Kansas Flint Hills: Tallgrass Prairie and Kaw Indian Mission

Recently my daughter and I visited the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in the Flint Hills of Kansas about two hours from Kansas City. The unique area covers four million acres in primarily eastern Kansas and north-central Oklahoma characterized by rolling hills and hosts the most dense intact tallgrass prairie in North America. The region has a rich history tied to Native American tribes and early settlers, influencing local culture.

After a video at the visitor center we set out on a two mile hike through–what else–tall grass. And I mean TALL! Did those early settlers lose their way in the prairie grass? Fortunately a swath of grass is mowed for today’s hikers. The morning was perfect and the view from the hilltop was worth the climb and a little panting on my part. (There were no benches for slouchers or sitters along our path). One thing we know for sure, the prairie chicken was plentiful and a staple for the pioneers’ diet.

The visitor center identifies native flowers and wildlife in colorful displays. Native Americans brewed Fall Goldenrod into tea (on the left). Maximillian Roadside Sunflower (on the right) is wildly in bloom everywhere right now, and a monarch butterfly perched long enough for us to take a photo. Sadly, we didn’t see any buffalo on our hike, but not sadly, we didn’t come across any snakes either. My love of nature has its limits.

I love this picture. This is The Little School House on the Prairie, or so I’ve named it. The native limestone school was built around 1880 and is on the grounds of the prairie preserve which at one time belonged to the Jones family who owned 17000 acres of farmland on the present sight of the prairie preserve.

On to our next stop, the Kaw Indian Mission in Council Grove. Situated just off the Santa Fe Trail, the native stone mission was completed in 1851. It was designed to accommodate 50 male boarders from the Kaw or Kansa tribe as part of a treaty to educate and Christianize for the purpose of assimilating them into European American culture. Usually no more than thirty boarders lived at the mission, sometimes fewer than fifteen, and after only three years and little success, it closed in 1854.

Today the beautifully restored mission with rosewood woodwork, hardwood floors and cultural artifacts stands as a tribute to Kaw Indians. Kaw beadwork, leathercraft, photo gallery, and Santa Fe related items are on display. What I found most memorable was the display of chiefs and words attributed to them about losing their land and their appeals to our government.

Shawnee Chief Tecumseh (above right) spoke these words in 1810: “Sell a country! Why not sell the air, the clouds, and the great sea, as well as the earth. Did not the Great Spirit make them all for the use of his children?”

One minute you can hike through the tallgrass countryside, the next check out an amazing county court house like Chase County’s. It’s surprising what you’ll find in small towns like Cottonwood Falls where we stayed. I made this excursion to experience first hand the Flint Hills where my characters live in my next book, Lila’s Legacy. An author friend once told me, “Don’t forget, the land is one of your characters.” Good advice. Oh, and don’t give up; there WILL be another book.

Have you picked out your pumpkins yet? This might be my favorite time of year–falling leaves, football, apple crisp. Have a wonderful autumn!

Until next time . . .