If you’ve never driven across Kansas…don’t. If you have to drive across Kansas, you should know there is at least only one thing to see on your drive: the Monument Rocks in Kansas. To put this into perspective, when I googled driving through Kansas, it comes up as one of the top 10 worst states to drive across.
What is driving on I-70 across Kansas like?
In a word, brutal. Kansas has literally no change of scenery in 6 hours. It is extremely flat and I-70 is extremely straight. One person said it was a good way to test your car’s alignment because for 400 miles, there is a very slight curve in the road.
Expect to see lots of prairie. Maybe some corn fields and cows. For some reason, when you live in Kansas City, the drive to Colorado just becomes something you do (or maybe it’s just my family??). It’s an almost 10 hour drive to Denver but for some reason, we would always drive it instead of fly. Be prepared guys. It makes for a rough day.
You can imagine my intrigue (and doubt) when I learned that there might actually be something worth seeing in the midst of all the grass. It’s hard to believe. But right in the middle of nowhere (which is probably a farm), there are the Monument Rocks in Kansas.
What are the Monument Rocks?
The monument rocks are large chalk formations. The chalk pillars can reach up to 70 feet and you will even find an archway formed. It is quite a bizarre sight to see after driving through several hours of grass.
What’s even more bizarre is that the formations are said to have formed during the Cretaceous Period–or in other words, 80 million years ago.
In 1968, the US Department of the Interior designated the Monument Rocks as a National Natural Landmark.
How to find the Monument Rocks in Kansas
The chalk pillars are located south of I-70 between Oakley and Grinnell Kansas. They are about 30 minutes south of Oakley and another 30 back up to the highway. It’s a little drive out of the way but if you’re driving through Kansas anyway, what’s one more hour?
The easiest way to see them (I believe) is to drive down 83 until you get to Dakota Street. Turn left on Dakota, which is across from the Keystone Art Gallery. Then take a left on County Road 450. Take a right on County Road East (Or Elk on Maps) (450 turns into County Road East if I recall). County Road East looks like a dead end on maps but it’s not. Turn left when the road ends and the monuments are down on your right.
It can seem a bit confusing since there are a lot of dirt roads, but you’ll be able to see them in the distance.
Things to know about visiting the Monument Rocks in Kansas
The Monument Rocks are located on private lands but are open to the public, so be respectful of their property!
Access is allowed during day light hours and is closed after sunset.
Drones are prohibited.
So if you ever find yourself taking the long road through Kansas, take a short detour. It mixes up the scenery, is a good photo op and gives you a chance to stretch your legs!
Did you know this was in Kansas? If you know of any other hidden gems along the I-70 route, comment below! Other I-70 roadtrippers will thank you!
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The rocks are so pretty and very different from those in other states with the white color. I’ve never heard of them but would definitely want to stop on a road trip. Haha I’ve only been to Kansas City once for work but I might need to go further next time!
I love cool spots like this, especially in states where you wouldn’t expect it. You definitely made me add Kansas to my USA bucket list. 🙂