3 minute read
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.
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.
At one time, there were over 150 million acres of tallgrass prairie that stretched from Texas to Canada. Today only 4% remains, with much of it at TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE (2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS). Hike the trails spanning nearly 11,000 acres of wide open spaces and beautiful vistas. The preserve includes a bison herd, one-room schoolhouse, historic limestone buildings, and visitors center. Bring your camera and capture the 150 species of birds, 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, 35 species of mammals, 400 species of wildflowers, and 70 species of native grasses as you hike.
The FLINT HILLS TRAIL STATE PARK is a 94-mile multi-use trail through the heart of the Flint Hills. It stretches between Osawatomie and Council Grove and is the longest trail in Kansas. Trail heads closest to Emporia include Admire, Allen, and Bushong.
Visit Emporia Pledge
Running from Council Grove to Cassoday, the FLINT HILLS SCENIC BYWAY offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie. Much of the land along the Byway looks as it did thousands of years ago when the Kaw, Osage, and other native tribes lived there. If you dig history, photography, or just a good country cruise, our HISTORIC BRIDGE TOUR OF LYON COUNTY (visitemporia.com/bridges) is a must!
The Flint Hills region also provides excellent FISHING AND BOATING opportunities. Anglers can check out reservoirs such as Council Grove, Melvern, John Redmond, and Pomona or the smaller county fishing lakes in Lyon, Chase, and Osage counties. The most common fish caught in this area are bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, trout and walleye. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are a great way to enjoy area lakes. Find permit information and more at ksoutdoors.com.
Visit Emporia Pledge
This area is rooted in cultural diversity and we are proud to share with others the many reasons we love to call this place home. We certainly hope you will be good stewards of our community and environment during your time here with us. Please join us in taking the Visit Emporia pledge to show your commitment to having a wonderful experience in Emporia and the Flint Hills. Go to visitemporia.com/pledge to take the pledge now and get a digital badge.
