Kansas is a state with many natural and man-made attractions. From the vast plains to the rolling hills, The state has something for everyone. One of the best ways to explore Kansas is by visiting one of its national parks!
With five different national parks in Kansas, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure! Which one should you visit? Read on to find out more about each park’s unique features and see which one might be perfect for you!
1. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
Located in Topeka, Kansas, Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is a memorial to the decision made by the Supreme Court on May 17th, 1954. On this day, it declared that racially segregated schools are not allowed under the law.
This historic site has been restored to how it looked when the Court first opened. Visitors can play interactive games and learn about the successes and failures of the Court’s decision.
The case of Brown v. Board of Education was a turning point in the struggle for equality and justice for African Americans, as segregation was deemed unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court according to 14th amendment law.
2. Fort Larned National Historic Site
Fort Larned National Historic Site is 50 miles northeast of Pawnee, Kansas. It has been a military post since 1859. The fort was important because there were many Indians who wanted to fight and be independent of the government.
It is a historic site. It was built in 1859 and had all of the things that people need for soldiers to be healthy. These included barracks, hospital wards, laundry buildings, ovens, and granaries to store food.
3. Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott National Historic Site is a big area of land that has played an important role in the history of Kansas.
The U.S. military made a fort in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1842. It was for soldiers to live in and to store food.
This place has a fort and a lot of other buildings about war. There are also things for people to see about life on the frontier. The visitor center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is closed on holidays.
This is a fort in Kansas. It was built a long time ago when the US was very big. This fort helped make more trade routes with Native Americans who lost their land because of this country’s growth.
Many soldiers at Fort Scott helped keep the peace between the settlers and the native tribes. The Kaw, Osage Nation, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma-Missouri Indian Confederacy, and Quapaw Tribes are all tribes that lived near or traveled through these lands. It has been just over 100 years since white settlement started happening rapidly in this area.
4. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is a historic, beautiful trail that runs from St. Louis to the Oregon coast.
This trial was made by Congress in 1978 for the American people. This trial was made to protect and make historic buildings, sites, or objects.
It took them two years to travel from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean. They traveled across 18,000 miles of prairie and mountains before they got there. Before this, they studied Native Americans who have lived in America for centuries. They left us with a better understanding of America’s geography!
5. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
It is a place with prairie and sand dunes. The land has many types of grass, wildflowers, tall oaks, waterholes, and wetlands that provide animals with shelter.
This Preserve is an area where people can study plants. It is a place where you can study how plants interact with the environment.
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a large open area with many different activities. You can watch animals, take tours, or hike. The preserve is near Haskell University which offers classes about ecology and sustainability.
Kansas has more than just beautiful landscapes. There are many other fun things to do. I hope you’ll be able to enjoy all of them on your visit!
