The Kansas Sampler Foundation recently announced they are considering two outdoor attractions located in Manhattan to be a part of their "8 Wonders of Kansas Geography Award." Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area and the Konza Prairie trails were both selected as finalists, along with 22 other Kansas locations from a list of 76 public nominations.

The criteria by which these locations were selected were simple. The location had to be part of nature, had to have a "wow" factor, and it had to be unique to Kansas. Other finalists include Mount Sunflower in Wallace county, Four State Lookout in White Cloud, and Geographic Center of the United States near Lebanon.

Pillsbury Crossing, named after Josiah Pillsbury, who settled in Manhattan in 1855, is located seven miles south of Manhattan near Deep Creek Road and Pillsbury Crossing Road. The site is home to a 60-foot wide and five-foot high waterfall coming off of a flat, natural limestone shelf.

The Crossing has attracted visitors since it became part of a 59-acre wildlife area run by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The river is a popular fishing spot because it is one of few places in Kansas where spotted bass naturally occur.

The Crossing was nominated because of its uncommon features - the waterfall and limestone shelf, and spotted bass fishing - and its popularity with the locals of Manhattan.

The Konza trails, located about six miles south of Manhattan off of McDowell Creek Road, provide six miles of hiking trails twisting through parts of the Flint Hills. The trails are open to the public from dusk to dawn year-round, and there are three different loops for hikers and visitors to choose from: two, four or six miles around.

These trails cut through the tall-grass prairie and through the forested areas of Kings Creek while allowing hikers to experience several scenic overlooks over vast tracts offered by the Flint Hills.

The Konza Prairie was recently brought to the public eye by an article published in May 2009 by Backpacker magazine, which named it one of the top 100 day hikes in America.

The purpose of the 8 Wonders project is to help educate people about the state of Kansas and what it has to offer. Manhattan is the only city that has had two locations nominated.

The Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau is encouraging people to get involved and show their local pride by voting online at 8wonders.org, or by submitting a paper ballot. The paper ballots are available at the Manhattan CVB office, which is located at 501 Poyntz Ave. The applications are due by midnight Feb. 17.