Monument Rocks: One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas

If you’re planning a road trip through Kansas, add Monument Rocks to your list of things to see. This is one natural wonder you shouldn’t pass up. 

Visiting Monument Rocks in Kansas

Driving through Kansas, you’ll see many billboards that aim to lure you off your path to discover some of the attractions the state has to offer.

Monument Rocks is one such billboard that we’d seen. 

With eyes and GPS focused on Castle Rock, an outcropping of rocks that resemble, you guessed it, a castle somewhere in Kansas, my husband and I had no interest in leaving our carefully plotted path to visit Monument Rocks.

But after traveling the flat, open prairie of I-70 through Kansas, with aching rears and legs that begged to exit the vehicle and take a stroll, I convinced my husband that the Buffalo Bill monument in Oakley was a must see.

We pulled off the interstate, stopped at the larger than life statue and read more about Monument Rocks, which was located about 25 miles away. How could we resist?

Back in the SUV, we traveled along US Hwy 83 for what seemed like miles and miles. Just when we thought we’d misunderstood the directions and were ready to turn around and accept defeat, we saw a large billboard directing us to turn on a dirt road.

We followed the arrow onto Jayhawk Road for about three miles. When the road ended, we found another sign, directing us right to follow another dirt road that zig zagged over cow grates through the countryside to give us a glimpse of the Badlands of Kansas.

Known as both Chalk Pyramids and Monument Rocks, these landmarks in Kansas were definitely worth the detour.

The rocks, recognized as a National Natural Landmark, are located on private property, but generously made available to the public- and at no charge.

They are also considered one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas, a fun title that persuades roadside attraction lovers like myself that we must take the time from our road trip to visit.

The rock formations, which stand 70 feet tall, are said to be the remnants of an ancient seabed.

If you look closely, you’ll see dozens, if not hundreds of fossils under your feet and embedded in the layers of the wind-carved chalk pinnacles.

Look, take photos, but do not disturb the fossils.

Climbing and camping are prohibited and if you pack a picnic to enjoy in front of this magnificent backdrop, make sure to pick up your trash and take it with you when you leave.

Let’s all do our part to ensure these marvels of nature can be seen by future generations.

Monument Rocks was one of my favorite stops on my road trip through Kansas. If you have the time, I highly recommend it.

Keep in mind, you are on dirt roads so this route may be best traversed in dry weather. I wouldn’t even attempt it after a rain without a 4-wheel drive vehicle nor would I traverse the roads after dark.

Directions to Monument Rocks outside Grinnell, Kansas

From I-70, take exit 76. Drive along US Hwy 40, towards Oakley for two miles and turn left onto US Hwy 83. Drive for about 15 miles until you see the large billboard pointing your way to Monument Rocks. Turn left onto Jayhawk Road. Drive to the end of the road, turn right and continue until you see the rock formations in front of you. The road goes right between two outcroppings of rocks. You’ll find plenty of parking and room for larger vehicles.

Have you seen the Monument Rocks in Kansas? or Castle Rock?

What advice would you have for someone who’d like to visit this wonderful natural and roadside attraction in Kansas?

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