Bill - I am a lifelong resident of the state. I am in sales and travel all over the state. Lots to see and do. A few recommendations. Flint Hills are great - just jump on any of the dirt/gravel roads and take off - you really need to get a range map so you don't get lost. Lincoln County in the north central part of the state is very scenic. The Glacial hills up in the north east corner are a whole different part of the state. The Chautauqua hills and the Gyp hills down on the southern border are very different parts of the state. There is a lot of public land around Tuttle Creek Lake and Milford Reservoir that is great for exploring. Kanapolis Lake has some interesting trails up on the north end of the lake. The southeast corner of the state is covered with old strip mines - kind of a wild part of the country - don't miss Big Brutus while you're down there. There are some very interesting and historical rock formations out by Scott City - Monument Rock and the Chalk Pyramids - well known stopping points for folks headed west back in the 1800's. If you like to fish, there are alot of lakes and streams to fish in - alot of my friends swear that pond fishing is the best - alot of farmers stock their ponds and it is typically a bit easier to get permission to fish than it is to hunt. Stripers and White bass on Milford, Tuttle and Kanapolis - I live on the Republican River and when the white bass are running up out of Milford during the spawn in March/April, it is pretty exciting fishing. Walleye on Kanapolis, Glen Elder, and Wilson. I'm sure that it doesn't compare to fishing in Florida, but its not too bad. Turkey hunting is excellant as is deer. Pheasant in North Central and Southwest Ks. is hard to beat. We used to have great quail populations but have experienced a decline as have other parts of the country. I would recommend you do a google search for the Kansas Byways website - there is a lot of good info on what to do around the state. I think one of the more interesting things to do are to drive the small 2 lane highways and visit the small towns. There are some really neat little communities around the state - part of the fun is finding them. Word of caution - stay off the dirt roads if its been raining - I speak from experience. If you get a chance, check out Lucas, Council Grove, Lindsborg, Elkhart, Ft Scott, Hays, Pittsburg - especially Chicken Annies and Chicken Marys, Manhattan and Lawrence are great to visit - football in Manhattan and basketball in Lawrence and of course Wichita. You definitely have to make the bbq pilgramage to KC. You are in a pretty good spot - Topeka isn't too bad - my middle daughter is there - we've spent quite a bit of time there as she played softball for Washburn. Enjoy yourself - good to have you here.
but I'm digging the cooler weather. Since I'm new around this part of the country, any of you guys have any suggestions for good places to get out and away?
