Kansas is a state full of history, and wherever you look, there seems to be a historic location around every corner. What’s even better is when we can combine our love for nature with our love for history and enjoy both at the same time. These Kansas hiking trails aren’t very challenging, but they have a lot more depth than simple scenery.
- Alcove Springs - Blue Rapids, KS
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails Alcove Springs near Blue Rapids is a historic spot that’s also beautiful after a good bit of rain. This spring is known to be a spot where Oregon Trail travelers stopped for fresh water.
- Hollenberg Pony Express Nature Trail - Hanover, KS
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails There might only be a short trail around here, but a walk is a walk. This pony express building is the most intact in the country, built in 1858.
- Sanders Mound Trail - Lawrence, KS
Jenny Karner/AllTrails Sanders Mound is marked as a historic site as well, but I think the beauty of this scenery might overtake that just a little bit. There is information posted about the location, however, as long as you don’t get lost in the view.
- Marais De Cygne Massacre Site Trail - Valley, KS
Conway Hawn/AllTrails Back in May of 1958, a Civil War event that killed multiple people happened right here. It’s a walking tour of the grounds that spans about 1 mile’s worth of trail.
- Mine Creek Battlefield Interpretive Walking Trail - Pleasanton, KS
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails This trail is a 2.2 mile loop that is full of amazing views while still honoring the history and sacrifice here at this once-battlefield.
- Faris Caves Trail - Kanopolis, KS
Steven Rodriquez/Flickr It’s always an amazing day when it starts off exploring a couple caves. The trail here is pretty short, but these hand-dug caves have been here since they were first carved out in the 1880s.
- Lake Scott State Park - Scott City, KS
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr This whole state park is full of history, but the trails here are what’s best to discover. This house is the Steele home, and was built in 1894, and displays beautiful rows of limestone walls that have stood the text of time.
- Dairy Farm Ruins - Topeka, KS
Shawnee County Parks & Recreation Dornwood Park doesn’t really have a trail, per se, but you can make a day’s adventure out of exploring this abandoned and crumbling building both inside and out. The full loop of the park is about 5 miles, but the ruins are pretty early on, so don’t be afraid to head back after you’ve had your fill.
There’s a beautiful place in Kansas where you can enjoy a trail overlooking some of our best scenery, if you’ve got more room in your bucket lists for great trails.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
Alcove Springs near Blue Rapids is a historic spot that’s also beautiful after a good bit of rain. This spring is known to be a spot where Oregon Trail travelers stopped for fresh water.
There might only be a short trail around here, but a walk is a walk. This pony express building is the most intact in the country, built in 1858.
Jenny Karner/AllTrails
Sanders Mound is marked as a historic site as well, but I think the beauty of this scenery might overtake that just a little bit. There is information posted about the location, however, as long as you don’t get lost in the view.
Conway Hawn/AllTrails
Back in May of 1958, a Civil War event that killed multiple people happened right here. It’s a walking tour of the grounds that spans about 1 mile’s worth of trail.
This trail is a 2.2 mile loop that is full of amazing views while still honoring the history and sacrifice here at this once-battlefield.
Steven Rodriquez/Flickr
It’s always an amazing day when it starts off exploring a couple caves. The trail here is pretty short, but these hand-dug caves have been here since they were first carved out in the 1880s.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
This whole state park is full of history, but the trails here are what’s best to discover. This house is the Steele home, and was built in 1894, and displays beautiful rows of limestone walls that have stood the text of time.
Shawnee County Parks & Recreation
Dornwood Park doesn’t really have a trail, per se, but you can make a day’s adventure out of exploring this abandoned and crumbling building both inside and out. The full loop of the park is about 5 miles, but the ruins are pretty early on, so don’t be afraid to head back after you’ve had your fill.
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