Limestone Fenceposts

Limestone fenceposts are a unique feature seen primarily in rural north-central Kansas.  We saw them while driving US highway 281.

Early settlers needed a way to fence in their land, to protect it from roaming herds of buffalo.  However, the plains were nearly treeless, so wooden posts could not be used.  A layer of stone was located (the topmost layer of the Greenhorn Limestone formation) that was accessible to quarry. The stone could be drilled and split into post-like structures. It was not easy work, and the posts were heavy...at least 250 pounds each. 

Between 1884 and 1920 miles of these stone posts were cut and placed.  They are still visible today.

World's Only Corn Palace

On our way south this fall, we stopped in Mitchell, South Dakota to see the World's Only Corn Palace.

100 years ago the current Corn Palace was built on Main Street. Known world wide, the Palace attacts hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly. A new theme is selected each year for decorating the outer walls of the Palace. Thousands of bushels of colorful corn, grain, and grasses are used to cover the building.  There are up to 12 different colors of corn alone, all grown specially for the Palace.

But the Corn Palace is more than a visual point of interest. The indoor arena is adaptable for many purposes: exhibits, dances, stage shows, meetings & banquets, proms & graduations.  It boasts a regulation size basketball court, and hosts district, regional, and state tournaments.  The weekend we were there they had just held an event for 600+ pheasant hunters!