Interesting Museums to Visit

 Martin and Osa Johnson were a couple of, I guess explorers is the right word.  They were frequent travelers to Africa where they befriended the people there and experienced their culture.  They had many artifacts of their travels and in Chanute, Kansas there is a museum showcasing their travels.  Martin and Osa made movies of their travels which they play at the museum, and they also used to play these videos on local stations giving everyone in Southeast Kansas a taste of Africa. 

 Many of their artifacts are traditional masks and jewelry worn by tribal people.  They also have spears, poles, clothing, and animal tributes.  If you're wanting a taste of the exotic but don't want to travel outside the plains then a visit to this museum, which also has a railroad museum near by, will fulfill your wish. 

For the Gambler

The plains states have an advantage when it comes to satisfying the gambler's hungry spirit. There are a few destination casinos in the plains.  South Dakota has destination casinos including riverboat casinos.  Kansas has two destination casinos, one in the infamous Dodge City and one in convenient Kansas City.  Oklahoma has numerous destination casinos.  As an amateur gambler that has been to casinos in all three states and a few others as well, I have found that the quote unquote Indian Casinos have a much better payout than the corporate casinos.  If you prefer smaller casinos attached to bingo halls, all three states have those as well.  The Royal River Casino in South Dakota is near the Minnesota border.  The drive there is soothing and scenic and once you arrive you can take advantage of their room deals.  The rooms are clean and comfortable and when you make your reservation you can receive 20 dollars in play and 30 dollars toward food.  The casino offers a variety of games and the buffet has not only typical buffet fare but a pasta station as well.  Oklahoma has a wonderful destination casino right on the border of Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas called Downstream Casino.  In fact the parking lot is in Kansas.  They have a hotel which they are currently adding onto, and a variety of machines, both old and new.  Kansas has an Indian destination casino north of Topeka called Prairieband.  All these casinos have resort qualities like pools, golf courses, and activities other than gambling.  In addition to gambling these casinos are located near other activities as well.  The Royal River Casino is near Pipestone and just north of Sioux Falls where there are numerous activities.  The Downstream Casino is near several rivers where floating is a popular activity and near attractions like Big Brutus and Route 66.  So if you're an amateur or a semi-professional gambler or you just like a smaller, quieter environment the destination casinos or smaller Indian casinos just might be perfect for you. 
A Short List of Places to try your hand:
Downstream Casino and Resort near Miami, Oklahoma
Prairieband Casino and Resort north of Topeka on highway 75
Royal River Casino and Resort in Flandreau, South Dakota
Grand Lake Casino and Resort north of Grove, Oklahoma
White Cloud Casino near White Cloud, Kansas
Boothill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas
7th Street Casino in Kansas City, Kansas

Travel Tips for the Hungry Traveler

When traveling the plains there are a lot of towns, towns that most people refer to as quaint, that have hometown restaurants run by locals.  These diners and restaurants usually have wonderful food, atmosphere, and a low price.  In Leavenworth, for instance, there are several places to find wonderful local fare.  Homers, a diner with pull-up ordering and delivery or booths inside, has wonderfully greasy hamburgers that will take you back to childhood.  If you are not in the mood for diner fare, then a picnic at a local park also makes a nostalgic stop.  In most small towns, there are local parks that have park benches or tables and picturesque views.  You could also take a blanket and eat on the grass.  

Parsons, KS Arboretum taken from http://www.parsonsks.com October 10, 2012

 When you are traveling across the state on one of the interstates, the rest stops have wonderful views and picnic tables as well.  If you are looking for a place to stop there are several places in Nebraska and Kansas that have wonderful parks that make great picnic stops.  Near Manhattan Kansas there is a place called Pillsbury Crossing that has a ford and swimming holes, and makes a wonderful family stop.  In Southeast Kansas in Parsons, a beautiful arboretum provides a picturesque backdrop for any meal.  In Schuyler, Nebraska, there are wonderful parks that provide a wonderful stop for the family.   

Pillsbury Crossing near Manhattan KS, Photo Taken from http://photo.net October 10, 2012

In Goodland, Kansas, there is Pioneer Park, adjacent to the famous Van Gogh painting, which provides shade, views, and a place for travelers to stop and picnic.  Ralston, Nebraska, also has a number of parks for tourist enjoyment, some with gazebos, some with tables, other provide areas for an alfresco luncheon.  When you travel as a family through this rural area of the country don’t limit your experience to McDonalds, Applebees, or Burger King.  Experience the charming atmosphere offered by local restaurants and parks, you won’t regret it.

Cathedral on the Plains

 St Marys Catholic Church in St Benedict, Kansas is a lovely spot, even to those who are not religious.  The cathedral is filled with religious icons in the form of paintings and statues.  There is a grotto outside the cathedral that tells the story of the WWII unit from St Benedict and the successful completion of their mission.  The place is both beautiful and peaceful.  The drive there also allows from spectacular views of the prairie and numerous historical markers and opportunities for side trips.  The town itself is small but offers charm to those visiting.  For even a fraction of the feeling one feels in the presence of the Sistine Chapel visit this lovely site.

 

Chickasaw National Recreaction Area, Sulphur, Oklahoma

 Located in south central Oklahoma, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a picturesque area for running, biking, fishing, and generally enjoying nature.  The Lincoln Bridge, pictured on the Oklahoma National Park quarter, is located there, and is prettier in person than embossed in silver on the quarter.  The park is located in Sulphur, Oklahoma.  There is a reason the town is named Sulphur.  The distinct smell of the mineral permeates the town, but fades after a bit into the background as you become more interested in the scenery.   There are trails, springs, and creeks to enjoy with family and friends.  When I visited, it was nearly 100 degrees and numerous families were swimming in the shallow creek.  There is a wonderful nature center where you can buy souvenirs and learn about the local flora and fauna. Camping is an option, as are local hotels, although, I would steer clear of the Local Super 8, as it is in terrible condition and under incompetent management just now.

    There is a nearby lake, and the largest waterfall in Oklahoma is south of Sulphur on I-35.  You do have to pay an entrance fee, but the waterfall and the view from the peaks of the Arbuckle Mountains are worth it.  While this particular plains spot borders on the desert landscape, it does show you another facet of the plains that most people don't think of.  A landscape while barren at times, is still beautiful. 

Kansas's Own National Park

 Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located in east central Kansas near Strong City.  The area is in the Flint Hills.  The dynamic horizon with rolling hills, trees, and waving grasses are picturesque in any weather.  When lightning flashes in the distance and black clouds roll over the hills, or sun lights the grasses and the colors of wildflowers pop, or snow blows over the contoured land drifting against fences, brush, and the occasional boulder the prairie is a spectacular sight.  The Preserve has a shuttle that will carry you out to picturesque spots, or you can choose to hike the road that winds through the preserve past various wildflowers and grass that can reach your shoulders.  There is also a historic house at the gate of the preserve and a history of those that lived there.  While the house is beautiful and the history is fascinating, nothing is more breathtaking than the sight of the rolling hills and the feel of the cool breeze rushing across the waving grass.

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Find the Perfect Spot to View the Changes in Autumn

Missouri National Scenic River on the Nebraska/South Dakota line

 As the weather grows cooler and leaves begin to change to their russet, gilt, and, fiery hues, people seek places to view those rich colors in all their splendor.  There are various places where viewing these autumn changes offers picturesque landscapes. Imagine the beauty of the land at the Missouri National Recreation River, Squaw Creek in Northwestern Missouri, Homestead National Monument, and Scenic Routes that wind through Kansas, Nebraska, and Minnesota as those colors transition.   When the plains grass changes from green to gold, the trees change to their autumn colors, and the cool mornings and evenings drape the prairie grasses in a soft gray blanket enhancing those fall colors, you know that the plains are a special place perfect for a cool autumn journey.

Squaw Creek NWR

Bald Eagle, Squaw Creek NWR

Squaw Creek NWR

Homestead National Monument, Beatrice, Nebraska

Homestead National Monument, Beatrice, Nebraska

Alcove Spring, Kansas, a Historic Stop on the Oregon Trail

 I know you may be thinking that the only thing I write about is National Parks.  While I am a big proponent of our National Park system there are more things to see on the Great Plains than the National Parks.  I should mention that I am a big fan of the history of the plains, specifically the settlement of the area from 1850-1900.  I really love the history of the Oregon Trail and there are numerous historical spots along the trail that tourists can visit.  This particular is about a small spot, not easily accessible from the Highway, but worth the trip.  Alcove Spring, located off US Highway 36 in Eastern Kansas, was a popular camping spot on the Oregon Trail.  The Spring is still there, along with Historical Markers and wagon ruts.  There are a few easy trails that wind through a wooded area near the river and come open grassy ares as well.  It is a truly lovely spot that is rich in history, scenery, and solitude. 

Pipestone National Monument

 Recently I ventured to Minnesota and the Pipestone National Monument. The area has stone that Native Americans used to carve pipes, hence the name, and other artifacts. The monument has a nice trail that takes you out to the quarry. It's a short trail that even the most out-of-shape traveler should have no problem with. The drive there took us across green, rolling hills. It was rainy the day we drove there, and in my opinion that makes the colors gracing the landscape brighter. The greens were deep and rich, the temperature cool. A perfect day.