THE FLINT HILLS
OUR NATURAL
WONDER
Voted one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas, the Flint Hills are a special, magical place. The region is one the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world, with rolling vistas that have endured largely unchanged for thousands of years.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
24 Emporia Community Guide
Traveling over the hills and valleys on a quiet country roadway in the Flint Hills will challenge your idea that Kansas is flat. After the annual pasture burnings in springtime, the hills are renewed, bringing forth sweeping carpets of native grasses and wildflowers. With a population of less than 12.7 people per square mile, your only company may be the hawks, songbirds, deer, and coyotes commonly spotted throughout the region. Evenings in the Flint Hills often put on a show of breathtaking sunsets and brilliant stars, perfect for gazing in quiet stillness. The Flint Hills are truly one of America’s unique places, harboring a wealth of adventure, beauty, and history. The area is best experienced up close by bike, jeep, car, kayak, or on foot. Emporia is the perfect place to begin and end your daily adventures.