National Day of the Cowboy Celebration

Plan to be in Abilene on Saturday, July 26, for the National Day of the Cowboy Celebration.
In addition, each Saturday night in July, check out the: "Memories of the Prairie" programs beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Center's Historical Museum. Visitors to Abilene are invited to the programs which are free of charge.


The Heritage Center of Dickinson County is located directly east of the Eisenhower Center. Check out hours and location details at: Heritage Center

P.S. I'm trying to run down a list of all the County Fairs and Festivals in the Kansas Flint Hills and their dates, to share here. Please list name of event and website or email in a comment, below, or send to me directly at billsmith2003@gmail.com - THANKS!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture

The 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture announced recently by the Kansas Sampler Foundation include FOUR from the 22 counties of the Kansas Flint Hills, again making our case for the Kansas Flint Hills as an international tourism destination!

Chase County Courthouse, Cottonwood Falls
Kansas State Capitol, Topeka
Lebold Mansion, Abilene
Seelye Mansion, Abilene


Come visit, and enjoy the many other attractions of the Kansas Flint Hills!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Independence Day Music at the Ranch

Independence Day Music at the Ranch, July 4, 10 am to 4 pm, at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, north of Strong City, KS

On Friday, enjoy a day of music and clogging in the historic barn. Bring your instrument for jammin'. Clogging demonstration at 10 am and 2:30 pm.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Chisholm Trail Festival 2008, Newton, 3-6 July

The Chisholm Trail Festival in Newton is the annual community July 4th celebration, which runs from the 3rd thru the 6th of July in 2008.

On 5 July 2008 the Festival welcomes Ricochet live in concert at 8 pm, with 7 pm opening act, Maddijo, fromWhitewater, KS. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Old Fashioned 4th of July, Marysville

The Old Fashioned 4th of July in Marysville, KS, starts with a Flag Raising followed by a Fireman's Breakfast and a Fast Draw Competition. "The Taste of Marysville" will feature local restaurants all under one roof.

At 7 pm, "The Black Squirrel Revue" will feature local talent followed by a performance by the Marshall County Community Band and the Marshall County Community Choir. Fireworks will be at dusk, followed by a dance at the American Legion and an outdoor movie.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Old Fashion 4th of July, Eisenhower Park, Abilene

Old Fashion 4th of July, Eisenhower Park, Abilene, includes a 5k road run, 1 mile Fun Run, 2 Mile Walk and Mud Volleyball - and, Baby Beauty contest, Cake Walk, Frog & Turtle races, and Water Balloon Toss. The evening features an 8 pm City Band Performance and 9:45 pm "Start the Fireworks!


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

87th Annual July 4th Celebration, Peabody, Kansas

87th Annual July 4th Celebration, Peabody, Kansas, will be the first of several holiday events I will mention here in coming days. Most communities around the Kansas Flint Hills have some celebrations, we will just highlight a few. The High School Alumni Dance starts the celebratin on Thursday night, July 3. Activities on Friday start with the 6 am Salute, include the 5 pm parade,and conclude with 10 pm (approx) Fireworks.

There is a Softball Tournament on Saturday, and a DANCE, with the Callahan Band, on Saturday night.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Territorial Days, June 27 & 28

OK, forgive me, this is outside the Flint Hills - but, it is our state heritage, and I encourage you to consider participating in the Historic LeCompton Territorial Days.


Enjoy all the activities, but especially on Saturday, starting at 9 am, are the free demonstrations of pioneer skills and living history... folks dressed in period costumes and doing pioneer crafts.

Be sure your youngsters get the opportunity to see and hear, to get them excited about their past and how our ancestors helped get us to today... it didn't just happen. They didn't push a button. They worked hard and sincerely to build this land.

See you in, and near, the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit Update

The Traveling Exhibit of Flint Hills photos by Jim Richardson in National Geographic's April 2007 issue opens on July 1, running through August 3, at the Overland Park Convention & Visitor's Bureau. [See note added at end!] This is great opportunity for folks in the Greater Kansas City area to view the photos and be reminded of the fine scenery and distinctive landscapes located just a few miles to the west, in the Kansas Flint Hills.

In addition, the Exhibit reminds everyone that just driving across I-70 to the west, or I-35 toward Wichita, is only a glimpse of the Kansas Flint Hills... plan a little extra time, and drive K-177, the Flint Hills National Scenic ByWay... stop off in Council Grove, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Cottonwood Falls, or any of the other fine small communities with distinctive characteristics reminding us of memories of our youth, on the farms and ranches, the rural areas of America of times gone by. Slow down, and drink in these memories and experiences - even for a few hours. Enjoy a few relaxing moments of silence on the prairie.

Added note, in case you don't read the comments, from Overland Park CVB, THANK YOU!:
The exhibit is sponsored by the Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau (OPCVB), but will be on display at Art at the Center, located on the lower level of the Overland Park Convention Center. The address is 6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kansas 66211. For more information, please contact the OPCVB at 800-262-7275.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

2008 American Barnstormers Tour

The 2008 American Barnstormers Tour is scheduled to be at Jabara Airport in Wichita, June 25-26.

This tour showcases as many as 20 meticulousy restored vintage aircraft and is a nostalgic salute to the dashing young men and women who ventured across America during the 1920's seeking fame and fortune. Each afternoon the aircraft will take to the skies for the "Barnstormers Parade of Flight" with Master of Ceremonies, Frank Rezich. Biplane rides available for $50 per passenger. (weather permitting)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Harvey House Picnic

Get ready to visit Florence next weekend for the 2008 Harvey House Picnic on the Lawn.
Your free will offering helps support the museum and ongoing expenses. For your generous donation you will enjoy fried fish, mountain oysters, in-season vegetables, homemade rolls and a wide variety of salads and desserts! YUM! ;-)

This annual event, held the Saturday before the 4th of July each year, will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Learn about the Harvey House history, at the event, and by clicking here.
Your support of the picnic will support the work to maintain this fine piece of heritage in Florence!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

57th National Square Dance Convention

The 57th National Square Dance Convention will hold opening ceremonies on June 25 in Wichita at W. Woodward Price Park. The convention runs through June 28.


This is the first time for a National Square Dance Convention to be scheduled in Wichita and Kansas. For many dancers, it is the first opportunity to see the state. We hope many of them will visit the Kansas Flint Hills during their visit.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Live Music Night in Alma

Stop by Pop's Place, 301 Missouri, Alma, KS (785.765.2500) for Live Music, Saturday night, June 21st, from 7 pm to 10 pm. Bring your lawn chair!

Featured will be Dave Boyd & Friends (Western/Western Swing/Gospel), all the way from Holton, KS.

Pop's Place is more than just Ice Cream & Sandwiches. It's Fun for the Whole Family!!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

More Symphony in the Flint Hills Blogs!

Here are three more, for your reading pleasure!

http://sandhillsgazette.blogspot.com/2008/06/symphony-in-prairie.html

http://wildlifewaterfalls.blogspot.com/


http://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/backroad-musings/2008/jun/17/diamonds-in-the-grass/

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Symphony in the Flint Hills on the Blogs

The Symphony as gotten great coverage on the Blogs - here are a few, if you haven't seen them:

http://www.flyoverpeople.net/news/index.php/archive/symphony-in-the-flint-hills/

http://blackteachailatte.blogspot.com/2008/06/flint-hills.html

http://www.kansasprairie.net/kansasprairieblog/?p=7966

http://mrsblandings.blogspot.com/2008/06/home-on-range.html

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Heritage Barn Tour

Goessel's Mennonite Heritage Barn Tour is a nostalgic tour of barns in the Goessel community on a Sunday afternoon in June. Each barn on the tour has a unique story. Learn about the people that farmed the Kansas prairies and the central role of the barn to the farm family. See how these wonderful structures are being preserved and new uses found on the Mennonite Heritage Museum's Barn Tour.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Visit Pioneer Bluffs, near Matfield Green

Pioneer Bluffs will hold an open house from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, June 14. Stop by on your way to the Symphony, perhaps. Pioneer Bluffs Historic District is located one mile north of Matfield Green on the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. Watch for the stone fencing on the east side of the road (fifteen miles south of Cottonwood Falls, as well). See the new ten year Master Plan and enjoy some cold lemonade and cookies as you travel the Kansas Flint Hills.


I visited on Monday afternoon. They are still in the very early stages of development, but it is a fantastic addition to the Flint Hills Heritage collection of sites being preserved, maintained and dedicated to education for the future of our region. And, as always in Kansas, great people to talk to and work with... !! ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Madison Days

June 13-15 is the time for the annual Madison Days, this year. Nestled int he Verdigris Valley and surrounded by the Kansas Flint Hills in northern Greenwood County on K99, Madison Days is the place for family fun: costume contest, parade, sloppy joe feed, food sales, arts and crafts and much more.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Frontier Western Celebration - El Dorado

On Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, enjoy and relive the frontier cowboy heritage at the Frontier Western Celebration, at El Dorado, in Butler County, Kansas.

Check their website at: http://eldoradomainstreet.org/festival.htm for more details. This is the "2nd Annual" festival event sponsored by the El Dorado Main Street organization. The World Famous Budweiser Clysdsales are returning for their second year. The NABA Sanctioned "Extreme Bull Blowout" bull riding competition takes place Saturday night.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Prairie Art 2008 - Cottonwood Falls

6th Annual Prairie Art Plein Air Event & Art Auction, Saturday, June 7th, Art Auction at 11 am. Prairie Coffee Company, 333 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls, featuring over 30 landscape artists. Come for the great art and stay for the Rodeo Parade & Chase County Rodeo.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

71st Annual Flint Hills Rodeo - June 6-7-8, Strong City, KS

One of the most historic and distinctive annual events in the Kansas Flint Hills occurs this coming weekend, the Oldest Consecutive Rodeo in Kansas, the 71st Annual Flint Hills Rodeo, in Strong City, Chase County, Kansas. PRCA Rodeo takes place each evening, Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, at 8 p.m., as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, with other events going on through the weekend.


I took this photo at the rodeo in Strong City, last year! Hope you can be there, this year!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Prairie Wildflower and Pasture Tour

June 12 is the day of the 16th Annual Flint Hills Prairie Wildflower and Pasture Tour in Chase County. The two tours will be held at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

If you want to participate: 1) Registration is required. Tours are limited to 200 people at each time; 2) Persons having reduced mobility needs may call for more information; and 3) To make reservations, please call the Chase County Extension Office at (620) 273-6491 or the Butler County Extension Office.

Registered tour participants are asked to meet on Kansas Highway 177 in Matfield Green in front of the BNSF railway office (old Matfield Green Post Office) or at the Cassoday Grade School in Cassoday. The bus caravan will proceed off main roads with stops at pasture sites in Chase County.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Chingawassa Days Festival - Marion

June 6-8 are the Chingawassa Days in Marion. Watch for the Rhinos, all around town, while you are there!


See details of the Chingawassa Days Festival at: http://www.chingawassa.com/
Be sure to check out the 2008 Poster, on the upper right of the website front page, AND, click on Schedule for an excellent (PDF file) detailed daily schdule.

Check it out!!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

PrairieFest 2008 - Ark City

PrairieFest 2008 will occur in Arkansas City, KS, June 5-8, 2008, at Wilson Park, 701 North Summit St., in Ark City.

In it's 45th year, PrairieFest presents a wide variety of visual and performing art. The four-day community celebration of the arts includes quality art, good food, and activities for children. For artists, a great kick-off party and a quick-draw contest precede the weekend art festival.

Check it out!!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit - Update

The Traveling Exhibit of the National Geographic's April 2007 photographs by Kansas Native, Jim Richardson, finishes it's run in Goodland on June 2, and moves to Colby, on June 3 where it will be through June 16.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Horse Races in the Kansas Flint Hills

Horse racing resumes at Eureka Downs on May 31, and runs through July 4, 2008.


Eureka Downs is the oldest location for Horse Racing in the State of Kansas, dating back to Oct. 2, 1872, when the first horse race occurred.

Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Visit the Wichita Art Museum

The Wichita Art Museum opened in 1935. It is home to The Roland P. Murdock Collection, one of the premier collections of American Art in the country.

Check out this Ongoing Exhibition: Heritage of the West: A Romance Gone Forever: The M.C. Naftzger Collection of Paintings, Sculptures and Drawings by Charles M. Russell.

You will experience the turbulent and thrilling themes of everyday life during the settlement of the American West. This exhibit represents a cross section of Charles M. Russell's stylistic development over a period of 30 years, from 1896 through 1926.

The Museum is proud to be supported through public and private funds, owned by the City of Wichita and managed by a private entity, Wichita Art Museum, Inc. Located at 1400 West Museum Boulevard, the Museum and Museum store are open Sunday noon – 5 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free through September 30 and scheduled school groups are always free.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

School House to White House - Abilene

School House to White House: The Education of Our Presidents Exhibit
Dates: 3/3/08 - 5/31/08

An exhibit that reveals fascinating details about children that would grow up to be Presidents.

The family-friendly "School House to White House" exhibition focuses on the early education of American Presidents from Herbert Hoover through George W. Bush. Journey back to a time of one room school houses, large public schools and private tutors. See these future presidents as young sports stars, choir members and musicians. Watch them mature into serious college and military academy students. Together these experiences demonstrate the variety of educational and extra-curricular experiences that trained and influenced our nation's future leaders.

Eisenhower Presidential Museum and Library, 200 SE 4th, Abilene.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

School Day - Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

Check out School Day at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve north of Strong City. 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The Harveyville Project

The Harveyville Project is a unique experience on the eastern edge of the Kansas Flint Hills region.


Now in development, The Harveyville Project is "a creative residence, retreat, and workshop getaway, surrounded by the distance and alarming beauty" of eastern Waubausee County. It is "located at the corner of No and Where. Nary a McDonalds nor Starbucks as far as the eye can see, but still a comfy drive from civilization." That is, 50 minutes fromLawrence, 35 to Topeka, and less than two hours to Kansas City.

Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Prairie Spring Cottage

Check out Prairie Spring Cottage, in Junction City, Kansas. It is located in the tranquil Flint Hills of Kansas, close to attractions, but you can sit on the back deck and enjoy an intimate view of a tree-shaded spring while you barbeque. Or, you can take a prairie walk and enjoy the rolling landscape from the crest of a grassy ridge.


"Leave your stress behind and immerse yourself in the peace of Prairie Springs Cottage."

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Visit Florence Adams in St. Mary's, KS

Florence Adams, a specialty retailer in St. Marys, Kansas will celebrate its Grand
Opening May 22 – 24. Located in a beautifully renovated 126-yr.-old downtown building,
Florence Adams focuses on distinctive Housewares, Kitchen Goods, Gourmet Foods, Women's
Accessories, and unique Gifts.
Cornerstones of the Florence Adams collection are its newly acquired line of Vera Bradley
Handbags, and hand made Polish Pottery.
The Grand Opening festivities will begin with a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, May 22nd at 5:30
PM and continue through 8:00 PM on Sat. May 24.
All are invited to visit throughout the weekend for food, tours of the building, and great
discounts.
For a complete schedule of events and driving directions, check online at
www.florenceadams.com or call Florence Adams at (785) 437-6555.

Florence Adams is located at 529 W. Bertrand, St. Marys, KS 66536

While you are there, plan enough time to check out other sites in St. Mary's, and nearby environs in Pott County!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Limestone Layers of the Kansas Flint Hills

Dennis Toll, Mahattan CVB, and Co-Chair of the Heritage Task Force of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc., has been taking the docent education programs at the Konza Prairie (that I wrote about on May 10). He has become very interested in the history of the limestone, among other things. He notes that the Flint Hills are underlain by lower Permiam limestone, which makes it very special and distinctive in this part of the world. He sent this photo from the Konza, with layers noted:

[Double click on photo to see larger version]

For more information on these local Kansas Flint Hills geologic marvels, here are some interesting related websites (not inclusive, by any means):

http://academic.emporia.edu/aberjame/field/flint/flint.htm
http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Extension/flinthills/rocks.html
http://www.msstate.edu/dept/GeoSciences/CT/TIG/WEBSITES/LOCAL/Summer2003/Geyer_Thomas/Geology_of_Kansas.html

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Lehigh Antique Tractor and Engine Show

May 26, 2008. Enjoy this Memorial Day collection of antique tractors, cars and hobby engines. Admission is free. The show begins mid-morning, and a parade is held in the afternoon.


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

New Heritage Story Collection Project

If you are interested in the Kansas Flint Hills, you may be interested in participating in our newest Kansas Flint Hills Heritage Story Collection Project. It is part of the "Friends of the Flint Hills" educational programs.

It is a Wikispace project, using the latest Web 2.0 technology, which allows collaboration by all interested persons on the same website (just like the well-known Wikipedia, which sponsors the space for educational projects).

Check it out, at: http://kansasflinthills.wikispaces.com/
I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. We welcome your participation in adding appropriate information to the site.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The Santa Fe Trail passed through Tampa

A Santa Fe Trail marker located at 330th Street in Tampa has this inscription:

Old Santa Fe Trail
Operated 1822-1872
Purchased from the Indians August 10, 1825
Surveyed 1827 From
Independence, Mo. to Santa Fe, NM

Erected By Old Settlers and Citizen

Of Marion County Oct. 3, 1914

[Photo and text from: "A Pictorial Tribute: Attractions & Events; from Dickinson, Morris & Marion Counties (KS)" - Text and Photographs by Norma Mosier. Used here with permission. Book copies available at the Herrington (KS) Chamber of Commerce]


When you stop by Tampa, be sure to check out the Diner and the Senior Center.


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Father Juan De Padilla honored in Herrington, KS

Father Juan De Padilla is honored in Herrington, KS, with a Memorial Lake Fountain

and a Historical Monument on North Broadway, erected in 1904 by the Quivira Hisotrical Society.

Two images, above, from: "A Pictorial Tribute: Attactions & Events; from Dickinson, Morris & Marion Counties (KS)" - Text and Photographs by Norma Mosier. Used here with permission. Book copies available at the Herrington (KS) Chamber of Commerce - stop by and pick one up when you visit!

Father Juan de Padilla, a Franciscan friar, was one of a group of 300 Spaniards that traveled with Franciso Vasquez de Coranodo from Mexico. In 1541, he came with Coronado to the land of Quivira in Kansas. Later, he returned as a missionary to the native peoples; but, was killed by them in 1542. He has been recognized as the first Christian martyr, in what is now the United States.

See more about Juan de Padilla at: http://kansasflinthills.wikispaces.com/Father+Juan+De+Padilla

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Tall Grass Gospel Pickin'

Join the Tall Grass Gospel Pickin' at the Emma Chase Cafe in Cottonwood Falls on Friday night, 7:30 p.m. Everyone Welcome.



Serving Fried Catfisth from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Tour de Florence, Mountain Bike Race into the Flint Hills

On May 18, 2008, set out early Sunday morning for a 40-mile mountain bike ride - and there is a 25-mile cut-off, if it is a little early in the season for you! Enjoy the peaceful and scenic Kansas Flint Hills with a BBQ picnic at the end of the trail back at the ball diamond where you started!

Go to the Florence, Kansas, site to download a registration form.

A few days out, it looks like the weather may be great! Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Fabulous Flint Hills: The Hills Are Alive!

May 17, 2008, at the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, 500 North Mission, Council Grove, KS – celebrating the 17^th anniversary of the Kaw Mission Kaw Councils educational series. All programs are free, open to the public, and presented at 3:30 and 7 p.m. at the Kaw Mission State Historic Site.

http://www.kshs.org/calendar/detail.php?eventID=798

(be sure click on “more information”)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Konza Prairie Docent Program

Following up on yesterday's reminder about the Wildflower Walk at the Konza Prairie, this is a reminder of how you can get more involved. Volunteering to be a trained KEEP Docent at the Konza is a great way to learn about the Konza yourself and to share with others.

The KEEP (Konza Environmental Education Program) Docent Program can be a life-long experience. Check it out!!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Wildflower Walk at the Konza

The Friends of the Konza Prairie will offer their annual Wildflower Walk, the second Sunday of June, June 8, this year.


More than 50 species of native tallgrass prairie plants will be blooming along the trail. Dr. Valerie Wright, docents and researchers will be part of the 1.2 mile guided hike of Butterfly Hill Trail.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Marysville Mother's Day weekend activities

Be sure to check the Kansas Flint Hills Events Calendar - it shows a number of activities in Marysville this weekend.
You can start with the 33rd Annual Mother's Day Flea Market and BBQ early on Saturday, May 10 - then check out the Used Book Sale. In the evening is the Footloose Dance Recital - and, also at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 11.
From 9 a.m. on Saturday to 4:30 p.m. is the Annual Art Show at the Marysville Junior High School.
Something for everyone!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Wichita River Festival

The Wichita River Festival starts of May 9 and runs through May 17, 2008. One of the longest continuous-running festivals in the State of Kansas.


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Finalists for 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture

Go to: http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/architecture.php
to vote for your 8 favorites among the 24 nominees for Architecture Wonder of Kansas - sponsored by the Kansas Sample Foundation.


We urge you, of course, to choose for certain, those nominees withing the 22 Kansas Flint Hills counties. By my count, there are six in the 22 counties - that gives you 2 free ones!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit - Update

The Traveling Exhibit opens in Goodland for a month, starting tomorrow, May 1. Check the front page of the Kansas Flint Hills website or travelks.com for more information about the Traveling Exhibit of photos from National Geographic's April 2007 issue.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The 19th Kansas Sampler Festival

The 19th Kansas Sampler Festival is Sat and Sun, May 3 and 4, in Concordia's City Park, starting at 10 a.m. each day. More than 145 Kansas communities will have booths - be sure to stop by the Kansas Flint Hills booth and say "Hi!" to our good folks there - a be reminded of all the great places to visit.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

SculptureWalk Winfield - May 3rd Opening

The opening of SculptureWalk Winfield is scheduled for Saturday, May3, at 11 a.m.If you would like to get the ArtWorks 360, Inc., Newsletter, contact Dallas Jordan <daljordan@netscape.com> - the April 2008 issue, just out, has details on the ScultureWalk Winfield, for example.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge - Hartford

Located a few miles east and south of Emporia, the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge consists of 18,500 acres located on the upstream portion of John Redmond Reservoir, in both Lyon and Coffey Counties.Turkey image from the website above.

The Refuge provides excellent habitat for a variety of birds. April and May are the best months for observing passerines (perching birds mostly small and living near the ground). See link for list of birds to be seen and when.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Prairie Chickens - Birding follow-up

A recent Kansas City Star article online discusses the fate of prairie chickens. This is just one story, but has some interesting descriptions and expresses some important concerns. There may be dissenting views, of course, so take each story in context.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Birding Festival - Reminder

The Kansas Birding Festival in Wakefield is this weekend, April 25-27, 2008. April is the best time for birding, and this are is rich in birding opportunities: Combine Milford Lake, the wetlands and the native prairie.
See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

National Tourism Week, May 10-18, 2008

"Discover Great American Traditions" fits well for the Kansas Flint Hills at the theme of National Tourism Week, May 10-18, 2008.


National Tourism Week is a collective effort to promote tourism throughout the nation through customized events in communities across the nation. The goal is to enhance the economy and recognize the cultural and social benefits achieved through travel to those communities.

Where will you be visiting??

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Elk Falls Pottery

Had another great visit with Steve and Jane Fry at Elk Fall Pottery (620-329-4425) this afternoon. They create quality handcrafted stoneware from native Kansas clays. We get the gray mugs made with the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc. logo on them.


To this point, we only give out the mugs for work done for the Coalition. We are considering putting them on sale, on the website, in a few months. Stay tuned.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Flint Hills Travel Website

Today, I ask my readers a favor. When you are looking at our http://kansasflinthills.travel/ website, planning your next visit or trip... PLEASE, if you find any errors, let me know at: billsmith2003@gmail.com.We are starting a new tourist season, people are making plans. Errors can be killers. It is also VERY difficult to keep the website current. We have dozens of folks "in charge" of keeping it current, but even they are not going catch everything, get everything listed... as hard as we try.

THANKS for your assistance!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

2008 State Historic Preservation Conference

At the Spring Flint Hills Heritage Conference on Friday, we were reminded that preservation and conservation are important elements of the National Heritage Area Movement. With this in mind, today we will discuss the upcoming 2008 State Historic Preservation Conference in nearby Hutchinson, Kansas, April 24-26, 2008. The Theme this year is "Past-O-Rama: Green Light for Preservation." Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Women of the Flint Hills

View the Kansas Flint Hills through the eyes of 26 women artists at the Strecker-Nelson Gallery in Manhattan now through May 31. The link lists the 26 women artists and shows samples of their works. Check it out.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Friends of Konza Prairie Wildflower Walk

From the Manhattan News (Dennis Toll, Tourism Sales Manager):

Springtime means wildflowers are blooming in the prairie. The Kansas Flint Hills and the tallgrass prairie are home to hundreds of species of native flowers and now is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy th show.


On Sunday, June 8, the Konza Prairie Biological Station is offering the perfect opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the region at its annual Friends of the Konza Prairie Wildflower Walk (image from their website, thank you very much!) Hope you can attend!! ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Spring Kansas Flint Hills Heritage Conference

It is still not too late to come to the Heritage Conference this Friday, April 18. Registration form is on the www.kansasflinthills.travel website - or, just come by the Rock Springs 4-H Center early Friday morning - we will welcome your presence! $45 gets you great speakers, morning and afternoon snack breaks, and a great lunch! Come and enjoy!


See you at the Spring Kansas Flint Hills Heritage Conference! ;-)

21st Annual Tulip Festival - Wamego

The City Park is the site of the 21st Annual Tulip Festival, Apr 19-20, 2008, in Wamego, KS. Wamego is in full bloom for this long standing festival the features hand-craft artisans, entertainers, food and fun for all ages. Last year, more than 15,000 people attended the festival.


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Indian Pay Station and Museum

Check out the Indian Pay Station and Museum in St. Mary's.

St. Mary's Mission was the Pottawatomie Tribal headquarters and service center until the tribal lands were greatly reduced in about 1867.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Waterfall Roadtrips

"Kansas Waterfall Roadtrips" is a neat article in the LJWorld Reader Blog. From time to time we like to feature our readers, other writers and bloggers. Check this one out. It is written by Linda Hanney; we look forward to seeing more of your perspectives, Linda! Good job!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Cowley County Railroad Heritage Days - Apr 19-20

The first annual Cowley County Railroad Heritage Days will be held in Wilson Park in Arkansas City on April 19-20. A Railroader's Reunion in scheduled as part of the activities. Check it out.

For other related events around Cowley county on the weekend, check here.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pelicans at Lake Wabaunsee

The pelicans have arrived at Lake Wabaunsee (WB):

Photo Courtesy of Linda Craghead

Linda is kept informed about the fun happenings at the lake by George Brown, a Lake WB resident, who happens to be her former high school principal from South Central Kansas (Harper County). A quote from George Brown regarding the pelicans:

They come in the spring and fall on their way to migration territory. They send a scout a week ahead of time. When you see one, you know that others will be coming within a week or ten days. They usually stay a couple of days to rest up. Sometimes just overnight. Just one of the benefits of the Lake!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Strecker-Nelson Gallery: Lisa Grossman Exhibit

These are the last few days to see the Lisa Grossman exhibit at the Strecker-Nelson Gallery in Manhattan.

Read the Topeka Capital-Journal Calendar article about the exhibit here.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Beef Fest Approaches

The deadline to enter cattle in the 2008 Flint Hills Beef Fest Cattle Contest is rapidly approaching. This was a headline in the Emporia Gazette. Check it out.

This is the 22nd year for the Flint Hills Beef Fest, a celebration of the Kansas Flint Hill grass cattle industry. It is also a good place to get to learn, first hand, what this industry is all about.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Prairie Fire Festival, Chase County

This is Prairie Fire Festival week in Chase County, Kansas. Check out the website.

There are events each evening during the week, and all day activities on Saturday.

Flint Hills Spring Heritage - 18 Apr 2008

Be sure to get your registration in for the Spring Heritage Conference to be held at the Rock Springs 4-H Center south of Junction City in Geary County.
Go to: http://www.kansasflinthills.travel/ and locate the link to the registration form in the lower left corner of the front page, under the map.

Sessions will focus on:
What is a the Heritage of the Flint Hills?
The Heritage Area Movement in America: What does it mean for me?
Heritage Areas... Who decides what?
Heritage Areas... A process not a product
Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area... How did they make it happen?

... and an open discussion.This is where we find out about and openly discuss the pros and the cons of working toward designation of the Kansas Flint Hills as a National Heritage Area. Whether you now think you are for it or against it, you need to be at this Spring Heritage Conference to get the factual information to make an informed decision - and to have your voice be heard.

See you at the Spring Heritage Conference - in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flames in the Flint Hills

Flames in the Flint Hills was the Google ad (right column) when I opened my Blog, tonight! Pretty neat!! It is a wonderful experience... I urge you to check it out. It is run by my good friend, Jan Jantzen and his partners in this package tour.


Prairie Burning, Country Boys Carriage and Prairie Adventures, and the Dance of the Prairie Chicken, all one fun filled weekend adventrue - a distinctive experience!
The prairie chicken, in case you haven't seen one:


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Top 200 Towns for Outdoorsmen

The April issue of Outdoor Life Magazine lists two Kansas Flint Hills Communities among their Top 200 Towns for Outdoorsmen - following visits to all the towns, and more, I presume. Emporia and Junction City are the two communities. Congratulations! Come visit!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

If you are heading west from Hillsboro, toward McPherson, about half way, and little north, you will find the Maxwell Wildlife Refuse.

The Maxwell Wildlife Regue, located six miles north of Canton, Kansas, has over 2200 acres of prairie habitat. Tram rides to view the wildlife are available.

No other place in Kansas can buffalo and elk be viewed as they can at Maxwell (200 head of bison and 50 elk roam free). The Friends of Maxwell, a local non-profit organization who works with Kansas Wildlife and Parks to promote the historic and educational values of the refuge for all people to enjoy.

Enjoy your visit!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit - Update

The Kansas Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit moves to Hays on March 31, a week from today. It is nice to see the exhibit being displayed around the state. Hope everyone takes the chance to see it!

National Geographic's April 2007 issue examines the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas through the lens of respected photojournalist and Kansas native, Jim Richardson. The 22-page feature section, titled "The Flint Hills: A Kansas Treasure" captures a glimpse of the majesty of this unique Kansas prairie-land.

To complement the magazine spread and further celebrate the Flint Hills, The National Geographic Society and the Kansas Division of Travel and Tourism are sponsoring a traveling exhibit of 32 large-scale versions of the photographs featured in the magazine. As part of the celebration, posters featuring one of Richardson's Flint Hills photographs will be for sale with proceeds benefiting the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Tri-County Historical Museum, Herington

The Tri-County Historical Museum represents Dickinson, Marion and Morris counties and is located near the corner of the three, in Herrington, Kansas.


You will find genealogy information, obituaries, local newspaper on microfilm 1882-1990, former Rock Island baggage car, and Cotton Belt caboose. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Birding Festival

Plan NOW to attend the Kansas Birding Festival in 2008. Over 300 species of birds can be seen in the Milford Lake area.


APRIL IS THE BEST TIME FOR BIRDING This area is rich in birding opportunities during the later part of April. Not only are there native birds who inhabit the ara year round, but it is the prime season for birds that migrate. Combine this with Milford Lake, the wetlands plus the native prarie - and you have an opportunity for the best of all areas in America in one place April 25-26-27, 2008

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Spring Heritage Conference - Flint Hills Heritage Area

Linda Craghead, Executive Director
Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc.
recently sent out this reminder, I will share with you (only slightly modified for this posting):

Mark your calendars now for the April 18th Heritage Conference at Rock Springs 4-H Center on Friday, April 18th. Registration form & news release for the event available on the www.kansasflinthills.travel website.

There is no doubt that this event will be extremely informative to all who attend.....from farm & ranch owners, county officials, state representatives & CVB reps to our museum curators, bed & breakfast owners, hoteliers, small business owners & local event coordinators...they will all have something to gain from this fantastic event. The Flint Hills Tourism Coalition has worked hard to put together a panel of awesome speakers......we will be honored with the presence of the Executive Director of the National Heritage Alliance out of Washington DC, Sue Pridemore from the National Park Service, Judy Billings from Lawrence who has spearheaded the success of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area campaign as well as Dr. Jim Hoy, a professor of English and director of the Center of Great Plains Studies at Emporia State University.

See you at the Kansas Flint Hills Spring Heritage Conference! ;-)

Clements Stone Arch Bridge

Among the many stone bridges in the Kansas Flint Hills, one of my favorites is the Clements Stone Arch Bridge, in western Chase County.


In addition to the bridge, the location is just down the road from the Flying W Ranch, another of my favorite places and people!

Oct 2012 Update: Here is a website with a unique purpose: to preserve the bridge for future generations: www.clementsbridge.org
Website owner contact: G.R. Evans phone 206-853-5814 (per his email to me). Thanks! Best wishes! ;-) 

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Artist to participate in San Francisco Show

Newton artist, Carrie L. Lewis, has been invited to participate in the prestigious annual Grand National Rodeo Art Show & Sale from April 4 - 12, 2008. More than 500 pieces of western & equestrian themed art will be displayed. Over 100 international artists will be represented at this year's exhibit, which runs from April 4 through April 12. A painting from her website:Carrie also has a collection of 315 art trading card sized original paintings Carrie created as part of a personal challenge in 2007.

Check out all three of her web-sites or see her at her gallery in Newton.

http://www.Carrie-Lewis.com
http://www.the-horse-in-oils.com
http://www.miniature-oil-paintings.com

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills!  ;-)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Have a Great 'Staycation' says J.C. Yates

Jennifer C. Yates has a neat article for the Associated Press on tips for vacationing at home. I saw it in the Saturday Emporia Gazette. Google "Staycation Yates" and can see it in papers across the country. I like the implications for the Kansas Flint Hills. This is what I have been promoting just about every single day of 2008.

Her six tips are:
Tour your town
Try new restaurants
Spend time with the kids
Skip the chores
Get back to nature
Shop 'til you drop

Each of these can be done VERY WELL in the Kansas Flint Hills region, without spending very much on gas, overnight accommodations or food. Visit around your town or a nearby town that you've "been meaning to visit!" I'll be you can name five restaurants in 30 seconds that you've been meaning to try.

There are great parks and trails and lakes and rivers to explore in the Kansas Flint Hills - this is the year to try them out. And shopping! Every town would love to have you come "check us out!" You'll meet some great people - you will find some unique products - and I know you will find a "neat deal" before you are done!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Dirty Kanza 200 - May 31, 2008

75 riders. 200 miles. It is the Dirty Kanza 200 - Saturday, May 31, 2008. It is an ultra-endurance bike race through the Flint Hills. The 2008 event will begin and end in the parking lot of the Guest House Inn (formely the Travelodge) in Emporia, Kansas. Riders will be coming from all across the country.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

First Territorial Capitol State Historic Site

Have you visited the First Territorial Capitol State Historic Site in Junction City?


Step inside this wonderful stone building on an early military trail where proslavery forces tried to guide the fate of Kansas Territory when the first territorial legislature convened in July 1855. Contemplate the territorial and national conflict over slavery and see how people lived on the Kansas frontier. In 1928, the building was rebuilt from its ruins by the Union Pacific Railroad. Take a walk on the Kaw River Nature Trail where a magnificent view of the Kansas River awaits.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs Foundation and Site

Congratulation to a successful first year of The Pioneer Bluffs Foundation, of Matfield Green, in Chase County. Pioneer Bluffs is on the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, Hwy 177, one mile north of Matfield Green. For more information call 620-753-3414 or email info@pioneerbluffs.org.

From a brief history in the 2006-2007 annual report: "Imagine the vision and determination German immigrant Charles Rogler had when, in 1859, at age 23 he made the long walk from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Chase County, Kansas to claim a homestead on 160 acres of tallgrass prairie. That homestead and additional acreage acquired over the years became Pioneer Bluffs Farm and remained under the watchful eye of the Rogler family for 147 years - a cherished part of Chase County ranching and farming history."

Here is wishing the Foundation 147 successful years and more.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

LCL Buffalo Ranch

I love to watch buffalo. There are several herds in the Kansas Flint Hills region. Today, I am drawing attention to the LCL Buffalo Ranch in Washington County. If you will be in the area, check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Grass Fire Season - story two

The Topeka Capital-Journal had a good article, too. There will be quite a few, we can expect, over the next six weeks or so... some based on good range management, some from accidental burns.

Exercise proper caution for safety!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

New film on Flint Hills fires

The following article in the Lawrence Journal-World begins the season of prairie burning stories in the Flint Hills: Artist's filming of Flint Hills fires captures prairie cycles.
We also look forward to a 30 minute version of this film that will include additional educational information, possibly making it available for a PBS airing.
Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Carriage House Inn - Chapman

The Carriage House Inn, located in Chapman, KS, is a "majestic 3-story Neoclassical mansion with wrap around porches."
Whether your visit to the area includes Junction City to the east or Abilene to the west, you might consider a stay at the Carriage House Inn, in Chapman.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Rainbow Meadows: A passion for saving horses

In Sedan, I just became aware of the Rainbow Meadows Ranch and the Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirment, Inc. I read the story by Judith Zaccaria in the Winfield Courier, reprinted in the Emporia Gazette. It is a really neat story. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Wamego Dutch Mill

Have you seen the Wamego Dutch Mill? It has an interesting story, in an interesting community, with a lot of other sites to see, as well. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Tourists as Cash Crop

The Emporia Gazette ran a great story yesterday: Tourists as a Cash Crop.
Check it out! I am pleased to have been part of the planning process that brought this program to reality.
Jan Jantzen has done a great job for the RC&D and these several farmers, ranchers, and artisans. He has willingly, even anxiously, shared his own experiences building his "experience based business" with all interested others - and it is really showing positive results.

In later postings, we will share share additional information about these new agri-tourism businesses - to give them a boost, and, provide you with the opportunity to get to know them and their products and services better.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Nature Trail

As spring approaches, make plans to check out the Flint Hills Nature Trail.


The photo is of a portion of the trail near Allen, Lyon Co. A five mile segment from Allen to Bushong opened 30 Jun 2007. The Flint Hills Nature Trail (115 miles) runs from Herrington to Osawatomie, near Herrington.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Bill Kurtis: In Praise of the Prairie

AmericanProfile.com has a great new entry on Bill Kurtis and his southern Kansas Flint Hills ranching and community development interests in the Sedan and nearby environs. Check it out an enjoy a good read - and some great photos, as well.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture

The Kansas Sampler Foundation has begun a new set of contests created around the designated 8 elements of rural culture. They are now taking nominations in Architecture. Check out the criteria at the linked web site - we'd like to see a number of Kansas Flint Hills sites nominated, of course. Nominations for this round close on March 31.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Cowgirls: Contemporary Potraits of the American West

This exhibit discusses cowgirls in Contemporay America: "Cowgirls: Contemproary Portraits of the American West. It is located at the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, in Arkansas City, KS, and runs from March 25 to April 30, 2008. More information is available at the web link.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Order Symphony Tickets on March 3

The 3rd Annual Concert of the Symphony in the Flint Hills is set for Saturday, June 14, 2008, near Council Grove, Morris County, Kansas.

Photo from 2007 Event

The Ticket Sale Date is Monday, March 3, 2008... they went very quickly last year, so, if you are interested, act early on Monday.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Teterville

Teterville, KS - just a name, no buildings or people - where the hills & valleys of the high plains open up to an incredible vista ... and not a soul around as far as the eye can see.

The restless prairie wind blows through the scattered remains of a once bustling community, Teterville. Built during the oil boom of the 1920's, it once had a population of over 600 with two General Stores, a Post Office, and an Elementary School. Typical of these oil boom towns, it contained mainly "shot-gun" houses which in many cases sprang up over night . In this case, "over-night" is not just a figure of speech. Lumber was sometimes stolen from nearby oil derricks, and this made carpentry by cover of darkness a necessity. Indoor plumbing was generally nonexistent, and drinkable water had to be hauled in from Madison. Such primitive conditions were endured by the workers and their families in exchange for the good paying jobs of the oil fields. The Flint Hills had never before, and have never since witness such a rapid influx of both people and wealth.

The wealth, jobs and the town of Teterville itself lasted only as long as there was oil to pump. Today, this oil heating tank rusts in repose; a silent reminder of busier days on this windswept hill. Where once children played and workmen worked, cows now graze disturbed only by the occasional visitor to Teter Rock.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Beaumont Hotel

The Beaumont Hotel is a perfect weekend getaway or a strategic stopover on a cross-country hop. Located at 11651 SE Main, in Beaumont, KS 67012, the Beaumont is a fly-in hotel and restaurant complete with 2,600 ft. grass airstrip serving pilots and hunters. 11 rooms, rangs- $79 to $149.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Peabody Museum Historical Complex

The Peabody Museum Historical Complex includes the Museum, the Peabody Printing Museum, the Morgan House, and the Carnegie Library.

The Complex is located at 104 E. Division, in Peabody, KS 66866; call (620) 983-2174 for more information.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)