The Reel World: Relish the splendor of nature
You can step into the beauty and wonder of State and National Parks from your living room thanks to amazing filmmakers. I'm recommending four of our many travel DVDs that will give you a fascinating escape into nature.
The Wonders of America's State Parks
Best-selling travel writer Joe Yogerst takes you on a virtual tour of more than 100 state wilderness areas stretching from New England to the Alaskan frontier to the Hawaiian Islands. Learn how these parks came into existence, what makes them a special part of America's story, and how to get the most out of a visit.
America's National Parks
Celebrate the 100th birthday of America's best idea. This premium, Centennial Collection features beautiful new footage of eight of America's most beloved National Parks. You'll experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Insightful explorations and fascinating stories of America's most majestic lands include Olympic, Yosemite, Everglades, Yellowstone, Saguaro, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains.Wonders of the National Parks
From Yellowstone's geysers to the wetlands of the Everglades, wonders never cease in North America's National Parks. Drawing millions of tourists each year, the parks capture a special place in our hearts and in the history of how the planet came to be. Ford Cochran, geologist, journalist and National Geographic programming director takes you on a tour of the continent's greatest and most fascinating natural treasures.The National Parks
This series traces the birth of the national park idea in the mid-1800s and follows its evolution for nearly 150 years. Ken Burns uses archival photographs, first-person accounts of historical characters, personal memories and analysis from more than 40 interviews. Burns said this is the most stunning cinematography in Florentine Films' history. The series chronicles the steady addition of new parks through the stories of the people who helped create them and save them from destruction.Visit parks in person
If you have time to explore in person, you have lots of National and State Park options. Wherever you go remember to preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
National Parks in Kansas
Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, formerly Monroe School
A couple hours south of Topeka is Fort Scott, a 1840s military fort. Fort Scott is the only National Park Service site that was directly involved in the "Bleeding Kansas” era.
Head southwest, about an hour and half, to Strong City and witness the last stand of the Tallgrass Prairie. Take your binoculars as you may be able to spot a Bison roaming the plains. (Don't pet the fluffy cows or any other animal).
Kansas' other two National Park Service sites are in the far western part of the state, each about a four-hour drive. Nicodemus, located northwest off of Highway 24, represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River. Drive to the southwest corner to Fort Larned, a 1860s army post that sheltered the troops known as the Guardians of the Santa Fe Trail.
Kansas State Parks
Don't forget about our Kansas State Parks. Kansas has 28 State Parks where you can get out and hike, boat, fish, camp or just relax. You can check out a Kansas State Parks vehicle permit at the library customer service desk. Kansas State Parks has partnered with the Kansas Public Library System to provide free, daily vehicle permits.
