Stockade Museum & Carry Nation Home
The Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum gives you a taste of what life was like in a stockade in the 1870s. Journey with us to a time in our…
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Ancient floodplains, buttes, canyons, mesas, and sinkholes are rare on the Great Plains. Yet, nestled in the Kansas grasslands are the Gypsum Hills, or Red Hills, with plenty of geologic diversity. The 42-mile-long Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway is enchantingly noteworthy for its rolling, weathered hills, picturesque vistas, and outdoor recreational options. The drive affords tantalizing views of the rugged landscape and includes two scenic overlooks to help you soak it all in.
Yet the Gypsum Hills' geological good looks are just the beginning. The region boasts a history and spirit enriched by cattle ranching, Native-American heroes Chiefs Black Kettle and White Bear, temperance-movement heroine Carrie Nation, westward-moving American pioneers, and much more. You'll also find art galleries, a drive-in theater in Medicine Lodge, museums, restaurants, and shops to leisurely explore and enjoy. And in the hills' parks, enjoy biking, birding, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, and swimming.
Distance: 42 miles
Medicine Lodge to Coldwater: Beginning at the intersection of US-281 and US-160 in southwest Medicine Lodge, KS, head west for 40 miles straight towards Coldwater, KS.
Coldwater to Medicine Lodge: Beginning at the intersection of US-183 and US-160 in north Coldwater, KS, head east for 40 miles straight towards Medicine Lodge, KS.
The Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum gives you a taste of what life was like in a stockade in the 1870s. Journey with us to a time in our…
Gypsum Hills Trail Rides is a family owned trail riding and hiking operation that started in 1974. We are located 9 miles west of Medicine…
Experience life on the Gyp Hills Guest Ranch, over looking the scenic Gypsum Hills southwest of Medicine Lodge. We have something for…
The Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Statue commemorates the Signing of the Treaty of 1867, between the U S Government and the Five Southern…
Buster's Saloon, in a building built in the 1870's, offers a full lunch and dinner menu, and don't forget the "fishbowl"! A truly unique…
Housed in a former church, Maker Mercantile, is a one of a kind place. On the main floor, you will find a unique shopping environment…
Dedicated in 1980, Lake Coldwater is a wonderful, scenic place for water-related sports including swimming, bird-watching, wildlife…
Barber State Fishing Lake is a 77-acre lake located at the north edge of Medicine Lodge. Camping, picnicking, and fishing are allowed…
Earl Kuhn paints from his studio where he creates unique and detailed watercolor paintings that tell the story of the contemporary cowboy…
The Comanche Cattle Pool covered the Gypsum Hills from the late 1870's to 1885. Fifteen cattlemen "pooled" their holdings into a herd of…
Named for their hazy, blue appearance at sunrise and sunset, the Smoky Hills divide the more easterly mixed-grass prairie from the…
Visit a rugged landscape on the culturally and visually fascinating route known as the Western Vistas Historic Byway.
Discover the natural beauty of the panoramic Native Stone Scenic Byway.
Travelers along the Land and Sky Scenic Byway have the opportunity to experience the Wallace Branch of the Great Western Cattle Trail, scale…
Along the byway, you'll encounter landscapes and communities shaped by the powerful forces of motion and change. You're entering a…
When you travel the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, you follow in the steps of Native Americans, explorers and pioneers as they sought food…
Over the Smoky Hills of weathered bedrock, the Post Rock Scenic Byway winds through fields, pastures and prairie.
The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie - one of the last…
Kansas' Historic Route 66 Byway offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences to "get their own kicks…
Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the Frontier Military Historic Byway. Originally built to move soldiers and…
The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers.
For more information about the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, contact:
Dollie Mathes 620-243-3059 Medicine Lodge Tourism 620-886-9815