Scenery and Routes Through the Gypsum Hills

Barber County lies in the Gypsum Hills region. Flat-topped mesas and iron-rich red soil shape its landscape and create impressive views. The landscape itself is therefore an important part of the discovery: its shapes and colors are as much a part of the region’s character as its historic sites and events.

The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway passes red buttes, mesas, canyons, and scenic overlooks. The Gyp Hills Scenic Back Road is an approximately 20-mile loop on unpaved roads that passes Flower Pot Mound. The difference in route character can help you choose between the two: the byway showcases striking landforms, while the back road offers more specific guidance through its loop route, approximate length, and road surface.

At Z Bar Ranch Bison Viewing, visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles while observing the bison. This requirement applies to this particular viewing experience and is a helpful planning tip for the visit.

History and Events

The Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts and antiques relating to the history and cultural heritage of Medicine Lodge and the surrounding area. One specific historical detail featured there is the Old Steel Jail: it was installed in the courthouse basement in 1886. The scope thus ranges from a broad collection on history and culture to an exhibit with a precise date.

The Memorial Peace Park brings together historical context and camping opportunities. The marker for the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaties is located there on U.S. Highway 160, one mile east of Medicine Lodge; primitive camping is available in the park. The historical background includes the peace council at Medicine Lodge Creek, where up to 15,000 Apaches, Kiowas, Comanches, Arapahos, and Cheyennes gathered in 1867. The figure “up to 15,000” indicates an upper limit, not an exact attendance figure for the peace council.

The events also take place on different schedules. The Peace Treaty Pageant is a large-scale theatrical reenactment of the history surrounding the signing of the peace treaty. It is held every three years; the next performance is listed for 2027. The Peace Treaty Festival, by contrast, is held annually on the last weekend in September and includes rodeos. For planning purposes, it is worth keeping these schedules distinct: the festival returns each year, while the pageant is staged less often. If you want to plan your trip around one of the events, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Isabel, Medicine Lodge, Hardtner.

These destinations also invite you to explore further: Lane County, Trego County, Allen, Logan County, Wilson.

For the broader travel overview: Kansas.