Outdoor Activities
Adventure comes naturally in the Gyp Hills.
With rolling red hills, rugged canyons, open prairie, and winding backroads, this region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Discover quiet trails, dramatic overlooks, and unique geological formations throughout the hills. Get an up-close experience with nature with a variety of recreational opportunities.
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Every year, equine enthusiasts gather together to spend a day or a weekend in the Gypsum Hills. The hills are located west of Medicine Lodge and present one of the nation's most perfect paintbrush regions. The stark red bluffs and buttes capped with white, gypsum ledges and deep, cedar tree lined canyons present an aura of color and beauty for year round riding pleasure.
The rides occur on the same land once roamed by the five Great Plains Indian Tribes--Kiowa, Apache, Comanche, Arapaho, and Cheyenne. A multitude of wildlife including white tail and mule deer, wild turkey, coyote, and bobcat are often spotted on the trail. With access to thousands of acres, riders enjoy the wide-open spaces that make this ride unlike any other experienced. Both organized and private riding is provided year round. Visitors must provide their own mount, tack and camping equipment.
They also offer camping, backpacking, and hiking, and host many different types of events including family reunions, birthday parties, anniversary parties, nature tours and other adventures.
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Massive development and improvement projects are bringing added opportunities to enjoy this 300+ acre park, such as a visitor center, hiking trails and primitive campsites. The awe-inspiring Pageant Amphitheater can host outdoor weddings, events, exhibits or live performances. Contact office@peacetreaty.org for more information.
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Z Bar Ranch
The Property
Z Bar Ranch is 42, 479 acres of property owned by Ted Turner in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. The land is a mix of grass prairie, gyp rock outcroppings, rolling hills, canyons, and bluffs. It is much different from its surrounding flatland area. The property offers hunting, fishing, and eco-tourism opportunities on a limited basis.
The Wildlife
The Ranch features such diverse wildlife as bison, whitetail deer, antelope, turkeys, pheasants, bob-white quail, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, and black-tailed prairie dogs.
The Ecosystem
On the property, patch burning and rotational grazing are used to simulate how the animals would have grazed back in historical times in a prairie habitat.
The Owner
Ted Turner is a businessman, television producer, and philanthropist. He founded Cable News Network (CNN), among other television milestones.Barber State Fishing Lake & Wildlife Area
Barber State Fishing Lake is located just east of Highway 160 at the north edge of the City of Medicine Lodge. Hiking & biking trails surround the lake.
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Barber State Fishing Lake
Barber State Fishing Lake is located in Northeast Barber County at the north edge of the City of Medicine Lodge. There are hiking & biking trails surrounding the lake.
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Enjoy the paved roads of the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway or the dirts roads the Gyp Hills Scenic Drive.
Take the unforgettable Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, a 42-mile stretch of road that winds through mesas, buttes, and vivid red terrain. Every turn offers photo opportunities and peaceful pull-offs to soak in the view.
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Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway - US Hwy 160
The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway is enchantingly noteworthy for its rolling, weathered hills, picturesque vistas and outdoor recreational options. The drive affords tantalizing views of the rugged landscape and includes two scenic overlooks to help you soak it all in.
More Information & Contact:
U.S. 160 E, Medicine Lodge, KS
Hills Scenic Drive
Enjoy the beautiful red-colored butte-and-mesa topography of the Gyp Hills on this approximate 22-mile drive. Note much of this drive is unpaved, so plan accordingly! This public road will take you through open range where you may see wildflowers, birds,livestock and various species of wildlife on your way.
Location information:
About 3 miles west of Medicine Lodge on U.S. 160, find a sign that says Scenic Drive. Head south 6 miles on Gypsum Hill Road, then watch for small green signs, and follow them. Much of the route is unpaved. Approximately 22 miles, the route will bring you back up to U.S. 160 on Lake City Road.
Drive was also a finalist for 8 Wonders of Kansas overall
Byway was chosen as 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography
Barber County’s lakes and open range provide excellent fishing, seasonal hunting, and wildlife watching opportunities. Deer, turkey, quail, and migratory birds are part of the natural rhythm of the land.
Barber State Fishing Lake
Barber State Fishing Lake is located in Northeast Barber County at the north edge of the City of Medicine Lodge. Camping, picnicking, and fishing are allowed throughout the area. Two boat ramps are available for boat launching, and boats are to be used for fishing only. Barber State Fishing Lake contains good populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, walley, crappie, bluegill, and carp. Channel catfish are stocked yearly to maintain these populations. Anglers should consult information signs or current regulations to obtain up-to-date length and creel limits. The northern 80 acres of the area are open to public hunting. Species available include deer, turkey, quail, dove, waterfowl, and cottontail rabbit. A large furbearer population can also be found on the area.
More Information & Contact:
Well Rd, Medicine Lodge, KS 67104
(620) 227-8609Medicine Lodge City Park
The Medicine Lodge City Park is a free campsite with accessible drinking water, public restrooms, and picnic tables. The site offers fishing opportunities along Elm Creek.
There are 4 RV campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 40 feet. The park the RV hookup lines near the bathrooms, and the city provides 4 free 50 amp electricity boxes for users. You may stay up to 2 days at Medicine Lodge City Park and not again for 14 days (2 weeks).
The park also features baseball and softball diamonds, the Martina McBride/Home Depot Playground, Powwow Pavilion, and is located adjacent to the Medicine Lodge Pool.
This is a great spot to spend quality family time!
More Information & Contact:
East Fowler Ave, Medicine Lodge, KS 67104
620-886-3909
