Travel Kansas
- Noel Newton
- Dec 29, 2022
- 3 min read
Introduction
Kansas is a state known for its wide-open spaces, but it's also home to some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the country. I've spent my entire life exploring this state, and it never ceases to surprise me with its beauty—and that's why I'm so excited to share it with you!
Central Prairie
The Central Prairie is a large area of flat, rolling land in the U.S. It covers more than 80 million acres and is larger than all of England. The Central Prairie is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world, producing corn, wheat, sorghum and other crops.
Flint Hills
The Flint Hills of Kansas are a region of gently rolling hills in central Kansas. The Flint Hills are the northernmost extension of the Osage Plains and include some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The name "Flint Hills" comes from an abundance of flint found there by early settlers. It's also part of what's called the Central Lowlands, which runs through both Kansas and Nebraska.
The Flint Hills is a transitional zone between upland regions to the east and more level plains to the west. Here you'll find large expanses with tall grasses, wildflowers, cactus and succulent plants that grow along small waterways or scattered ponds (called playas).
High Plains
The High Plains is a region of the Great Plains, tallgrass prairie, and rolling hills that are located in south-central Colorado, eastern New Mexico and western Texas. It's also home to some of America's most productive farmland.
The region was once home to vast herds of bison, along with antelope and elk. The southern portion of the region became more open grassland as it moved westward toward the Pecos River valley; while this ground was also used by Native Americans as hunting grounds, settlers soon began using it for cattle ranching as well.
Ozark Plateau
The Ozark Plateau is the southernmost section of the Central Plains and extends from east Texas to western Illinois. The region encompasses parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas. The Ozark Plateau is known for its rugged terrain and beautiful scenery, which can be seen in the state parks around this area.
The Ozarks are named after the French term "aux Arcs," meaning "at the arches" or "behind an arch." This name refers to one type of natural formation that you'll find throughout this region: caves formed by erosion on limestone hillsides.
The area's geography varies widely across its expanse; it includes rolling plains, flat valleys, hilly ridges and steep bluffs—some reaching 1,000 feet above sea level! Temperatures range between 30°F (0°C) during winter months and 90°F (32°C) during summer months; precipitation mostly comes as rain but snowfall can occur occasionally at higher elevations during winter months too!
Red Hills
The Red Hills are a transition zone between the Flint Hills and High Plains. They're located in eastern Kansas, near the Nebraska border.
The Red Hills have rolling hills, but they aren't as high as those found in the Flint Hills region. The Red Hills also receive more precipitation than is typical for Kansas—but not quite as much as what you'd find on a plain like the High Plains.
Takeaway:
If you've learned anything from this guide, it's that there's no better way to explore and uncover Kansas than by foot. And with the state's beautiful landscape and rich heritage, you’ll want to start planning your next trip now!
Conclusion
In summary, Kansas is a great place to visit. There are a variety of attractions in all four regions that can be explored by day trips or longer vacations. Whether you want to find your way through the Flint Hills, explore the prairie on horseback or bicycle; discover the past at Pawnee Bill's Ranch; enjoy some wonderful food in Garden City; take in some culture at Fort Larned National Historic Site - there's something for everyone!
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