Located in the Red Hills near Ashland, KS in Clark County is the Big Basin Prairie Preserve.  Owned and managed by Kansas Wildlife and Parks it consists of 1,800 acres, where you will be able to explore a sinkhole that is 1 mile across and 100′ deep, known as the Big Basin.  Big Basin and other sinkholes in the area were formed when layers of gypsum and salt formations dissolved and collapsed causing the sinks.  There is a smaller sinkhole to the east of the Big Basin known as the Little Basin.  Located in the Little Basin is St. Jacobs well.

Big Basin

Buffalo roam free.  Be sure you know where they are before getting out of your car or hiking.

 

 

 

St. Jacobs Well is down this rugged trail.

This pool of water is St. Jacobs well, a natural sinkhole that has never been dry.

Little Basin – St. Jacobs well is the group of trees in the center.