FYI: Might be a bit verbose and more a review for the 15 mile point to point hiking trail…read more I knew what I was up against, and went anyway. Read on a trails app that it was technical--yes, yes it was. And also read a review in that same app left on Oct 12 ish, that water might be scarce due to drought--that said, my friend and I left a water stash at a gravel road drive, off the trail about 3 miles from the east trailhead. My Subaru and I were NOT ready for the roughness of the terrain--first time "Off road." Got in and out unscathed! Yay! We started the trek later than we thought we would--which is fine, because the scenery was great! Such a beautiful area! Worth the 2-hour ish drive. Made it through the "Squeeze" downhill. Packed in about 1.25 before we decided to pitch our tents. Had dinner on one of the scenic bluffs during sunset and as you can imagine, a wee bit chilly but a stunning view, so it was worth it! Next day, had breakfast on the bluff during sunrise--what a treat! Then headed out to our water stash. We decided we were achy enough to not go back the way we came. Went to our water stash and refueled. Used that (Subaru terrain) rocky road to go back to the main road and follow it back to the car park. *What I learned: as a newbie backpacker it was challenging, but probably would be even if I wasn't? I carried about a 30 pound backpack--probably packed some fears in there--but now I know. Would I go again and do things differently?? Heck yes!!

Great hiking trail. The whole things is like 15 miles so pack in water with a bladder or something…read moreand don't attempt when 107. Ask me how I know, lol. Great views, but watch for spider webs, poison ivy, and check afterwards for ticks in the summer.

This is a cute little local park, out-of-the-way but with a significant number of facilities for…read morefolks with kids or dogs. There's an off leash dog area that should help get your friend a good run in before you take them for a leash walk in the adjacent Thurston Hills hiking area. Decent size parking lot, Basketball court Play area But no water and no real restroom. The Porta John is still pretty new though as this park seems to be recent. If you're not local this is probably not worth a side trip but it is a nice place to park your kids or your dog if they need something besides a hike.

What a neat place! It really is in the middle of nowhere. It is nearly all gravel roads for miles…read more Max speed probably around 35mph. But it's so neat to just drive around. It's also very quiet, except for the wind. I didn't pass many other cars at all. It probably took me about 2 hours to drive through (including my stop at the visitor center). I stopped for about 30-45 mins to talk with the volunteers there and sign the guest book. They were so friendly! Both ladies were so passionate about the preserve and knew so much about its history. And also about the wildlife and plants on the prairie. They were also telling me about the controlled burn that they were doing at the time of my visit. I learned about how the burns help keep the prairie healthy. So neat! Cell reception is spotty. I have an iPhone and downloaded an offline map while still in Tulsa before my journey up there so I was worry free. Worked out perfect! Also check the website i'm close to the day of your visit to ensure of volunteer will be staffed that day. As the visitor center is run by volunteers... There might not always be someone there every day. PS... don't expect to touch a bison. There are signs warning you to stay away as they can be dangerous/aggressive. For the most part, you are supposed to stay on the gravel road.

This place is special. As part of the southern flint hills region, this protected tall grass…read moreprairie preserve is something you can't see just anywhere. Once upon a time, America was full of prairie lands, but that is no longer the case. I'm so glad this glorious area is being preserved. Go see the visitor center and learn about bison as well as the native flora that abounds around this area. Learn why fire is essential for maintaining a prairie. While at the visitor center, peek through the windows of the cutest bunkhouse ever (I'd love to spend a weekend here!). Go hike the trail they maintain and see all the flowers, bushes, trees, grasses, butterflies, bees, birds and other wonders of nature. Drive around and marvel at the grazing bison. Leave with a happy heart and your proverbial cup overflowing.

Very large open space or grass fields and lots of sports fields. Small parking lot attached. Dogs…read morehave to be on leash. There's a paved walking trail as well.

Bartlesville treasure for younger kids. You can't beat the little rides they have for kids. Cheap…read moretoo. I think it's .50 a ride. Most of the rides do have height limits and I think my son was about 7 or 8 the last time we went. By far the best ride in my opinion is the airplanes where the kids actually make them go up and down as they spin around the carousel.

Kiddie park is a fantastic place to go for young children. I'd say the best ages are 3 to 5 or 6…read morethough we just returned from a trip with my eight-year-old twins. They still had several rides that they work too big for. To make a day of it, visit the Sooner waterpark splash pad until kiddie park opens at 6 PM. Grab a custard at Jareds after!

I love this little park focused on Native American history. The walk around is not too long nor is…read moreit very hilly...suitable for all physical capabilities. It does get pretty warm during the summer months. Be sure and stop by the museum before you head out. If you're in the area during the fall, don't miss the powwow just across the street.

This is a great little walk around. Not intense. Slight little hills up and down. Wore the kids out…read moreon their scooters. They got to learn some about the Native's in our area as there was historical points throughout the park, several monuments and areas to push buttons and be told background history. There's a small pond. The area was well maintained. The grass was long in some places which to me was very pretty. Lots of trees and nice shade. Benches too. Good parking. Had a great time!

Cunningham Park is a vast oasis of everything a city park should be. Sporting fields, trails, lots…read moreof playgrounds with nice equipment, water features, picnic and gathering facilities and a world class memorial garden. The Memorial garden is what caused me to visit and pay respect to those 161 Joplin residents that lost their lives to one of the worst tornadoes in American history. The garden consists of natural rock, sculptures, fountains, informational signage and a vast array of beautiful plants and flowers that are well maintained. The park was in the direct path of the tornado and offers great vantage points to see what was, what remains and what was rebuilt in the vicinity. My visit was during a slight rain shower with approaching storm clouds; which only added to the somber and reflective visit. A must see for anyone traveling in the vicinity of Joplin.

This was a nice break with a playground (three stories!) and walking paths as we explored Joplin…read more Cunningham Park was originally known as Cunningham Grove and was donated to the city by Thomas W. Cunningham, who was the mayor of Joplin at the time. Cunningham was a significant figure in Joplin's development, contributing to various sectors such as banking, mining, and philanthropy. In 1897, Cunningham donated eight acres of land to the city for use as a public park. The deed was officially dated on July 5, 1898, and the park was dedicated in the early 1900s1. Cunningham Park became the first park in the Joplin Parks System. Over the years, the park has seen many enhancements, including the addition of a fountain, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and picnic areas. The park was also a central location for community gatherings and celebrations1. Unfortunately, the park was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado in 2011, but the community came together to rebuild it. Today, Cunningham Park stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. We were here to walk around the park and to see The Miracle of The Human Spirit monument. [Review 2323 of 2024 - 392 in Missouri - 23337 overall]

It is just an amazing experience they have many trials to hike on and you can also go camping as…read morewell

Enjoyed a quick stop at this state park near Bartlesville and on the way to Pawhuska. A short…read moreunpaved trail leads you to a great waterfall area. You can walk from rock to rock out to some picturesque areas around the water. The trail is pretty easy to navigate except for a few slick rocks here and there. There is an overlook we drove up to but it was just an okay view due to some tall trees blocking much of the view. Camping areas look well kept and the ranger we spoke with was very nice and helpful. I would definitely recommend this to out of town visitors like myself to get out and enjoy nature and the beautiful landscape of NE Oklahoma.

I lived in Kansas City for several years, and this was my favorite weekend trip. It's a great…read moreplace to appreciate the beauty of the dwindling natural prairie, and the roaming buffalo are a treat this far east. It's not a huge park, you could hike the entire thing in one day. The "campground" is a tiny two sites & vault toilet, but this often means you have the place to yourself. If you don't want to rough it and/or prefer to sample some great fried chicken, Pittsburg, KS, is a short drive away.

Off the beaten path definitely describes this State Park located not far from the Kansas border. I…read morestumbled across Prairie State Park while storm chasing and loved the solitude it provided. There is nothing quite like standing in the middle of a tall grass prairie with supercell thunderstorms all around you and you can see the gusts of wind move the grass in giant waves. While many of you will not visit in the middle of a storm chase, it's definitely a beautiful place. The small but info packed visitors center has limited days of operation, check the website before heading out there if you want to go inside it. And yes they have a herd of buffalo that sometimes you can see. Sometimes it seems the prairie swallows them up. But if you get to see them it just seems like an ideal setting for the experience. They have trails that are worth a walk. Bring your own water, don't assume you will find any at the visitors center. Naturally, 4 Stars.