Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy has received a $10,000 grant from the Tawani Foundation of Chicago to develop the Flint Hills Nature Trail for seven miles between US 75 and Osage City. The foundation also issued a challenge grant of $25,000 and will match dollar for dollar any funds received for the project between 1 June 1 2009 and 30 September 2010. The funds will be primarily used to install crushed limestone on the former railroad bed. The rail-trail is already fully developed for a distance of six miles from US 75 to three miles southeast of Vassar (which is one mile South of Pomona Lake). Also, Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced this spring that it would be using federal stimulus funds to replace the existing railroad bridge with a bike-pedestrian bridge to enhance highway traffic and allow trail users to safely cross US 75. Plus, Osage City government is planning to lease and develop one mile (perhaps two miles eventually) within city limits. Completion of the Vassar to Osage City section will enable trail users to travel fourteen miles safely away from traffic, enjoying the mixed forest and prairie landscape.
The May 2009 issue of Backpacker in its article “America's Best Day Hikes” states that the trail at the Konza Prairie Preserve near Manhattan is one of America's top 100 day hikes: “Hike through upland prairie of big bluestem, Indiangrass and switchgrass, with views of the distant Flint Hills. Yes, a covered wagon would look right at home-as does the herd of bison that roams here. Info: k-state.edu/konza.” There are three trail loops: (1) Nature Trail (2.5 miles); (2) Kings Creek Loop (4.4 miles); and, (3) Godwin Hill Loop (6.0 miles). [Note: be sure to wear tick repellent during warm weather months as ticks are very plentiful on the preserve.]
Progress continues to be made on the Blue River Rail-Trail, also known as the Homestead Trail, which stretches north from Marysville to the Nebraska state line. Crushed limestone has been installed for two miles. Marshall County Connection plans call for a wooden covered bridge to be built. It is expected this trail section will be open by the fall. Marysville is the crossroads for several trails including the Pony Express National Historic Trail, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail and Oregon-California National Historic Trail. The Donner Party camped at Alcove Springs on the Oregon-California Trail south of town en route to their infamous rendezvous with history.