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Kansas Trail Guide Stocking Stuffers Ideas

The holiday season is upon us! If you’re looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers, perfect for the hiker, biker, and adventurer in your life, look no further than these five fantastic finds.

These are all things we’ve used and loved ourselves, so we’re confident that you (or whoever you gift them to) will enjoy them also!

*All prices accurate at the time of publication!*

TableTopics To-Go Set

TableTopics are sets of cards with conversation starter questions on them that will help you get to know your loved ones better. While you might assume based on the name that the best / only place to use them is gathered around, well, a table, we’ve found that they’re particularly great on road trips — even mini ones, like when you’re driving to and from your trailhead!

The classic tabletop set comes in a 4 x 4 x 4 inch plastic cube and have 135 questions designed to help spark quality conversations with themes like Family, Couples, Gratitude, and Dinner Party.

And the To-Go sets come with 40 cards in a 3 x 3 x 1 inch. It’s the perfect size for putting in your glove box, and perfect for fitting in a stocking! We’re fans of their Travel To-Go set, with questions like “what’s the first thing you do when you get home from a trip?” and “which region of the country has the best food?” As for our answer to the last one —we think Kansas City barbecue is at least a top three! The other to-go sets include themes like Road Trip, Kids, Pets, and Not a Chance.

Tabletop sets: $25. To-Go sets: $9.

Apo.Ge Botanical Relief Balm

Hydration is key when you’re hiking and backpacking, but it’s not just about drinking enough water. You should also consider how you’re hydrating your skin.  Keeping your skin healthy and moisturized will help keep you comfortable on the trail — sun and wind can all dry out your skin and leaving it feeling tight and irritated. We are big fans of Apo.Ge, which makes their products using manuka honey and hemp.

They have a range of products, including face creams and cleansers. If you want to try a little bit of everything from their line, The Discovery Set includes travel sizes of their Clarifying Milk Cleanse, Deep Hydration Face Cream, Renewing Night Elixer, and Botanical Relief Balm.

Our favorite Apo.Ge product is their Botanical Relief Balm, which we’ve used to soothe wind-burned and sunburned skin and as a salve for sore muscles. It’s especially nice to rub into your feet after a long hike. It leaves skin feeling silky and smooth. Bonus! The products come in plastic-free containers that can be easily recycled or reused.

$52.

OOFOS slides

OOFOS shoes are designed for active recovery, reducing the impact felt in your feet by more than 1/3. If your feet hurt at any point during your day, whether it’s from a big day out on the trails to any lingering injuries or soreness, like plantar fasciitis, these sandals are pretty much guaranteed to make your feet feel better.

While they have shoes, which aren’t so much stocking stuffer size, we could see a pair of their flip flops or slides fitting into a Christmas stocking easily. They come in a range of colors, and they are an absolute game changer when it comes to keeping you on your feet. Try and find a more comfortable sandal, we’ll wait! 

From $59.95.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

Record all your trail activity or just keep track of where you are with the. It is a high-end, handheld GPS device with two-way messaging and SOS service options, particularly good if you’re out on your own and want to be able to call for help in the case of an emergency.

It’s got a color screen, great battery life, integrated flashlight, and it comes preloaded with topographic maps, with the option to add more detailed maps. Read our complete review of the Garmin GPSMAP 67i here.

From $499.99.

Shokz OpenRun Mini Headphones

A few disclaimers before this next gift recommendation. It is absolutely not OK to play music on the trail that anyone else can hear, as amazing as you think your music choices are — getting out on the trail is a time to enjoy the natural world around you, and you shouldn’t be interrupting someone else’s enjoyment of the outdoors. And if you’re out on the trail with friends, it’s a great time to catch up, and then there are some people who really want take their time on the trails to finally have a chance to enjoy quiet and solitude.

All of that being said, some people like to listen to music or podcasts as they’re out on the trails. It can be particularly nice (again, for some) if you’re working on cranking out mileson a particularly long trail – like if you’re trying to thru-bike the Flint Hills Nature Trail.

We don’t want to judge anyone for doing that (and we don’t want anyone else to in the comments), and we’ve found for those who want to combine listening to music while also having situational awareness, Shokz OpenRun Headphones are the way to go. They work by using bone conduction, so your ears are kept open, allowing you to hear other trail users coming up behind you or from around corners. They have a long battery life with solid sound quality, and they’re lightweight and waterproof.

From $99.95.

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Best barbecue in Kansas City

What better way to refuel after a day on the trails than with some tasty Kansas City barbecue?

We know that Kansas City exists in both Kansas and Missouri, but as the Kansas Trail Guide, we’re going to stick on the Kansas side. Even by narrowing Kansas City barbecue options down to just the Kansas side of the city, there’s no way to pick just one. So here are three of our favorite Kansas City barbecue restaurants that all got their start on the barbecue competition circuit. Are these in your top three? What are your favorite Kansas City barbecue places? Let us know in the comments!

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Joe’s Kansas City Barbeque has its roots in barbecue competitions – the team of Slaughterhouse Five went on to win award after award at competitions across the nation before they opened their barbecue restaurant in a gas station at 47th Avenue and Mission Road — it used to be Oklahoma Joe’s but they updated the name to Joe’s Kansas City BBQ in 2014. While you can still go to that original gas station location, they have restaurants in Olathe and Leawood.

Anthony Bourdain named Joe’s Kansas City BBQ as one of his 13 restaurants to visit before you die in Men’s Health in 2011, and we don’t disagree. The Z-Man Sandwich is popular, it’s slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, topped with two crispy onion rings, on a toasted Kaiser roll. The ribs are outstanding, and of their sides, it’s a tie for us between their mac and cheese and dirty rice. If you’re lucky, there will be some burnt ends available, but you really can’t go wrong with pretty much anything on the menu.

There might be a line, but it usually moves pretty quickly and you can always order online and get it to go if you’re in more of a hurry. And if you’re not in the area, you can even put in an order to be shipped, and your award-winning meat will show up at your house in a cooler. 

Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm. Closed Sunday
Locations: Original gas station location: 3002 West 47th Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66103, 913-722-3366
11950 South Strang Line Road, Olathe, KS 66062, 913-782-6858
11723 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66211, 913-338-5151

Q39

Q39 is another barbecue restaurant that got its start in the competition world. Chef Rob Magee was classically trained, and he competed with the Munchin’ Hogs team to take home multiple trophies before opening Q39 in 2014 in Midtown. In 2017, they opened another one in Overland Park, so that fits our Kansas barbecue requirement.

At both locations, you definitely want to make a reservation if you want to avoid a wait, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays — you can make one online. You can also order it online and get it to go.

Their mac and cheese is outstanding, the ribs are fall off the bone delicious, and their pork belly appetizer comes with Mexican street corn and a chipotle BBQ sauce. They’ve got some unexpected items from a barbecue restaurant on their menu, like the smoked beef brisket poutine, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and wood-fired grilled smoked salmon salad. I’ve heard the apple crumble with ice cream is tasty, but I’ve never saved enough room for dessert. Maybe next time. 

Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm, Friday to Saturday: 11am to 9:30m
Locations: 11051 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210, 913-951-4500

Slap’s BBQ

Slap’s BBQ got its name from founding brothers Mike and Joe Pearce’s Squeal Like A Pig bbq competition team. They tend to sell out, particularly of their ribs and burnt ends, so maybe pick this one for lunch if you have your heart set on something specific. There’s also likely to be a line, but you can order online to pick up if you’re in a rush. They’ve got a tender, thick-cut brisket, they put bacon in their mac & cheese (which is always a win for me), and their sausage game is on point, particularly the jalapeno cheddar sausage. They’ve also got daily specials — burnt end street tacos on Tuesdays, smoked chicken wings on Wednesdays,  and spicy fried chicken sandwich on Thursdays.

They do catering, and though I’ve never tried that option, it seems like it would be definite crowd pleaser. And then even offer classes on how to get into the bbq competition scene. 

Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 11am to 7pm or until they sell out.
Location: 533 Central Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101, 913-213-3736

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Review of Garmin GPSMAP 67i

Garmin was nice enough to loan us the Garmin GPSMAP 67i to help create the maps for the second edition of the Kansas Trail Guide. It is currently one of their top of the line handheld GPS device, and with its wealth of features, it’s easy to see why.

It retails at $499.99 with Garmin without the inReach technology (more on that later) and $599.99 with the inReach technology. It comes preloaded with topographic maps on an easy-to-read 3-inch color screen. Navigation is via the buttons below the screen; if you’re looking for touchscreen technology, check out their Montana line, which costs $100 more.

GPS technology has come a long way in the decade it’s been since we researched the first Kansas Trail Guide book, so while we loved the Garmin devices we used then, like the Garmin GPSMAP 64s, we were stoked to check this one out.

The GPSMAP 67i is particularly great at getting a clear signal even when you’re in forested areas — there are far fewer, if any, of the annoying spikes to your recorded route that you would get with older technology. IYKYK.

It has an LED flashflight built-in, and it has an outstanding battery with 165 hours of battery life with an expedition mode that expands that time to 425 hours.

The GPSMAP 67i is, admittedly, a bit more technology than is needed for most hiking in Kansas; however, it is an impressive device. And if you’re headed into the backcountry where there isn’t cell service, if you’re out by yourself without cell service and want a way to call for help, or if you’re on a long trip where you don’t want to have to charge your phone to be able to access your maps and send messages, this is definitely a device that you’ll want to consider getting.

Here’s the promised section on the inReach technology, and it’s really what makes the GPSMAP 67i stand out. If you’re going to buy the GPSMAP 67i, it seems most useful for its inReach communication features, including the SOS service, and those do come at a monthly cost. Plans range from $11.95 to $99.95 per month depending on the service level that you get. All the plans include unlimited preset messages that you can send to specified recipients with things like an update of your location as well as unlimited SOS. You can choose from an annual contract or a month-to-month service so you’re not paying for time when you’re not using the service.

Getting data on our hike in the Flint Hills with the Garmin GPSMAP 67i

Hopefully you’re not needing to send a lot of or any SOS messages, but the device has a dedicated SOS button on it, so you don’t have to remember how to navigate to it, which will send your location to emergency services. And while the SOS button is easy to get to (see the bump on the right side of the case in the picture), it’s also covered, making it hard to accidentally push.

The GPSMAP 67i also has the option to receive messages and get weather info. And your friends and family at home can track your route as you go — all with the subscription.

You can track your route, transfer saved routes from your computer onto the device, and plan routes before you head out. You don’t have to be looking at your device the entire time to know you’re on the right path; when you need to turn or get off route, the device is set to automatically vibrate and beep at you to help alert you. It has saved waypoints, like gas stations and local landmarks, and you can set and save your own waypoints.

It took a little bit of time to navigate the interface and get used to how to find my most used functions. So take the time to play with at home a bit before heading out on the trail. Other reviewers have noted that the maps included didn’t include enough detail for their needs. As we were using the device to make routes to make our own maps, that wasn’t something we were able to test, but it’s something to keep in mind.

One thing to note: if you have a MacBook that doesn’t include USB ports, if you want to be able to install updates with Garmin Express or otherwise transfer data to and from your computer and your GPSMAP67i, the app that helps you manage and use your device, the data transfer with the cable isn’t always the best, in that it wasn’t always recognized by my computer. That issue was confirmed by Garmin customer support, using an adaptor with their cords to Mac devices can cause trouble with data transfer, and they advised buying a third-party cable.

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Help needed! Cimarron National Grassland survey

Katharina Bremser is a graduate student in K-State’s Horticulture and Natural Resources program, and she is looking for feedback on Cimarron National Grassland in southwestern Kansas. So if you’ve ever visited, please take a few minutes to fill out the survey here: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZgkcTpCCwfm7L8

Here’s what she told us about her research and what the survey data will be used for:

My survey is on visitors to Cimarron National Grassland with a focus on their activities, the resources they used/needed, and what they would like to see in the future. My hopes are to publish my thesis, but all information will also be sent back to the managers at Cimarron so that they can make informed decisions regarding the management of the Grassland. I’m working with Kansas State University in the Parks and Conservation Management department and we’re hoping to learn more about Cimarron National Grasslands with this project getting some baseline information.

Point of Rocks at Cimarron National Grassland

And if you haven’t visited Cimarron National Grassland yet, it’s definitely worth a trip! You can follow in the footsteps of history on the Santa Fe Companion Trail that was used by thousands on horseback and with wagons in the 1800s.

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Experience The Lofts in Iola is the ideal spot to explore Lehigh Portland State Park

If there’s something better after hours on the trail than a giant jacuzzi tub, I’ve yet to find it.

Since we finished the research for the first edition of the Kansas Trail Guide: The Best Hiking, Biking, and Riding in the Sunflower State back in 2014, Kansas has added an impressive amount of new trails, which is the reason we’re putting in the legwork to get you the latest details on Kansas’ new trails for a second edition. And so far in our research, one definite standout set of trails are the ones right outside of Iola in southeast Kansas. Clearly we weren’t the only ones impressed by what’s going on there; the state of Kansas made Lehigh Portland State Park into Kansas’ newest state park.

It’s under a 2-hour drive from Kansas City and about 2 hours from Wichita, though whichever direction you’re coming from, the drive is going to be worth it. The drive or the bike ride — Iola is also a main trailhead two rail trails — the Prairie Spirit Trail that runs for 52 miles north to Ottawa and the Southwind Rail Trail that takes you south 6.5 miles to Humboldt — I mean, there’s a reason that Iola was voted Kansas Trail Guide town of the year in 2017.

If you’re planning a visit to check out the 14+ miles of trails just south of Iola, I’d highly recommend making a weekend of it. You could see a lot of cool stuff there in a day, but staying overnight gives you a chance to get out on the trails early as well as check out the area and get a chance to relax. At some point when the state park infrastructure is built up, there will be camping at Lehigh Portland State Park.

But until then, and even then, for those who prefer their overnights in a comfy bed with all the amenities of home, I’d highly recommend a stay at Experience The Lofts. *Full disclosure, my visit there was hosted, but that in no way impacts how awesome I found this place!*

Experience The Lofts is right on Iola Square — the largest courthouse square in America — in a renovated historic building, less than a 10-minute drive and about a 15-minute bike ride from the state park trails.  They have 11 different loft suites to choose from, named after major players in Iola’s history, and they all have full kitchens, Roku TV, free WiFi, and BONUS! free snacks.

The beds are comfy, the bathroom is stocked with all necessary toiletries, and the full kitchen means it’s easy to feel at home. It’s contactless check-in; you’ll get key codes as the way to get into the doors from the street and then the door to your loft / suite. And if you need anything, help is just a text away. As an FYI: it is a somewhat steep flight of stairs to get up to the lofts, so keep that in mind.

You basically have your own personal apartment at Experience The Lofts, and there are options for pretty much every group size, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group. I got a chance to stay in The Beck Suite with its two bedrooms complete with king size beds, full size kitchen, living room with picture windows overlooking the square, walk-in shower, and a jacuzzi tub — the perfect way to relax after spending time at the state park.

If you’re out for multiple days on the trail, you don’t even have to pack extra clothes if you don’t want to — there’s laundry right on-site.

Staying at Experience The Lofts feels like being a part of the revitalization of Iola. Plus, it’s super convenient to check out Lehigh Portland State Park’s fantastic trail system. 

If you go:
From $120/night
1 E Madison Avenue
Iola, KS 66749
tel: 620-365-1785, email: tcsparks106@gmail.com

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Lehigh Portland State Park – Kansas’ newest state park

While the state park infrastructure of Lehigh Portland State Park isn’t built up yet, the beautiful Lehigh Portland trails south of Iola are open for business, and they are definitely well worth a visit (or two or three) whether you’re on foot or riding a bike!

View from the South Loop

It’s hard to pinpoint just what it is that makes the place so special. It could be the views out from the bluffs over the spring-fed quarry lake, which is super clear. It could be the well-maintained trails that run through stretches of tall prairie grasses or through hardwood forest and offer something to everyone, whether you want to spend a full day exploring or just take out a picnic lunch. It could be the passion that those who’ve helped build the park into what it is today and the vision that they have for its future. All I know is that I can’t wait to go back and visit again.

A quick history of how we got here. On April 19, 2023, Governor Laura Kelly established Kansas’ 28th state park — the Lehigh Portland State Park in Iola. 

It’s on the site of what was once the largest cement plant in the United States – the Iola Portland Cement Company, according to Lehigh Trails. That company was bought by the Lehigh Portland Cement Company in 1917, which operated there until 1970. From there, Iola Industries Inc. purchased the land and buildings. In 2016, the trail system was officially opened, and over 50 years since the original purchase, Iola Industries donated 360 acres of land to state of Kansas to make it into a state park.

Kansas basically got a turnkey park when it comes to the Lehigh Portland State Park, Lisse Regehr, President and CEO for Thrive Allen County, explained to us. Regehr said that “over a million dollars of infrastructure and volunteer hours have gone into creating the trail system.” And while there is plenty of work for the state to do in terms of building up infrastructure, the trail system is pretty much finished, thanks in large part to hundreds of volunteer hours.

And those trails are outstanding! They are primarily on the eastern and western side of the spring-fed quarry lake. There’s a combination of a few miles of wide gravel trail and many more miles of singletrack, ideal for mountain biking. There’s also a range of difficulties. If you’re starting out on a mountain bike or have kids, the Foundations Trail is perfect. If you want something with a challenge, try Cave Trail North, Mountain Goats, and Goat Creek. The 11-feet-wide gravel Backbone trail connects all the trails, and there’s a connector gravel trail to the nearby Southwind Rail Trail that runs from Iola to Humboldt. Here’s a full trail map.

The view from John Brown’s Cave

Some of the standout options include the South Loop, which winds through the trees, through the prairie, and along the quarry with some stunning views of the lake. And Cave Trail South leads you right by John Brown’s Cave. While Regehr said there’s not necessarily specific evidence that THE John Brown ever stayed there, there’s no proof that he didn’t. (More on John Brown’s Cave in a later post). And one of the sweetest, and most unexpected trails, is the John Robert Cross Country Ski Memorial along the Backbone Trail. It has to do with a first date and a fun-loving grant writer – more on that soon.

The trails are free to access, and there’s not currently (as of this writing) a fee to park your car at the trailheads, but as the state park designation moves forward, there is a parking fee at state parks. It will be free to walk into or ride your bike into the park, and the park is easily accessible from the town of Iola.  

Regehr explained what some of the upcoming plans and goals are for the state park, and they are impressive. There will be an expansion of the Backbone Trail so that it runs all the way around the lake. There will be an amphitheater, a large swimming beach, kayak and paddleboard dock, fishing docks, a boardwalk, restrooms, a multi-story visitors center with views out over the lake. And if you want to stay at the park, there will eventually be RV and primitive campsites and perhaps someday, floating cabins. I can’t imagine a more idyllic setting than being able to watch the sunrise and sunset from on the water itself. 

For now, if you’re looking to explore Iola, there are some amazing lofts you can stay in downtown, and there’s Base Camp in Humboldt for camping – more on both of those as well!

Governor Kelly Signs Bill Establishing New State Park in Allen County
Governor Kelly Signs Bill Establishing New State Park in Allen County
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What’s so special about Kansas: Interview with Brad Loveless, KDWPT Secretary

In 2019, Brad Loveless was named the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. We reached out to him to see what he felt was so special about Kansas.

What are the latest developments in regards to the parks and  trails in Kansas?

BL: We continue to make improvements to our parks and trails. I don’t think we could go to a single one of our facilities and not find changes even over the last few months, fueled by ever-increasing demand. We continue to repair camping areas damaged by the devastating 2019 floods, add and improve campgrounds and access. With our patrons’ shift to larger campers with higher energy demand, we are upgrading all of our camping areas electrically to accommodate those.

Little Jerusalem. Photo from: The Nature Conservancy

Our Flint Hills Trail is not complete and we are working to extend the west end clear to Herrington and have segments to the east that are useable but which aren’t up to our preferred standard. Since that trail is fully bordered with private landowners with shared fencing, fence upkeep and improvements are a continuous need and critically important to us because we want to be good neighbors

What value do you feel public trails and public lands have in Kansas?

It’s never been more obvious that access to public space outdoors is essential to society’s health and well-being. Besides the increasing demand for these spaces for hunting, fishing and boating, the science is clear that time outdoors for any reason leads to measurable physical and mental health benefits.

What are some of the biggest Kansas misconceptions you think people have?

I would cite the thought that Kansas is uniformly anything – flat, windy, dry – you name it and we will routinely vary from that. We are a state with terrific variety and beauty from north to south and east to west. Some of my favorite places are in the corners and until people take the time to explore, they won’t enjoy many of the unique wonders we have to offer in Kansas.

Photo by Kristin Conard

When you think of Kansas, what’s the image that comes to mind?

I have a myriad of images that I love and have for Kansas so I’ll share the one I experienced this morning with my grandson at the dawn of his first birthday. The sun rising through eastern clouds toward a clear sky. Quail calling softly to each other as they were waking up and a marsh hawk wafting over the waving prairie in search of breakfast. Kansas for me is a picture is a picture suitable for framing almost everywhere you look.

For someone who’s never been to Kansas, do you have any recommendations for where to go or what to see?

I do, but let’s talk about it. I want your readers to come and enjoy the parts of Kansas and the activities that they will enjoy most. Call us at 620-672-5911 and let’s visit about what you’re most interested in. We’ll help you find it.

For someone who grew up in Kansas and feels like they’ve seen everything there, do you have any recommendations for where to go or what to see?

Depends on the time of year. Summer and right now I wouldn’t miss the waterfowl and shorebird migrations through our Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivera and McPherson wetlands. The next few months will be prime fishing in our reservoirs and winter means the finest upland bird hunting for quail and pheasant in the US.

Spring will bring some of our hottest fishing action and the greening of our expansive prairies – Flint, Smoky and Red Hills with a spectacular prairie flower display that changes weekly from June through September. There are terrific things to do and see all year round in Kansas!        

What makes Kansas special for you?

Astounding variety, breath-taking beauty and life-giving plants, animals, water and fine people.

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Bison, cowboys, and more: Lunchtime learning with the Flint Hills Discovery Center

From 12 to 12:45 pm starting this Friday, April 10, the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan will be running live sessions on various Flint Hills topics. It’s interactive, so if you have any questions – they’ll be answered right then and there!

 

Tomorrow’s session is on Bison. It will run every Friday for the next several weeks on their Facebook page, and there are printable worksheets for kids ages 5-9 and 10+. Check out their page here.

Seeking solace
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Seeking solace

Trails have always been an important place to find solace and a good hike allows time and space for reflection.  As the rising tide of anxiety and concern reach new levels each day, it is a wonderful time to refocus on what is truly important in life.  While trails are valuable, they are certainly not the most important thing.  But they can be a pathway to help recenter, regroup and refocus on what does really matter to each of us.  While park offices are currently closed through at least April 6th, all of our Kansas state parks and wonderful trails are still open at this time.

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean sitting at home 24/7. The trails in Kansas have always been a wonderful place to find solitude, and here are four of our favorite places to go without a lot of crowds:

  1. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Strong City – hike one of the last great stands of Tallgrass Prairie.  The visitors center is closed but the trails are good to go!
  2. Agave Ridge Trail, Cedar Bluff State Park – You can hike for mile along this trail and rarely encounter another visitor.  A wonderful scenic hike along a little-used but beautiful trail.
  3. Little Jerusalem / Badlands State Park – The guided tours have been been cancelled through mid-April but the trails remain open, a great opportunity to explore your newest state park!
  4. Flint Hills Nature Trail – the longest trail in Kansas has plenty of room to explore, our favorite stretch is the wild Flint Hills from Council Grove to Allen.

If solo hiking, make sure to notify a responsible party of where you are going and when you will return.  People care about you & cell phone service can be spotty on some trails.  Have fun, be responsible, pack a trail lunch and go for a hike this spring!