Charlie's Ruts

Charlie's Ruts, managed by the Kearny County Museum on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

North of Highway 50 and 4.5 miles east of Lakin, Kansas.

Significance:

Charlie's Ruts is a site that contains several sets of parallel swales from wagons traveling on the Santa Fe Trail.

Designation:

Certified Site; Historic site on the Santa Fe NHT.

MANAGED BY:

Kearny County Museum

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto

At Charlie’s Ruts, one can see physical marks on the land from the thousands of wagon trains that carried goods on the Santa Fe Trail. No one knows for certain just how many thousands of wagons journeyed along the Santa Fe Trail. The heavy cargo carriers often traveled three or more abreast, their wheels etching ruts that can still be seen on various sections of the Trail. Several swales are preserved in an un-tilled field that the public is invited to explore.

Site Information

Location (North of Highway 50 and 4.5 miles east of Lakin, Kansas.)

Safety Considerations

More Site Information

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Tags: santa fe national historic trail, santa fe trail, historic trail, national historic trail, west kansas, certified site, historic site, ruts, swales, trail swales, trail ruts, rutnuts