Pillsbury Crossing Travel Guide

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Located in a scenic area of the northern Flint Hills in Riley County, Pillsbury Crossing is a natural, flat rock crossing on Deep Creek, named after one of the area's early (1855) settlers. It had long been used by pre-settlement white explorers and travelers, and of course plains Indians before that.

It is now a very popular recreation spot when the weather is suitable, especially for students from nearby Kansas State University (Manhattan). Thanks to the vast expanse of shallow water on a level and relatively smooth rock base, you may see a number of vehicles parked in the creek, young folks tossing (American) footballs and discs, dogs romping about, and even grills loaded with burgers or hot dogs right there in the creek.

You might think this could be a wild scene with college kids, booze, drugs, etc. I have never witnessed this. The atmosphere is convivial, and oldsters like myself and people with kiddies seem to be welcomed by the younger crowd. The area is owned by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and I have seen park rangers on patrol each time I have been there.