Cimarron National Grassland
Cimarron National Grassland | |
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IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources) | |
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Location | Kansas, United States |
Nearest city | Elkhart, KS |
Area | 108,175 acres (437 km²) |
Established | June 23, 1960 |
Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
Cimarron National Grassland is a National Grassland located in Morton County, Kansas, United States. One landmark within the grassland includes Point of Rocks. Point of Rocks is a large rock outcrop that was used as a landmark on the Cimarron Cutoff on the Santa Fe Trail. Also within the grassland is a spring that travelers on the trail would get water from. Cimarron National Grassland is located near Comanche National Grassland which is across the border in Colorado.
Landmarks
Many landmarks exist within the park. Some of the most important are:
The Cimarron River
The Cimarron River is the largest stream the flows through the grassland. Strangley enough though it usually doen't flow above ground. Yet lush vegitation still grows on the "banks".
Where Three States Meet
8 Mile Corner is a monument in the park dedicated to the place where the states of Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. The landmark is a windmill with the three states names on the blades. The monument was built in 1903. Several years ago satalite pictures showed the actual meeting place to be several feet away from the monument. A brass plate in the ground marks this.
Point of Rocks
Point of Rocks has been an important landmark for travellers to this region of Kansas. It signifies the closness of springs and thus water. Many springs are known to exist in the region of the Cimarron River near Point of Rocks. Because of this Point of Rocks was an important landmarks for travelers heading west on the Cimarron Cutoff and for modern day ranchers. Point of Rocks is the 3rd Highest Point in the state of Kansas with the elevation at its summit being 3,540 feet.
External links
- Official government site
- Fred's Flower Finder Kansas wildflowers uh...no