high on a hill east of Strong City and the historic Pioneer Bluffs homestead at Matfield Green. Admission to the Homes Tour is just a $5 donation that includes admission to all four locations.

“These are absolutely spectacular places on the tour this year,” Zeiner said. “They include glimpses in to the large ranch homes of our Chase County founders, an absolutely beautiful gem of a church and a home that you might call a cowboy’s palace!”

In the past, Country Christmas has included a dance at the Community Building in Cottonwood Falls at the end of the day of events. But this year, there will be a contra dance on Friday, Nov. 23 from 8-10 p.m. at the Community Building instead.

“We thought it would be more fun to have the dance on Friday night, while we still have some energy left,” said Chamber president Kevin Ireland. “The dance is free and everyone is invited.”

At 4:45 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by carriage in downtown Cottonwood Falls, where they will visit with children until 7 p.m.

“At 7 p.m., we’ll light the courthouse and this year we’re also lighting the newly-restored Cottonwood River Bridge,” Zeiner said. “It’s going to be beautiful. And after all of that, we’ll end the day with the Christmas carol singalong at the Prairie Coffee Company.”

There are many more activities scheduled for the 2007 Chase County Cowboy Christmas and local businesses will be open extended hours that day. For a complete schedule, see www.chasecountychamber.org or contact the Chase County Chamber of Commerce at (620) 273-8469.

-30-

Hope some of my readers can take part - Enjoy! Share your experience with a comment here!
THANKS!

Kansas Flint Hills Monument Dedication

The four Kansas Flint Hills Monuments on I-70 (Junc City and West of Topeka) and I-35 (S. of Emporia and Cassoday) were dedicated this morning at a ceremony at the Konza Prairie Overlook Park on K 177 north of I-70 (where there was safe parking for all participants!).

[Sept 21 photo of monument southbound I-35, marker 119]

The Mill Creek Middle School singers opened the program:


Kansas Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller opened the program by discussing the partnerships behind the Kansas Flint Hills Monuments project and a little history. Carried out by Scott Shields and his team at the DOT, input was critical from the Kansas Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Division and the Kansas Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc., a 22-county coalition stretching from the Nebraska border in the north to the Oklahoma border in the south. A mock-up of the monuments fit the program perfectly, representing each of the 30 ton monuments strategically placed on the Interstate Highways to remind tourists that they are in the Kansas Flint Hills - a premier tourism destination in America.


Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Kerr summarized the history of the Travel and Tourism Division, Becky Blake, Director, partnership with the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc. and the joint accomplishments to date, including the distinctive logo and the Traveling Exhibit based on the National Geographic magazine 22-page spread of Jim Richardson photographs of the Kansas Flint Hills.


Linda Craghead, Executive Director, Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc., spoke of the history of the coalition, including the Fermata, Inc. strategic plan that has guided priorities the past couple of years. Looking to the future, the strategic plan urges the Coalition to continue to pursue National Heritage Area designation while building recognition of the Kansas Flint Hills as a tourism destination as part of the the overall Kansas Tourism Initiative.


Mill Creek singers closed the program with a fine rendition of "Home on the Range" - the state song.


Members of Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc. were among those in attendance at the dedication.


See news coverage:
Topeka NBC

Kansas Flint Hills - Matfield Green Service Center - I-35

Retuning to Emporia from a meeting in Wichita, I finally took the time to read and photograph the signs at the Matfield Green Service Center on I-35, in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills.

This shows the vastness of the nearby prairie, entering the winter dormant season.


The Historical Marker is most descriptive of the ranching impact in the area:

[Double click the photo for a larger image]

Also of interest is an "earth, wind, water, fire" sign (the prairie burning is a distinctive characteristic of this part of America!):


Some say this is the "real cowboy country" - there are certainly still many cowboys doing the same tasks they did one hundred and fifty years ago, on the very same ranch lands.


Some unexpected recognitions are also interesting to see - The Purple Heart Train in Kansas:


This rest stop sits on the 38th Parallel! The same one that separates North and South Korea!!


And, finally, the Knute Rockne memorial inside the Service Center, not unexpected.
His plane crashed nearby, and many folks from around the country pilgrimage here each year!


Kansas, and especially the Flint Hills, are filled with fascinating things to see and hear. Check out the links, on the right, below, if you haven't already. Enjoy!

"Tea and Talk" Kansas Flint Hills Presentation

I really enjoyed the opportunity this afternoon to speak at the "Tea and Talk" group meeting in the ESU Sauder Center - an enthusiastic group of 20 or so, mostly retired faculty - on the accomplishments of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc. as well as the economic benefits of tourism in the Kansas Flint Hills as an economic development tool.


The particular PowerPoint slide, above, as I speak to the group, is my concluding slide for this presentation - a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: "Do what you can with what you have where you are" - perfect for our rural development efforts in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Flint Hills Heritage Conference - Fall 2007

The Heritage Task Force of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc., held a very successful Heritage Conference at the Cottonwood Falls Community Center of Friday, Oct 19. This Fall Conference is the first of what is expected to be a series of semi-annual conferences moving toward eventual Congressional recognition as a National Heritage Area.

17 of the 22 counties in the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition had booths as presented ten minute of material about their counties for the benefit of all the rest of the county representatives in attendance. Among the participants were county officials, and representatives of a variety of local attractions in the Kansas Flint Hills.

The Conference opened with a photo montage compiled by Master of Ceremonies and Heritage Task Force Co-Chair, Dennis Toll, of the CVB in Manhattan.

Dr. Bill Smith, (yours truly) ESU School of Business, President of the Flint Hill Tourism Coalition, Inc., next shared "What is a Heritage Area?


This was followed by folk-loreist and Flint Hills native son, Dr. Jim Hoy, ESU English Department, speaking about the Kansas Flint Hills in his distinctive style, sharing real stories and encouraging the promotion of the heritage area concept.


State Senator Nick Jordan spoke to the group about the Kansas Travel Initiative (KTI) and encouraged the group in their endeavors.


Kansas Travel and Tourism Director, Becky Blake, shared with the group useful research and marketing information from the state level, that supported the KTI approach.


These photos also give a brief view of the county displays, around the edges of the room.


Here is a great representative sample of the county "booths," from Chautauqua County:


The Marion County presentation included the Harvey House, in Florence, with the building on the screen from the PowerPoint presentation, and a "Harvey Girl" in costume, on stage.

We did have a nice lunch, catered by "Bad Ol' Berns BBQ and Ice Cream" of Emporia - delicious!


To the right of the lunch line, above, are Linda Craghead, Executive Director, Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc., and, far right, Suzan Barnes, Conference Coordinator, of the Grand Central Hotel, in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.

The Conference closed with an excellent marketing presentation by Richard Smalley, Marketing Director, Kansas Travel and Tourism.

Latest on Cassoday Cafe....

http://www.kansas.com/news/state/story/164542.html

got this from: http://www.riderinfo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6771 on my Google Blog Alert! Neat stories!

Denise Low, Kansas Poet: AD ASTRA POETRY PROJECT #2

Denise Low, Kansas Poet: AD ASTRA POETRY PROJECT #2