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All the United States Kansas Weskan Mount Sunflower

Mount Sunflower

A whimsical monument marks the highest point in Kansas, not that you could tell by the looks of it.

Weskan, Kansas

Added By
Thomas Harper
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The Highest Point in Kansas.   thomasharper / Atlas Obscura User
The Sunflower at Mount Sunflower.   thomasharper / Atlas Obscura User
The Drive to the “Mountaintop” (monument at middle left)   thomasharper / Atlas Obscura User
The give a book, get a book library-Britt and Vonda Todd   Britt Todd / Atlas Obscura User
This is at the front gate where you turn in to go to Mt. Sunflower. The flowers spin!-Vonda and Britt Todd   Britt Todd / Atlas Obscura User
The log book-Britt and Vonda Todd   Britt Todd / Atlas Obscura User
  clinver / Atlas Obscura User
Hold the books, and where to place beer for the owners-Vonda and Britt Todd   Britt Todd / Atlas Obscura User
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About

A low rise near the Kansas-Colorado border is home to Mount Sunflower, the highest point in Kansas, which is home to an outsider art shrine created by the ranchers who own the land. 

Located at 4,039 feet above sea level, the point is located on a working cattle ranch, owned by Ed and Cindy Harold, who made a sign and a tall sunflower out of railroad spikes to commemorate the spot. Next to the flower is a mailbox where visitors (who are encouraged to visit the spot) can sign a registration book to their journey. A tongue-in-cheek plaque was also placed at the shrine that states, "Nothing happened here in 1897." Looking at the area, one might also believe it.

Due to the gradual rise of the land surrounding the point on the "mount," the shrine seems to rest on level ground or even below the surrounding ground. However despite its looks, the point still holds the record for high spot by elevation. The rusting metal flower is one of the more eye-catching monuments on a state high-point and is a favorite among enthusiasts who make a hobby of visiting the record setting spots (they are known as highpointers).

Unfortunately a vandal severely damaged the site in 2011, but the sunflower still stands, as does the existence of Mount Sunflower.

Related Tags

State High Points Outsider Art

Know Before You Go

From US 40 near Sharon Springs, take Road 3 north for 12 miles, then turn left when you see the sign for Mount Sunflower. From Interstate 70 near Kanorado, take Exit 1 to Road 3 and go south for 24 miles, then turn right when you see the sign. These roads are dirt for the most part, so be careful in wet weather or winter.

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Added By

thomasharper

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Britt Todd, clinver

  • Britt Todd
  • clinver

Published

March 25, 2014

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Sources
  • http://www.hdnews.net/Story/mountsunflower111811
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sunflower
  • http://www.summitpost.org/mount-sunflower/152360
  • http://kansastravel.org/mountsunflower.htm
  • # State High Points
Mount Sunflower
Weskan, Kansas, 67762
United States
39.022112, -102.037251

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