Tallgrass Prairie and Heading East!

Sunday, October 13th -- When we left Council Grove heading south, we decided to stop at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve! They have plenty of parking for rigs, and it gave us another stamp for our Passport book!

Ed wanted to take a hike in the prairie grasses, and they had several trails there for that. Today, less than 4% of the original tallgrass prairie grasses remain in the United States, and most of that is right here in this part of Kansas. 

This property is also home to Spring Hill Farm. Stephen F. Jones named his ranch the Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch for the springs found on the hill west of the house. I toured the house, barn area and outbuildings. What an awesome architectural style and design for the house. Because it was built on the side of a hill, the main front door and entertaining rooms are in the bottom/basement level. 

The preservation process is still in the early stages, so the house is in rough shape. But still very interesting to look at, because this house is as it was back when it was built, with no modifications!

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GentleSeas Photography by Ed
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It also has an underground spring house, with a tunnel from the basement area to get over to it!

The stone barn was 110 x 60 feet, and two stories tall. At the time it was built, the barn was the largest found in the entire state of Kansas!

Then we were on our way to Joplin, MO. Our intention was to tour some of Route 66 on our west back out west. 

During our stay in the Joplin area, we camped at Ballard's Campground. What an awesome place! And Wanda, the owner, was extremely friendly! We had some great chats with her. Such a down to earth, and good person!

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Related Blog Entries - 
10/09/19 - Heading to Council Grove, Kansas!
10/10/19 - The Kaw MIssion & Santa Fe Trail Tracks
10/12/19 - Historic Buildings... and Historic Food!

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