Ranching Heritage
Flint Hills ranching today differs from the early years in many respects, yet certain practices continue.
Modern transportation replaced cattle drives while the annual burning of the prairie remains integral to preserving the grasses that nourish the cattle. We explore these practices through exhibits, events, seminars, prairie talks and other educational opportunities.
Currently we have two kiosks that show ranching today and yesterday, a Rogler Library with resources for historical research, and interpretive signs with self-guided tour.
Exhibit dreams for the future include plans to show the year-round cycle of ranching explained through video, earn site accreditation that will enable us to host and share traveling educational exhibits, develop audio tour for visitors, and create a youth educational area.
Ranch Resources
Pioneer Bluffs & The Rogler Legacy
What goal would provide you with sufficient motivation to travel several hundred miles into unknown territory on foot, without the luxury of well-marked roads or motels and restaurants at predictable intervals along the way? In 1859, the prospect of cheap, unclaimed…
Announcing “Tallgrass Tales”
Pioneer Bluffs has been awarded a Humanities Kansas grant to support “Tallgrass Tales,” a short film project that will collect and preserve favorite stories from Flint Hills cattle ranchers and cowhands. Interviews will be conducted and produced by Mark Feiden of…
Ranching in the Flint Hills
Ranching in the Flint Hills has changed since the early settlers arrived in the 1850s. It is important to document those developments and note their influence on today’s ranching practices. As these older traditions give way to newer ones, it is important to remember…