Alcove Springs Park, Blue Rapids

Experience the historic Oregon Trail at this picturesque river crossing with unique natural rock formations.  Because it was a stop for many westward pioneers like California-bound gold-seekers and the Donner-Reed party, the Independence Crossing of the Big Blue River near Blue Rapids Kansas is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to Alcove Springs can still see rock carvings that are the traces of historical travelers at the crossing.