Hiking the Kaw Nation Memorial Trail gives you incredible views of Kansas and the Flint Hills, and offers a few other surprises along the way.
The Kaw Nation Memorial Trail is located in Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park, which is about five miles southeast of Council Grove on Dunlap Road.
The Flint Hills Trail State Park goes right next to the park which means you can park in Council Grove, ride or hike to Allegawaho Park, hike the Kaw Nation Memorial Trail, and return to your vehicle for about a 10-mile journey.
Or you could use this park as a starting point for a long-distance bike ride.
Hiking the Kaw Nation Memorial Trail
The Kaw Nation Memorial Trail is a mowed-grass surface and is very well-kept.
From the park entrance, I could see a large monument that’s visible from almost everywhere on the trail, and the remarkable Flint Hills that surrounded it.
I hiked about a quarter of a mile and reached a flat, circular memorial dedicated to the Sovereign Nation of the Kaw.
The words stamped into the outer border read, “Wiblaha-n. Wakanda. Bless all who walk here. May we know and respect all your creation and what you have taught our people.”
The hiking trail continued around the giant monument and climbed up a few hills. Sadly, it never led to the monument.
The hiking trail went up another hill which brought me to a peak where, at the top was a small bench. This was a perfect place to stop and take in the views.
I could see for miles from the hilltop. To the northeast was Council Grove and everywhere else was the Flint Hills.
I continued on the hiking trail down the hill, across a dirt road and down to a creek bottom.
Thick woods surround the hiking trail at the creek bottom.
The Native American Village
Along the creek were limestone ruins that were small houses belonging to the Native Americans who lived on the reservation.
They were uprooted in 1873, and moved to another reservation in Oklahoma. Allegawaho was the Head Chief when the tribe was moved.
It was pretty cool to walk in this area and it’s been one of my favorite surprises while exploring Kansas.
The hiking trail continues through the woods and along the edge of Little John Creek.
You’ll eventually come to a primitive campground, complete with fire rings, picnic tables and a pit toilet.
Not long after that, the hiking trail led me back to the dirt road close to where I entered the park on the other side.
The Kaw Nation Memorial Trail is a really nice Kansas hiking trail and an amazing tribute to the people who once inhabited these lands. I’ll definitely hike this trail again.
Safe Travels!
Matt McCoy, writer and photographer, Rugged Kansas
Location: The Kaw Nation Memorial Trail is a hiking trail in Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park on South 525th Road, five miles southeast of Council Grove, Kansas.
Fees: No
Dogs: Allowed, must be leashed
Activities: Hiking
Trail Construction: Mowed surface, Loop
Trail Length from Description Above: About 2.5 miles
Total Length Available: About 2.5 miles
Camping: Primitive campground
Features: Scenic Views, Creek, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Meadows, Flint Hills, Historic Buildings, Woods
Historic Significance: Former Indian reservation, park dedicated in 1925.
According to the Kaw Nation’s website, “This monument inscription is placed on the hill and is inscribed with ‘Unknown Kanza Warrior’ placed here in 1925. The Kaw Nation purchased this property in October 2000 and named it Allegawaho Park. It is located south and east of Council Grove, Kan.”
“This commemorative act was prompted by the discovery of a warrior’s remains that were exposed by the cut bank erosion of a nearby streambed. The Warrior, his horse and his burial paraphernalia were entombed in the base of this 35-foot high monument on Aug. 12, 1925. This monument was built with rocks collected and hauled from nearby hills with the assistance of the local Boy Scouts and the American Legion. ”
Hazards: Not much shade in the afternoon, sunburn and heat-related injuries are possible; take plenty of water; sunscreen and hats are highly recommended.
Website: http://kawnation.com/?page_id=7508
Other Kansas Hiking Trails you may Like:
The Two Section Trail at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Scenic Overlook Trail at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Catclaw and Post Oak Trails at Fall River State Park