Escapees September-October 2023

At this particular location, it is possible to spend hours sight-seeing, bird-watching, photographing and observing nature in this rich collection of animals and plants. Other activities, possible at this park, are hunting, picnicking, boating and water skiing. Phillipsburg, Kansas, is the site of one of the states’ largest rodeos. The grounds are on Highway 183 near the west end of town. Norton and the Stagecoach About 30 miles west, travelers come to Norton, Kansas, where there are additional reminders of early-day activities. A log cabin replica of an 1850s stagecoach station is adjacent to US 36. This Leavenworth and Pike’s Peak Stagecoach Line, regarded as the fastest route to the Denver gold fi elds, accommodated many western personalities. According to a recorded version of the legendary history in this site, the parents of Billy the Kid operated this station at one time. Stagecoach drivers included names such as Wild Bill Hickok, Pat Dolan, Pat Garrett and Roy Bean who was later called the “Hanging Judge.” Pat Garrett later killed Billy the Kid. (Address: 15 Wilmington St. Norton, Kansas.)

scamper across the grass and pose before disappearing in their holes. Here, also, is a piece of Kansas history with the Hillmon schoolhouse and an adobe house constructed in the 1890s. The bricks used in constructing this building were made by using a horse to stomp in a trench fi lled with dirt, water and straw. Keith Sebelius Lake is home to many kindsof fi sh. Anglers in their quest for that “one big one” come and fi sh for crappie, channel cat fi sh, spotted bass, walleye and big-mouth bass. Certain speci fi eddays tempt hunters to visit this park for hunting pheasants, deer and quail. Camping is available in two areas in Prairie Dog State Park. For more informa tion, call 785-877-2953. West of this area, Highway 36 leads through the wide-open scenic prairie, which is frequently fi lled with wheat fi elds. This area once served as hunting grounds for nomadic Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians. The area’s past is recorded in the Decatur County Museum at Oberlin, Kansas, displaying Indian artifacts and eight pioneer buildings. Once a year, this state offers residents and visitors an opportunity to view the beauties of the state and also discover some items to buy at reasonable prices. This means participating in the yearly Highway 36 garage sales usually occurring in mid-September. Maps, locating the sales and contents of each sale, are available. During this time, certain residents along Highway 36, open their garages, barns and quonsets along the highway to display items for sale. Treasure hunting isn’t just a bargain-hunting experience. In fact, it is a great way to see and explore this beautiful state through its countryside, villages and towns. It can be a time of new discoveries and memorable shopping experiences. Visitors on Highway 36 renew their historical knowledge of Kansas while shop ping, eating and having a grand time as they make new discoveries about America.

“During this time, certain residents along Highway 36, open their garages, barns and quonsets along the highway to display items for sale.

Treasure hunting isn’t just a bargain-hunting experience.”

Norton also features a restored Conoco gas station of the 30s, This structure is very realistic with pumps, station design and a car waiting to be serviced. Kansas is truly a state where the “deer and the antelope play” and so do prairie dogs. Their haven is southwest of Norton, nestled in a small valley at Prairie Dog State Park and Keith Sebelius Lake. This park’s atmosphere is a combi nation of natural beauty and history, clean air and a landscape rich with fl ora and fauna. In this area, prairie dogs

DOROTHY RIEKE began teaching at the age of 16 and continued to teach for over 40 years. After retirement, she spent most of her spare time writing for magazines. She lives on a farm with her husband in southeastern Nebraska.

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023