This interesting feature on the High Plains
of Kansas is on U.S. Highway 283 about 40 miles south of Dodge City.
For 1.4 miles, U.S. Highway 283 traverses the floor of Big Basin, which most likely resulted from salts dissolving several hundred
feet below the earth's surface and causing subsidence of the earth above it.
In Little Basin, about 0.5 miles to the east, is a spring known as St.
Jacobs Well. From a distance, the spot appears to be an oasis of cottonwood
trees. It is surrounded by a fence made of limestone posts and barbed wire, which
keeps the buffalo out and the water clear. A path leads down to the water's edge
from the parking lot on the bluff above.
A winter visitor to this unique area may have the place all to him or
Mike Blair of Kansas Wildlife and Parks narrates this March visit to the
For more videos from this series, see the
Tracks indicate the value of permanent
water to the wildlife of the area. This site preserves mixed grass prairie that is
rich with wildflowers during spring. Western meadowlarks and grasshopper sparrows
are common during the nesting period. Collared lizards and six-lined racerunners sun
on exposed rocks.
The most visible animals of the area are
bison, which dot the distant hillsides or sometimes roll in the dust in the middle of the
access road. These animals can be unpredictable; stay in your vehicle if they are
close. Many bison wear identification tags in their ears.
Bachelor bulls keep apart from the herd, like this one who was spotted
lying down in a wallow.
Windmills provide additional water sources for the bison.
The Old West lives on at Big Basin.
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developed trails. A walk around the roads beginning at the entrance is a 5 mile round
trip. WARNING: Bison roam freely within this area. It is highly
recommended to drive the roads first to locate the animals before leaving the safety of
Click the icon to find a birding list for Clark county.
Click the icon to locate nearby Geocaches
Directions: From Minneola (21 miles south of Dodge City) travel 12
miles south on U.S. 283 to the intersection of U.S. 160. Continue south from this
intersection, following both highways 3.2 miles to a roadside information sign describing
Big Basin and the bison. Continue south another 0.6 miles to the entrance gate on
the east side of the road. It is 1.7 miles from the highway to St. Jacob's Well
Ownership:The entity responsible for management of this location
is the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks
Contact them at (620)
227-8609 if you have specific questions about use or
management of the site. 1,818 acres
You may download the KDWPT brochure on Big Basin from
their web site.
Funded by the
Chickadee Checkoff Program Click here for a brochure!
Re-publication of site content in any form other than for personal use
requires written permission. If you are a Kansas resident, please
assist with this and other wildlife viewing and conservation programs
by contributing to the Chickadee Checkoff on your state tax form.