I-70 Rest Area
| I-70 Rest Area east of Paxico Paxico, KS 66526 Map This! |
| |
| Admission: None |
| Amenities: Restrooms, Parking, Picnic and Camping Area |
| Hours: 24 Hours |
| GPS: 39.06011N; 96.12154 W |
The I-70 Rest Stop, mile marker 337, is just east of Paxico, Kansas. Enjoy a great view of the Mill Creek Valley and take in a bit of Wabaunsee County history with the Kansas Historical Markers and The Guardian of the Plain piece. There are 2 elevated observation structures, both handicapped accessible. There are also walking paths that are handicap accessible. As well as picnic and camping areas, parking and restrooms. East Bound at Paxico Rest Area: Kansas Historical Marker: When Kansas territory was opened for white settlement on May 30, 1854, a bitter contest developed over the slavery question. Established the following December, Topeka, 25 miles ahead, favored the Free-State cause even though the territorial government was at first Proslavery. Rebelling Free Staters attempted to set up a rival legislature in Topeka in 1856. Acting for President Franklin Pierce came Col. E. V. Sumner with five companies of U.S. dragoons and two cannons specially loaded for legislators. West Bound at the Paxico Rest Area: Kansas Historical Marker: You are on the eastern edge of a Bluestem pasture region known as the Flint Hills. Extending past Junction City, this nutritious grazing area averages 60 miles in width, and reaches south into Oklahoma. For centuries buffalo in great numbers grazed its acres. Eventually they were succeeded by rangy Texas cattle. "Texas shipped up the horns and we put the bodies under them," old Kansas cattlemen used to say. Today the Flints Hills fatten more than a million cattle annually. Also be sure to admire the art piece on the top of the hill, which is called The Guardian of the Plains. This piece symbolizes the appreciation for the land and agriculture stewards. Kansas Flint Hills Brochures available here!!