THE MONUMENT ROCKS & CHALK PYRAMIDS IN KANSAS

The Monument Rocks, Kansas

The Monument Rocks Natural Landmark and Chalk Pyramids are two groups of rocks located in Scott City, Kansas. The location is right in the middle of Scott City center and Oakley—to be exact, about 28 miles from Oakley and 28 miles from Scott City. The Monument Rocks stand beautifully and majestically with the Eye of the Needle as the focal point of attraction. Travelers mainly come from neighboring states such as Oklahoma and Missouri.

These rocks are on a private property but they are a national landmark. The owner of the property authorizes the public to visit daily for free; but camping, climbing the rocks, and carving are prohibited. When the sun sets public access is prohibited. This is a range of land and at times cows are roaming freely nearby, grazing.  The rocks are about 70 feet tall.

Occasional discharge of fossils is seen from millions of years ago.  The chalk rocks trapped some sea life that drifted to the sea bed. Keystone Gallery has more information on the fossils. It is located on US 83 Highway and near the Monument Rocks. The address for Keystone Gallery is 401 US 83, Scott City, KS 67871.

Location of The Monument Rocks: Take US Highway 83. The Monument Rocks are about 9 miles from the main road, if you are turning at the Keystone Galley on Highway 83. Here is the google map address of the Monument Rocks.

HISTORY OF THE MONUMENT ROCKS AND CHALK PYRAMIDS, KANSAS

The Monument Rocks and Chalk Pyramids are a result of seabed erosion that happened many millions years ago. In 1968, the Monument Rocks were recognized as a natural landmark by The United States Department of the Interior. Other natural landmarks in the state of Kansas are The Big Basin Preserve, Baker University Wetlands, Baldwin Woods, and Rock City.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN THE STATE OF KANSAS

The Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is another nearby location with soft chalk rocks. These rocks are just like the Monument Rocks and Chalk Pyramids. The address of  the Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is County Road 400 and Gold Road, Oakley, KS 67748.

DODGE CITY

Dodge City in Kansas is a city about two hours from the Monument Rocks. This city is a cow hub—cows everywhere, meat factories, cow auctions, very good meat restaurants, and you can even smell the cow scent in the air. The city has a Wild West history.

The hotels in Dodge City are up to 3 star hotels. There are a few good things to do in Dodge City that make a stop here worth it.  The restaurants are good and the meat dishes here are delicious. With a lot of cows here, meat lovers go wild. Try the beef burgers with mushroom and goat cheese at Prime On The Nine, a steak house located at 1800 Matt Down Ln, Dodge City.

Boot Hill Museum

The Boot Hill Museum is the main attraction in Dodge City—here you will learn about the wild west history. The museum is a replica of an old town with carriages outside, just like the old cowboy towns. The exhibitions at the Boot Hill Museum display artifacts from the past. All sorts of outfits from the 1800s are showcased. There is a fee to enter the museum, tickets are sold at the location or on their website.

There are other things to do in Dodge City outside the Boot Hill Museum. Below is a list of well known places; for more information visit the Dodge City website:

• The Dodge City Roundup Rodeo
• Dodge City Raceway Park for dirt track racing.
• The Boot Hill Casino and Resort
• Dodge City Brewing
• Dodge City Farmer’s Market
• Mariah Hills Golf Course
• Long Branch Lagoon Water Park
• Wright Park
• Liberty Garden
• Wright Park Zoo
• Santa Fe National Historic Trail
• Dodge City Raceway Park

Photo: As you are driving from the Monument Rocks, just a few minutes to Dodge City you come across Cimarron. Stop by Remember When Antiques and Collectibles for antiques and ice cream. The location is 101 S. Main Street, Cimarron.

SCOTT CITY

Scott City is a very small city where the Monument Rocks and Chalk Pyramids are situated. The actual location of the rocks is about 28 miles from Scott City center. The city itself is small and compared to Dodge City, there is less traffic. But it is closer to the Monument Rocks, thus, a preferred location to spend the night for some.

Besides the Monument Rocks, Chalk Pyramids, and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, there are other attractions in Scott City that are intriguing. Make sure you see places such as Battle Of Punished Woman’s Fork, El Quartelejo Museum, Duff’s Buffalo Ranch, Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection, Keystone Gallery, and Lake Scott State Park. For more information on the attractions in Scott City visit their official website.