Flint Hills

The Flint Hills region of Kansas, one of the last open areas of tall grass prairie in America, has been designated an eco-region by the World Wide Fund for Nature. This band of hills stretches from eastern Kansas into north central Oklahoma. They were created 250 million years ago in the Permian Period, during which time most of the Midwest was under water. The Flint Hills are comprised mostly of limestone and shale and are full of fossils of prehistoric sea creatures. Many cities and towns in the hills cater to sports enthusiasts and historians with hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, historic houses and museums. Two excellent starting ...

The Flint Hills region of Kansas, one of the last open areas of tall grass prairie in America, has been designated an eco-region by the World Wide Fund for Nature. This band of hills stretches from eastern Kansas into north central Oklahoma. They were created 250 million years ago in the Permian Period, during which time most of the Midwest was under water. The Flint Hills are comprised mostly of limestone and shale and are full of fossils of prehistoric sea creatures. Many cities and towns in the hills cater to sports enthusiasts and historians with hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, historic houses and museums. Two excellent starting points for your visit through Flint Hills are Manhattan and Abilene. In Manhattan the Riley County and Wolf House museums offer exhibits giving the history of the city. Goodnow House, furnished with 19th century antiques, is open for tours. Canoe or kayak at Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area or hike the trails at Konza Prairie preserve. The Eisenhower Center in Abilene is the birthplace of Dwight D. Eisenhower, thirty-fourth president of the United States. Discover the history of the west at the Dickinson County Historical Society and Heritage Center.

About the Expert

Frances Folsom is the author of CitySpot Palermo, a contributor to the Reiskits guides to Milan and Italy's Lakes Region, and Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.