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Medicine Lodge, Kansas

To take the Gypsum Hills Scenic Drive, travel west of Medicine Lodge on US 160 for 3 plus miles. There, a sign will indicate for you to head south (paved) and in about a mile you will round a curve and be introduced to the beauty of the Gypsum Hills.

2 1/2 miles south, just before you reach the top of the hills, it is worth a long look to the east down one of the most beautiful valleys.

Six miles south of US 160, you will turn west (dirt, marked). Just after the turn look to the north and you will see the back side of Twin Peaks, look to the northwest and you will see Flowerpot Mound, the geographic area of the legend of the same name (vividly described by Nellie Snyder Yost in her work, Medicine Lodge).

11 1/2 miles after you turn west you will turn north at a marked Y and 5 miles later will be back at US 160.

A turn east (to the right) will take you back to Medicine Lodge. Four miles will bring you to the Scenic Overlook which gives you an opportunity to stop and view the valley and hills to the south. A mile to the east (mile marker 217), a cross sits atop a hill and for the next mile Twin Peaks will clearly be in view to the south. A paved area on the south side (mile marker 219) will let you stop again and then on to cross Cedar Creek and back to Medicine Lodge. Total trip distance, 29 miles.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Historic Grand Hotel

Historic Grand HotelUp to a short time ago, this partially restored hotel featured restaurant facilities in the basement with an excellent decor and a supper club on the second floor. However, it is closed at the present time.

Medicine Lodge, KS Historic Buildings

Carry Nation Home

Carry A. Nation was a woman who changed the course of Kansas history. In 1880

Medicine Lodge, KS Famous Homes

Barber County State Lake

Stop an take in the scenery at Barber County State Lake. Enjoy the 77

Medicine Lodge, KS Recreation

Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum

The Stockade Museum is enclosed by a replica frontier stockade. The museum displays a multitude of photographs and artifacts which help tell the fascinating story of Medicine Lodge and the surrounding area in the 1870s. Also, an 1877

Medicine Lodge, KS Museums

Gypsum Hills Scenic Drive

To take the Gypsum Hills Scenic Drive, travel west of Medicine Lodge on US 160 for 3 plus miles. There, a sign will indicate for you to head south (paved) and in about a mile you will round a curve and be introduced to the beauty of the Gypsum Hills. 2 1/2

Medicine Lodge, KS Scenic Drives

Things to do near Medicine Lodge, KS

Hesston College Natural History Display

The display in Charles Hall on the Hesston College campus consists of several small exhibits on geology, the Quivira Indians,...

Serpent Intaglio

The Serpent Intaglio was dug by the Indians sometime around 1200-1300 A.D., and is approximately 160 ft. long and varies in w...

Caldwell Opera House

Caldwell's Opera House is Caldwell's oldest building. The building housed Caldwell's fist opera house in 1879 and boasts a co...