Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area

Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area in Kansas, about seven miles southeast of Manhattan, is a 59-acre tract that is considered one of the eight natural wonders of the state of Kansas from a geological point of view. Woof will love the place. 

Aside from a rangy, spread out kind of park, the noteworthy natural phenomenon is a fairly modest waterfall, forty meters wide and a few meters tall that has its scenic qualities. Also of interest is the “crossing” itself, which, as the name implies, is a shallow stretch of the flood-prone Deep Creek that meanders through the grounds. 

This stretch was used as a crossing spot from the days of the state's earliest white settlers. To this day, as long as the river is low, the crossing remains a popular hangout for teenagers who like to park their vehicles in midstream and roll up their pant legs to wade from vehicle to vehicle: Car hopping, Kansas-style. 

This is righteous territory for Woof. It is not fenced for dogs or particularly customized to fit the sensitivities of dog owners. It's wild, grassy, open, varied territory with plenty of secret niches to explore, which is right up a dog's alley, so to speak. While the crossing is shallow, Deep Creek's name implies something else entirely and, true to form; the creek has plenty of water for paddling, swimming, and fishing. 

It's too small for motorboats other than trolling boats, perhaps, but plenty deep enough for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and the like. The back story for the 59-acre park dates back to 1855 when the land was settled by Josiah Hobart Pillsbury, who arrived from Hebron, New Hampshire and established his homestead there. 

Josiah helped found the Zeandale colony, which later became the Zeandale Township. He became a state legislator back when a nickel was worth something and established the Manhattan Independent, the local newspaper. Come check out this historic park today.