Gove City KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gove City, Kansas.
1. Monument Rocks
ICONIC CHALK FORMATIONS
Monument Rocks is a series of large, heavily sculpted chalk monoliths designated as the first National Natural Landmark in Kansas in 1968. These striking rock formations, sometimes referred to as the Chalk Pyramids, are located on private property but the owners graciously allow visitors to view this wonderful landmark. Visitors can experience the natural beauty from dawn till dusk, but must adhere to guidelines including no climbing, fossil hunting, camping, or littering.
2. Castle Rock
NATURAL PRAIRIE MONUMENT
Castle Rock is an impressive natural rock formation that stands prominently on the Kansas prairie. It has earned a 4.3 rating from visitors who appreciate its unique geological features and photogenic qualities. Like Monument Rocks, Castle Rock offers visitors a chance to witness Kansas' surprising geological diversity amid the seemingly flat landscape.
3. Fick Fossil & History Museum
LOCAL PALEONTOLOGICAL TREASURES
The Fick Fossil & History Museum showcases an impressive collection of local paleontological finds and historical artifacts. With a 4.4 rating from 66 reviewers, this museum offers visitors insight into the rich prehistoric past of the region. The museum displays fossils discovered in the surrounding area, providing context to the geological formations nearby.
4. Smokey River Quilt Shoppe
ARTISAN QUILTING HAVEN
Smokey River Quilt Shoppe is a highly-rated local business with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. This quilt shop offers handcrafted quilts, quilting supplies, and unique textile creations that showcase local artisanship. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and quality merchandise available at this charming small-town establishment.
5. Buffalo Bill Cultural Center
WILD WEST HERITAGE
The Buffalo Bill Cultural Center celebrates the legacy of William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody and the Wild West history of the region. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing Buffalo Bill's exploits and learn about the development of the American frontier. The center serves as a cultural hub for the area, preserving and sharing stories of Kansas' colorful past.
6. Smoky Hill Trail
HISTORIC PIONEER ROUTE
The Smoky Hill Trail was an important pioneering route that crossed through what is now Gove County. This historic trail offered a path for settlers, gold-seekers, and mail carriers traveling between the Missouri River and Denver during the 19th century. Today, visitors can follow portions of this historic route and imagine the challenges faced by early travelers crossing the Kansas prairie.
7. Keystone Gallery
FOSSILS AND LOCAL ART
Keystone Gallery is a unique combination of fossil museum, art gallery, and gift shop located near Monument Rocks. The gallery showcases locally discovered fossils from the Western Interior Seaway that once covered Kansas, alongside artwork inspired by the region's natural beauty. Visitors can purchase authentic fossils, artwork, and educational materials related to the area's rich paleontological history.
8. Prairie Museum of Art and History
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Prairie Museum of Art and History preserves the cultural heritage of northwestern Kansas through its extensive collection of artifacts, art, and historical buildings. The museum features a 24-building complex including a historic one-room schoolhouse, sod house, and the impressive Cooper Barn, the largest barn in Kansas. Visitors can experience life on the prairie through various time periods and gain insight into the resilience of early settlers.
9. Grainfield Opera House
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Grainfield Opera House is a restored historic building that once served as a cultural center for the small town of Grainfield. This beautifully preserved structure now hosts community events, performances, and gatherings, continuing its legacy as a social hub. The opera house stands as a testament to the importance of arts and entertainment in rural Kansas communities of the past and present.
10. High Plains Museum
PIONEER LIFE EXHIBITS
The High Plains Museum documents the evolution of life on the high plains of western Kansas through interactive exhibits and extensive collections. Visitors can explore displays featuring pioneer life, agricultural development, and transportation history that shaped the region. The museum particularly highlights the area's farming heritage and technological innovations that transformed prairie life.
11. Mount Sunflower
KANSAS' HIGHEST POINT
Mount Sunflower is the highest natural point in Kansas at 4,039 feet above sea level, located near the Colorado border. Despite its name, this geographic feature is not actually a mountain but rather a gentle rise in the High Plains landscape that offers panoramic views of the surrounding prairie. Visitors who make the journey to this remote spot are rewarded with a quirky monument and the satisfaction of reaching the state's highest elevation.
12. The Elephant Rock Cafe
LOCAL PRAIRIE DINING
The Elephant Rock Cafe is a cherished local eatery serving homestyle cooking in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Named after a nearby natural formation, this restaurant offers hearty portions of American classics and regional specialties that satisfy hungry travelers and locals alike. The cafe provides a genuine taste of small-town Kansas hospitality and cuisine at reasonable prices.
13. Midwest Energy Wind Farm
SUSTAINABLE POWER LANDMARK
The Midwest Energy Wind Farm features impressive wind turbines that harness the prairie's abundant wind resources to generate clean electricity. Visitors can observe these modern giants contrasted against the ancient landscape, representing the intersection of natural resources and sustainable technology. The wind farm offers an educational opportunity to learn about renewable energy production in rural America.
14. Gove County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Gove County Historical Society Museum preserves and displays artifacts documenting the development of Gove County from pioneer days to the present. Exhibits include household items, agricultural equipment, photographs, and documents that tell the story of life on the Kansas plains. Visitors can gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of the generations who have called this region home.
15. El Quartelejo Ruins
ANCIENT PUEBLO SETTLEMENT
El Quartelejo Ruins represents the northeasternmost pueblo ruins in the United States, located in Lake Scott State Park near Gove County. This National Historic Landmark contains the remains of a seven-room pueblo built by Taos Indians who migrated to the area in the late 1600s. Visitors can view the excavated foundation and learn about this unique cultural crossroads where Plains and Pueblo cultures intersected.