Tallgrass Prairie Region, KS Land for Sale

The Tallgrass Prairie region encompasses the middle section of Kansas, which borders Nebraska to the north and Oklahoma to the south. The largest city in the region is Wichita, which is the largest city in the state by population and land area. Other large cities are Concordia, Salina, Abilene, Great Bend, McPherson, Pratt, Newton, El Dorado, Wellington, Manhattan, Junction City and Emporia.

There are around 20 state parks and wildlife areas in this region, most notably are Cheney State Park, Cowley State Fishing Lake, El Dorado State Park, Fall River State Park, Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, Geary County State Park, Kanopolis State Park, Lovewell State Park and Tuttle Creek State Park. National parks include Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge. There are number of historical sites and other attractions in the region. Washington features several items devoted to the Pony Express, as the Hollenberg Ranch was a major stop when it began in the 1850s, where riders could stable their horses, eat and rest on their way. Mid-America All-Indian Center and Museum in Wichita is the only facility of its kind dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural history and heritage of American Indians in North America. Wichita also features the Old Cowtown Museum, where visitors can experience life in a cattle town in the 1870s. Cowley County features beautiful stone bridges throughout the area built between 1890 and 1935. Visitors can see the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City and World's Largest Travel Plate in Lucas.

Wichita is an industrial hub in the region and the state, as well as a center of culture, media and trade. Manufacturing is the major industry, with aircraft manufacturing having long dominated the economy in the region. Healthcare is the second largest industry. There are a large number of higher education institutions in the region, including state universities Kansas State University, Emporia State University and Wichita State University. Other private colleges and universities include Baker University, Bethany College, Bethel College, Friends University, Hesston College, Central Christian College, Kansas Wesleyan University, Manhattan Christian College, McPherson College, Newman University, St. Mary's College, Southwestern College, Sterling College, Tabor College, as well as six community colleges in the region.

Sedgwick County is located in the southcentral part of Kansas' Tallgrass Prairie region. It is the second most populated county in the state, and Wichita is the county seat and the largest city in the county and the state. Other large cities are Haysville, Derby and Park City, and there are around 20 cities in the county in total, and nearly 50 townships and unincorporated communities. Sedgwick County Park, located in northwest Wichita, features four lakes, walking paths, fishing, biking, playgrounds and shelters. Some other attractions include Lake Afton Park, the Sedgwick County Zoo, Great Plains Nature Center and several dog parks. As mentioned, Wichita and the region is known for aircraft manufacturing, and Sedgwick county also has eight public airports. The county is also the home of McConnell Air Force Base. Wichita State University, Friends University, Newman University and Wichita Area Technical College are in Sedgwick County.

Geary County is located toward the eastern part of the Kansas Tallgrass Prairie region. It is named in honor of John W. Geary, Governor of the Kansas Territory in the 1850s. Junction City is the largest city and the county seat. Other cities are Grandview Plaza and Milford, and there are eight townships and one unincorporated community. Fort Riley Military Reservation is considered a census-designated place, as it has a daytime population of nearly 25,000. It is located north of where the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers meet and covers more than 100,000 acres. There are a number of outdoor attractions in the county, including Fort Riley Fishing and Hunting, Geary State Fishing Lake and Geary County State Park, the Kansas Arboretum and Konza Prairie, featuring seven miles of trails. The largest Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks public hunting lands is found in the area surrounding Milford Lake, and hunters can find a variety of game, including pheasant, quail, prairie chickens, whitetail deer, turkey and waterfowl. There are also many historical attractions and sites, including the U.S. Cavalry Museum, Custer House and Kansas' First Territorial Capitol.

Saline County is located in the center of the Tallgrass Prairie region of Kansas. Salina is the largest city and the county seat. There are six other small cities and around 25 townships and unincorporated communities in the county. Kanopolis Lake is a 3,000-acre lake which attracts many visitors who enjoy camping, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. The county is known as one of the world's largest wheat-producing areas, and Salina is a regional trade center. Manufacturing is the dominant industry, as well as agricultural transportation. Kansas Wesleyan University, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus and Salina Area Technical College and University of Kansas School of Medicine ? Salina are located in Saline County.