Kansas has a rich history, and played its part in many of our most important events. The Civil War left its scars on many of our states, but there’s one battle in Kansas that’s often forgotten when you recap the main events. This Kansas forest trail holds tons of history that’s just waiting for you to explore it.
Welcome to the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site, and the attached Interpretive Walking Trail.
Laura Vacura/Google
The historic site itself includes a visitor center that’s open from March to October, when the trail gets the most use.
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Facebook
It’s an amazing timber forested trail, surrounded by restored prairie and the sweet air of rural Kansas.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
The trail features numerous food bridges and plenty of tree cover, so when you visit during warmer months, make sure to wear long pants to keep the ticks off your legs.
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Facebook
No matter how much you hate ticks or mosquitoes, it’s worth traveling this trail in every season. No matter if the ground is covered in snow or fallen leaves, the trail through this mini forest is beautiful.
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Facebook
My favorite part of this 2.2 mile trail is the large bridge that crosses the creek itself. There’s something about old, timeworn bridges that make trails so much better.
Laura Vacura/Google
What looks like a regular creek is of course an important historical marker, where plenty of wagons crossed and a battle named Mine Creek began over the fields surrounding this water source.
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Facebook
Along the trail you’ll find stations that help tell the history of this location, the sudden battle leading to the Confederate army defeat, and the decision of them to end the Rebel invasion of Kansas.
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Facebook
It’s the largest battle of Kansas, with 25,000 people involved, yet it still slips through the cracks of most history books.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
And who knows, maybe you’ll find something cool along your travels here. Every once in a while, something is found that helps put the history pieces together bit by bit.
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Facebook
You’ll find Mine Creek Battlefield Park and trail at 20485 Kansas 52 Scenic, Pleasanton, Kansas.
Laura Vacura/Google
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site Facebook
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
If you’re looking for interesting, easy-to-navigate trails, you’ll like this list of beginners trails ready for any Kansan.
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