Adventure enthusiasts, scenery seekers, avid artists, creative minds, and prolific photographers alike have plenty of rocky landscapes to explore, enjoy, and envy in Northwest Kansas. While it is a common misconception that Kansas is all flat prairie, that is actually quite contrary to the truth. Read on to learn more about these Northwest Kansas rock formations that are as historical as they are intriguing.
Rocktown- Russell County
There is a three-mile hiking loop that encompasses valleys, rolling hills, and the shores of beautiful Wilson Lake that leads to Rock Town. Rock Town is home to sandstone towers that range anywhere from 15-30 feet tall. Visitors can also expect to see a wide variety of native grasses, wildflowers, and even wildlife. The clear waters of Wilson Lake will await those who complete the trek.
Rock City- Ottawa County
Rock City is located 3.5 miles south of Minneapolis off of Highway 106. Visitors to Rock City will be intrigued by the 200 boulders that cover about two football fields worth of space. Rock City is a perfect mixture of whimsy and majesty as the spheres are up to 27 feet in diameter. Take the camera for great photo ops at Rock City! The claim is that there is no other place in the world with so many huge concretions.
Castle Rock- Gove County
A short drive off of I-70 will find you fascinated by the Castle Rock limestone, chalk, and shale formations that remain at this location. Located about 12 miles south of the Interstate in between Quinter and Collyer, Castle Rock used to be covered by a chalk ocean, which is where the chalk bluffs and beds had their origination. A fossil-hunter’s delight and one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, Castle Rock is a fragile but beautiful experience that should be counted among the must-see experiences in Northwest Kansas.
Monument Rocks- Gove County
Sharing the honor of being one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, Monument Rocks boasts formations that reach as high as 50 feet. Visitors will stare in awe at the stunning views. One of the most photo-worthy spots in Kansas, this rugged landscape is equally as cultural as it is visually interesting. Here you will find fossils, traces of wild-west history, and even important cultural sites.
Arikaree Breaks- Cheyenne County
Travel to the extreme edge of Cheyenne County and you will be greeted with the deep ravines and gullies of the Arikaree Breaks. Formed by a combination of wind, erosion, and time itself, the Breaks are 36 miles long and approximately two to three miles wide, extending into Rawlins County and even Colorado. This area is home to many native grasses and this rugged canyonland will give you the feeling that you have stepped back many years in time.
Little Jerusalem
Fragile and rugged, this 300+ acre park encompasses 222 acres of badlands. The park hosts the largest expanse of exposed Niobrara Chalk in the state. Additionally, it hosts much wildlife and wild foliage. The park is a bit fragile, as the chalk formations are soft and easily damaged by climbing, walking, and weather.
