Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park showcases a mile-long stretch of 100-foot-tall spires and cliffs of eroded Niobrara Chalk, a layer of rock deposited about 85 million years ago. Niobrara Chalk was formed by sediment that settle at the bottom of an inland ocean called the Western Interior Seaway, which covered most of central North America roughly 140 to 70 million years ago. The sediment became compressed over time, and the seaway floor was lifted by the same tectonic shifting that formed the Rocky Mountains. If you are a geology enthusiast, or even if you’re not, you have to check out this great Kansas State Park find in Western Kansas! Book a guided tour/hike!  Find out more here: https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Little-Jerusalem-Badlands

Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and Displays, Crawford State Park, Waconda Springs, Glen Elder State Park

This southeast Kansas treasure, Crawford State Park, is located 9 miles north of Girard in Crawford County, and resides on a 150-acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930’s. The CCC Memorial Trail is a self-guided tour that hosts the National CCC Alumni Foundation Statue, buildings and displays containing items of historical importance honoring their achievement; plus the remnants of a 19^th century U.S. military outpost also lie within the state park boundary.  American History buffs will not want to miss this Kansas State Park for a stopover or extended stay! https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Crawford

Waconda Springs, Glen Elder State Park

 The Waconda Springs Replica at Glen Elder State Park pays tribute to an ill-fated site of Kansas geology and Native American history. Waconda Springs was a sacred, ceremonial gathering place for many of the Native American tribes that lived in the central plains, including Pawnee, Wichita, Kaw, Kiowa, Sioux, Arapaho and others. Kanza tribe members reportedly called the springs “Wakonda” meaning “Great Spirit”. Non-native travelers began to also use the springs as a healing place. The history is extremely captivating, from the legend of Wakonda, the Indian princess, to the Waconda Sanitarium. You need to check this one out! https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Glen-Elder/

El Cuartelejo Ruins and Steele Home, Historic Lake Scott State Park

As one of National Geographic’s 50 state parks to visit, Historic Lake Scott State Park will not disappoint! This park is one of the most historic locations in Kansas, with more than 26 archeological sites documented in and adjacent to the park. The remains of the northernmost known Native American pueblo – El Cuartelejo, is a National Historic Landmark. The Steele home of the original settlers to the area has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. Very near the park is Battle Canyon, the location of the last Native American battle in Kansas.  Begin planning your adventure to this Western Kansas oasis here: https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Historic-Lake-Scott