A portrait of the Roglers on horseback, lined up in front of cattle

Our Mission

The Flint Hills Ranching Heritage Center at Pioneer Bluffs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the ranching heritage of the Flint Hills.

Located on the historic 12-acre Rogler homestead in Chase County, KS, Pioneer Bluffs serves as a gateway to understanding, interpreting, and safeguarding the past, present, and future of ranching in the Flint Hills for the ranching community and the public in general.

Contact:

info@pioneerbluffs.org

(620) 753-3484

Board of Directors

President: Nancy Mattke, Andover
Vice President: Josh Hoy, Cedar Point
Treasurer: Justin Garr, Strong City
Secretary: Jeff Davidson, Eureka

Member-at-large: Jane Cauthorn, Marion
Member-at-large: Dawn Dutton, Elmdale
Member-at-large: Tracey Graham, Emporia
Member-at-large: Bill Halvorsen, Cottonwood Falls
Member-at-large: Matt Methvin Cottonwood Falls
Member-at-large: Eileen Sieger, Marion
Member-at-large: Greg Stollsteimer, Overland Park

 

Our Story

The history of Pioneer Bluffs began like many ranches in the Flint Hills.

In 1859, Charles Rogler, a young Austrian immigrant, walked from his home in Iowa to build a new life in Kansas. Charles’ son, Henry, and in turn a grandson, Wayne, later took the reins, making the ranch operation one of the most well-respected in the region.

1936 Kenneth Robertson, Joe King, Kay Golden, Oscar Butters, Henry Rogler

Today Pioneer Bluffs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the ranching heritage of the Flint Hills. Located in the heart of the Flint Hills, Pioneer Bluffs’ 12 acre homestead serves as a gateway to understanding the past, present, and future of ranching, as we explore the unique features of ranching in the Flint Hills.

Discover our National Register Historic District with an iconic 1915 barn, restored to a one-of-a-kind event space that has historic charm;  a 1916 granary/carriage house renovated to host ranching exhibits and research library; a classic 1908 farm house; log cabin; and mile-long limestone fence.