Freedom's Frontier

Located in the endangered tallgrass prairie of eastern Kansas, and once part of the farm of William Mitchell, who was an Underground Railroad Stationmaster, the Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie Historic District is a remarkable resource offering visitors a blend of nature, culture, and history. Comprising 165 acres, this hilltop prairie has been sacred to Native Peoples for hundreds of generations. The Prairie Guards respect and honor this distinction. Envisioned over 50 years ago as place to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the pioneers who helped defeat slavery, the Park now fulfills that purpose and much more. The mission of the Park’s managers, the Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards, has been to create a resource that community groups and individuals can use for educational and recreational purposes. The Park is now enjoyed by classes from multiple school districts, homeschoolers, scouting groups, travelers and tourists, birders, prairie enthusiasts, walkers, and geocachers. The Park provides educators with an outdoor classroom for teaching history, geography, geology, biology, astronomy and civics. During their visits children also receive the benefits of exercise and fresh air.

The Mount Mitchell Prairie is:

• Recognized by the National Park Service as a site of national importance to the commemoration of the Underground Railroad. The Topeka Fort Riley Road, which runs through the Park, was the westernmost route of that trail to freedom. Captain Mitchell hid escaping slaves in the loft of his log cabin north of the Park.

• One of the most popular attractions in the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. •

An attraction of the Native Stone Scenic Byway.

• A hands-on resource for the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

• A feature of the Kansas River Trail, a National Water Trail.

• A major feature of the envisioned Kaw River Historic Corridor between Topeka and Fort Riley.