Is anyone up for a detour on their next road trip? This stone home has quite a bit of history behind it, and we think it’s a wonder to have this home still standing and perfect for education about old Kansas living. This little chunk of history is a big part of how early Kansans lived and built their homes out of the stone around them.

Today’s historic spot is Cottonwood Ranch, a stone home built in Studley, Kansas that still stands today.

CINDY BRODKORB/Google

Originally made by the Pratt family from native stone with a sod roof and dirt floor, the house was eventually upgraded to the home you see today, with extra wings and a roof that would stand through the winter and years to come.

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In 1983, the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the John Fenton Pratt Ranch. It includes stained glass windows and a detailed record of the home’s changes, and more.

Dale Swindler/Google

The current curator of this ranch turned museum knows all about the home and every detail of it, though the tours here are self-guided. If you’re lucky, you can chat with Don and he’ll tell you even more than the signs ever could.

Jason K/Google

The furnishings and current areas of the ranch were all original to the home, and look as if the owners are just out for the day. There’s a lot of character in every room you see.

Friends of the Cottonwood Ranch Facebook

Today, a self-guided tour and a quick hello to the animal residents are a great way to learn a bit about local Kansas history during your travels.

Curt/Google

Unless otherwise posted, the ranch is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. They are also only open May through September.

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For more information about this site, refer to the Kansas Historical Society website. For updates on closings and more, check out the Friends of the Cottonwood Ranch Facebook page.

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Dale Swindler/Google

Jason K/Google

Friends of the Cottonwood Ranch Facebook

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Does your area of Kansas have a beautiful piece of history just waiting to be explored? We’d love to hear about it! Submit your ideas to our Nomination Page and we’ll take a look.

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Address: 14432 E. U.S. Highway 24, 14432 US-24, Studley, KS 67740, USA