Rice County, County in Kansas, United States
Rice County is a county in central Kansas, with the town of Lyons serving as its county seat. The land is mostly flat, covered by farmland and grassland, with small towns scattered across the area.
The county was established in 1867 and named after Brigadier-General Samuel Allen Rice, a Union officer in the Civil War. He died in 1864 from wounds received at the Battle of Jenkins Ferry.
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge sits within the county and draws birders who come to see rare migratory species passing through the Great Plains. The refuge lies along a major bird migration corridor, making it a well-known stop for nature photographers.
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge has marked trails and viewing areas that are open throughout the year. Early fall and spring are generally the best times to spot migratory birds passing through.
Original wagon ruts from the Santa Fe Trail are still visible in the ground at several spots across the county. These deep grooves were pressed into the earth by heavily loaded trade wagons in the 19th century and have survived to this day.
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