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        • Peace Treaty Festival​
          Last Weekend in September

          The annual Peace Treaty Festival is fun for the whole family, with a weekend full of signature events, shopping opportunities, craft vendors, and kids' activities. Every three years, the festival includes the Peace Treaty Pageant and many more activities.
          Learn More
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        • Peace Treaty Festival​
          Last Weekend in September

          The annual Peace Treaty Festival is fun for the whole family, with a weekend full of signature events, shopping opportunities, craft vendors, and kids' activities. Every three years, the festival includes the Peace Treaty Pageant and many more activities.
          Learn More
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Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife in the Gyp Hills

Are you looking for your new favorite hunting or fishing spot? Among the many things to do in the Gypsum Hills of south-central Kansas are three of its most popular and sought-after pastimes: hunting, fishing, and observing wildlife.

Hunting

The Gyp Hills is an excellent location for great hunting opportunities. It has just the right combination of trees, river, and open spaces that make it ideal for hunting. Barber State Fishing Lake and Gyp Hills Guest Ranch are popular hunting locations in the Gyp Hills near Medicine Lodge, Kansas.

Kansas State Hunting licenses are available at Orscheln and White’s Foodline.

This region is known for its

  • Wild turkeys
  • Deer (including world class bucks)
  • Quail
  • Pheasant
  • Racoons
  • Waterfowl
  • Cottontail rabbit

Although most of the hunting areas are located on private property, you can call ahead to arrange your hunting excursion.

Fishing

The Gyp Hills welcome people who enjoy fishing! You’ll find the experience of fishing in the Gyp Hills therapeutic and relaxing. You may even experience some excitement if you catch something! Whether you fish alone or with family and friends, you’ll love the serenity of fishing among the Gyp Hills.

Barber State Fishing Lake is a 77-acre fishing lake located at the north part of Medicine Lodge, Kansas. It offers primitive camping around the lake, encourages fishing, and features a two-mile hiking trail around its perimeter called Red Cedar Nature Trail. You can take your boat out on the lake for fishing.

Kansas State Fishing licenses are available at Orscheln and White’s Foodliner. Bait is available at Phillips 66 Black Diamond, White’s, and Farmer’s Coop Equity (next to Pizza Hut).

In the lake, you’ll find the following, and more!

  • Bluegill
  • Carp
  • Channel catfish (stocked yearly)
  • Crappie
  • Largemouth bass
  • Walleye

There is a wide variety of fishing opportunities in the lakes, reservoirs, and streams of the Gyp Hills. Grab your fishing gear and prepare to cast your line! You’re sure to find your new favorite fishing spot!

Observing Wildlife

The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway and the Gypsum Hills Scenic Drive are perfect for those who prefer to experience nature and wildlife from more of a distance. On either one of these drives, you’ll enjoy gorgeous panoramic views. You’ll be amazed by the landscapes created by the rolling farmland, prairies, and rugged, red hills.

The area is full of rich, vibrant color from the wildflowers, the red and green cedar trees, and the rust-colored hills. It truly is a sight to behold!

You’re also likely to encounter an abundance of wildlife. You can spot bobcats, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons, 13-lined ground squirrels, lizards, frogs, snakes, or tarantulas. You may even see an armadillo. The region also attracts a variety of fascinating birds, such as great blue herons, American white pelicans, American blue robins, and bald eagles.

You’ll make lasting memories when you take advantage of the hunting, fishing, and wildlife in the Gyp Hills.

Latest Highlights

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Top 5 Athletic Hobbies of the Rugged Gyp Hills

The beautiful Gypsum Hills of south-central Kansas, is an unexpected, yet exciting destination for athletes who want to experience the beauty of the Scenic High Plains and the challenge of the rugged and remote landscape. Located just an hour and a half west of Wichita, the area’s rolling hills, gypsum...
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Hatchet-Wielding Carry A. Nation Began Her Saloon-Smashing Career Living in Medicine Lodge, Kansas

Carrie A. Nation is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas People, and Medicine Lodge is proud to have her as a part of Medicine Lodge history. One of the main attractions in the Medicine Lodge area is The Stockade Museum & Carry Nation Home. The Stockade Museum & Carry...
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Kansas Blogger Reflects on the Anderson Creek Fire in “A Few Miles West of Medicine Lodge”

In his poem, “A Few Miles West of Medicine Lodge,” Harold “Doc” Arnett contemplates the area’s devastation and recovery from the wildfires that burned tens of thousands of acres of land in south-central Kansas in March of 2016. This poem was published on Arnett’s blog, Reflections by Doc Arnett: Lessons...
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The New Peace Treaty Festival Isn’t Really New at All

For years, the “Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty” has been equated with the grandeur of the annual Peace Treaty reenactment pageant. However, many other great activities occur during that final September weekend each year. In 2019, the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Association renamed the weekend “Peace Treaty Festival” to christen the...
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Watch History Come Alive at the Peace Treaty Festival

The annual Peace Treaty Festival, established in 1927, is a spectacular celebration of diversity and culture! Attend the Peace Treaty Festival to both observe and participate in events and activities steeped in authentic Native American tradition. Where? Medicine Lodge, Kansas, amid the rugged, rust-colored Gyp Hills When? Friday, September 27–Sunday,...
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The Red Hills of Kansas: Hidden Gems of Inspiration for Local Artists

The Gypsum Hills of south central Kansas is the prime location for seasoned artisans, those who dabble in taking photos, and everyone in between! Most people don’t realize what hidden gems the Gyp Hills of Kansas really are. Not only is this region a stunningly beautiful natural wonder, it is...
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