About Prairie Travelers
The mission of Prairie Travelers is to support the establishment of an inter-connected trails network in the state of Kansas by preserving railroad corridors through interim trail use for the use and enjoyment of everyone. The organization is the result of the cooperative effort of citizens, local trail groups, and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to expanding recreation opportunities in the state of Kansas.
Many of ancestors settled Kansas by traveling in covered wagons over historical trails such as the Santa Fe Trail and later on steam railroads. That is why Prairie Travelers, along with the state group, Sunflower Recreational Trails, proposes to establish a network of linear trails and other recreational trails in Kansas. A resolution passed by the Kansas Legislature in 1991, authorizing the creation of a Statewide Heritage Trails Plan, was prepared in 1994 but awaits implementation.
Prairie Travelers is the trustee holding title to the 8 miles of railbanked trail near Garden Plain, KS in southwest Sedgwick County. The "Prairie Sunset Trail" extends from 295th street west to 167th street west. Notices of Interim Use were issued by the Surface Transportation Board under the authority of the National Trails Act to Prairie Travelers. Rail-trails are corridors railbanked under the authority of the 1983 amendment of the National Trails Act. They are considered out-of-service corridors, protected for future national need, which are in the interim available for recreational use.
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