It was divided between the Cimarron Route that crossed the river many times through Dodge City and the Lakin vicinity, and also divided by the Mountain Route which followed the north bank of Arkansas. All over Kansas there many historic sites and preserved remnants along the trail. There are famous stopping points, wagon ruts, unique landmarks, and many other reasons for you to come and experience the Santa Fe Trail. He was an operator of an early trading post and the first ferry on the Kansas River. The basement was used as a dining room for travelers.
Visitors can see the wood peg barn, stone icehouse, and the house built by mahaffie.
In 1825 the U.S. government negotiated with the Osage Indians for passage across the lands. The stump of Council Oak still stands where they signed the treaty. A 2500 acre preserved prairie just a few miles north of the Santa Fe Trail. Elk, deer, and the buffalo run free. With more than 200 buffalo the herd is one of the largest in the state.