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.

The Plains

Some people feel that the plains have nothing to offer when it comes to travel. I disagree. I have lived on or near the plains my entire life. I have traveled to nearly every state in the US, but I choose to live on the plains. They have their own beauty to share, a beauty that most people are trying to look beyond to see the mountains of Wyoming, the Ozarks of Missouri, or the deserts of Texas and New Mexico. But those grasses that their gazes are looking past hold a variety of natural sights that charm. The flowers that grow on the plains are a variety or colors in a variety of seasons. The wildlife that inhabit those grass covered plains often changes with the seasons. There are wildlife sanctuaries that protect the migrating birds, the American bison, and antelope that still, in some areas roam wild over the rolling hills. The plains are not just flyover states; the plains hold some of the country's prettiest natural formations and some of the most interesting tourist destinations. Don't judge the area by its reputation; come see the plains for yourself and see what adventure you'll find.