It was very difficult to find a vantage point to take in the wide expanse of this grassland area. There is over 11,000 acres in the preserve and mostly flat.

Our next stop was Cottonwood Falls on the Cottonwood River. While looking at the falls we could see the courthouse to the west on an original cobblestone street. The native limestone structure, built in 1871/72 sets atop a small hill and is beautifully restored.

We did not have time to really fully explore this beautiful building, but this interior photograph shows the magnificent spiral staircase that extends all the way to the third floor with the same style rail and wide stairs. All in black walnut!

We leave this first day of travel with another photograph of the grassland and a photo of the state flower of Kansas, a sunflower.

 

If you do not see a menu on the left click here to go to our home page.