There’s no denying that Kansas is such a beautiful place. Here in the Sunflower State, nature is all around us, and with our wide open skies and lush grasslands, there’s always something beautiful to look at. However, sometimes you don’t know exactly where to go when you’re in search of an incredible natural attraction. Who’s ready to get out and explore some of nature’s treasures? If you answered “yes,” you’re in luck because Kansas is filled with lots of natural attractions that are definitely worth a visit. Listed below are 15 Kansas natural attractions to get you started.

1. Rock City
1051 Ivy Rd, Minneapolis, KS 67467, USA
Chris Murphy/Flickr
The boulders here at Rock City will really knock your socks off when you see the tall stone structures that were left by a huge rock long ago. Weather has eroded these once odd-shaped stones into the smooth ones you see today. However, understand that you shouldn't break or deface the incredible natural beauty at any of these locations.
2. Four-State Lookout
Four State Lookout, 3rd St, White Cloud, KS 66094, USA
google/Amy Reese
Seeing for miles and miles around is one thing, but if you can see the corner of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri, then that's even better! This is what we call the Four-State Lookout. However, we're not sure if you are actually looking at all four states. It just seems like you are.
3. Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area
Pillsbury Crossing, KS 66502, USA
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
Deep Creek Waterfall, which is located within the Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, is a lot more that meets the eye. In fact, it's also a great place to camp out and enjoy a gorgeous natural Kansas feature.
4. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869, USA
google/Lindsay Woodcock
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is another one of Kansas' great national preserves, making it a stellar location for all of your outdoor adventure needs. In addition to the hiking trails, they also offer bus tours if you're not the hiking type.
5. Great Plains Nature Center
Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th St N UNIT 2200, Wichita, KS 67220, USA
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
Tree tunnels are always romantic, but this one in Wichita at the Great Plains Nature Center is perfect for a small picnic or even a good book. It's truly a hidden gem in a city full of metal and concrete.
6. Cimarron National Grassland
Cimarron National Grassland, Westola, KS 67953, USA
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
What may be our most beautiful campground is found in the Cimarron National Grassland. Due to popularity around events though, you might not want to try to camp here on busy weekends.
7. Chalk Pyramids
Chalk Pyramids, Lewis, KS 67748, USA
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
Reaching towards the sky in Gove County, Kansas, the Chalk Pyramids rock formation is by far the most prominent in the skies here. However, you'll also find that looking closely at the stone yields fossils and prints from species long gone with the ocean that used to flow right where you're standing. How cool!

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8. Flint Hills Nature Trail
Flint Hills Nature Trail, Admire, KS, USA
alltrails/Betsy Roadman
The flint hills is full of gorgeous rolling hills, and the best way to see that is on foot or with a horse. The Flint Hills Nature Trail is now Kansas' longest, and it's only going to get longer as we expand it across the state.
9. Little Jerusalem
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, County Road 400 and Gold Road, Oakley, KS 67748, USA
google/SONY DSC
This is the rock formation that's dubbed "Little Jerusalem." It's where you can explore another of Kansas' ancient history as the bottom of an ocean. And who knows? You might find even more fossils.
10. Horsethief Trail at Kanopolis Lake State Park
Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
Anite Stuckenschmidt/Alltrails
Gorgeous red-orange rock makes this section of Kanopolis Lake State Park a stellar location for a fantastic hike through incredible natural landscapes. In addition to a great hike, the Horsethief Trail at Kanopolis Lake State Park is also a great place for casual kites and a picnic, as long as you clean up after yourself.
11. Elk River Hiking Trail
Elk River Hiking Trail, Elk City, KS 67344, USA
Yelp
Following the Elk River Hiking Trail through the trees will make you feel like you're in a fairytale forest for sure. Because of its rocky ground, it's a little hard on the knees. Make sure to always be well prepared.
12. Prairie Park Nature Center
Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA
Prairie Park Nature Center Facebook
The Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, Kansas is all about the exploration of our surroundings and the wildlife within them. It includes a fully stocked lake, in addition to hiking and canoeing activities for everyone.
13. Gypsum Hills
Gypsum Hills, Medicine Lodge, KS 67104, USA
Lane Pearman/Flickr
This weekend road trip takes you to a waterfall and then to the gorgeous Gypsum Hills where you'll find out that Kansas is definitely not flat.
14. The Honking Tree
Honking Tree monument, KS-96, Colwich, KS 67030, USA
google/Shawn F
Honking at this tree on K96 might not just be a superstition. The Honking Tree is a lucky tree has been standing here on the prairie for over a century.
15. Arikaree Breaks
Cheyenne County, KS, USA
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
Arikaree Breaks is one of Kansas' best rock formations, and unless you're familiar with it, it might just blow your mind. Many years ago, water formed these crevices in the rock that now form some of our best scenery.

Have you ever seen any of these natural attractions in Kansas up close and in person? If so, please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, if there are any other Kansas natural attractions that you believe should be added to this list, feel free to share those as well.

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kansas natural attractions

Jennifer Young | June 30, 2022

What are three Kansas natural landmarks that are a definite must-see?

There are quite a few natural landmarks located throughout the state of Kansas. Listed below are three of our favorites that we believe everyone should experience up close and in person.

1. Rock City

Rock City is a 5-acre park that's located in Minneapolis, Kansas. It's home to more than 200 Dakota Sandstone concretions, some of which have a diameter as large as 27 feet. Visitors of Rock City enjoy climbing on these concretions, especially kids.

2. Monument Rocks

Monument Rocks are unique chalk formations in Oakley, Kansas. In fact, some are taller than 70 feet. Monument Rocks, which is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, was the first site to ever be chosen by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark. Amazing!

3. Big Basin Prairie Preserve

Big Basin Prairie Preserve is located near Ashland, Kansas and is one of the state's most beautiful outdoor spots. Covering nearly 2,000 acres, it features rolling hills, wildflowers, native wildlife, and so much more.

What's one of the smallest natural wonders in Kansas that leaves one of the biggest impressions?

Many natural wonders help make up the great state of Kansas, including Mushroom Rock State Park, which covers only five acres. Even though this state park is small in size, it offers a lot of natural scenic beauty. Mushroom Rock State Park is located in Brookville, Kansas along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway. It features several rare rock formations, some of which resemble mushrooms. It's most definitely worth seeing at least once.

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