30 Day Roadtrip

This blog post is part of my 30-day road trip to explore the stunning scenery and breathtaking national parks across the United States. This is the last blog on this trip. Another trip is planned for February 2025. Each stop on this journey showcases the incredible diversity of our natural landscapes, from the vibrant colors of Badlands National Park to the majestic peaks of the Rockies in Grand Teton National Parks. Join me as I uncover the beauty and wonder of these amazing destinations, one adventure at a time! Click here to see other blog posts on this trip.

A Drive Through Kansas: Discovering the Heartland

As a photographer, there's something magical about capturing the quiet, expansive beauty of America's heartland. On my recent journey through Kansas, I was struck by the vast landscapes, the simple yet striking landmarks, and the way the open road seems to stretch on forever, offering a perfect backdrop for reflection, exploration, and, of course, photography. From historic sites like the Hollenberg Pony Express Station to the quiet solitude of a deserted Kansas road, my drive through this underrated state left me in awe of its timeless beauty.

1. Hollenberg Pony Express Station: A Step Back in Time

One of the first stops on my Kansas road trip was the Hollenberg Pony Express Station, a historical landmark located just off Highway 36. This site, dating back to 1858, was a critical station on the famous Pony Express route, where riders would exchange tired horses for fresh ones on their way across the vast American frontier.

Walking through the preserved buildings, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the pioneers and explorers who passed through here, braving the wide-open plains to deliver the mail. The simple, rustic architecture of the station contrasts beautifully with the vast Kansas sky, offering a perfect opportunity for photography. The landscape here, where the prairie stretches as far as the eye can see, is a stunning reminder of how the American West once looked — untouched and full of possibility.

2. The Geographic Center of the United States in Lebanon, Kansas

Next on my journey was Lebanon, Kansas, home to the Geographic Center of the United States. Standing here, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe. This tiny, quiet town marks the true center of the nation, and while Lebanon might be off the beaten path, it’s a significant stop for anyone traveling through the state.

The beauty of this spot is in its simplicity. A small marker stands in a peaceful, open field, where the only sounds are the wind rustling through the tall grass and the distant hum of traffic on the highway. The vast openness of Kansas spreads out before you in every direction, and as I took in the view, I realized how much this location symbolizes the heart of the country — unassuming, humble, and full of potential. From a photographer’s perspective, the light here is breathtaking, with golden fields under the soft expanse of a cloud-streaked sky, creating the perfect atmosphere for capturing timeless shots of the American landscape.

3. The Desolate Roads of Kansas: Where Solitude Meets Beauty

As I continued on my drive through Kansas, I found myself on one of the many deserted roads that stretch endlessly through the state. These roads, often without a soul in sight, offer a unique perspective on the solitude and simplicity that defines the Midwest. The long, empty stretches of pavement, flanked by golden fields of wheat or grassy plains, offer a perfect representation of the desolate beauty that is so unique to Kansas.

In a world that’s constantly moving and evolving, these roads feel like a snapshot of the past — a place where time seems to slow down. As I pulled over to take a photo of the road, with no one else in sight for miles, I felt both a sense of peace and isolation. The endless horizon in front of me perfectly captures the spirit of Kansas — a place of wide open spaces, where the land meets the sky, and the world feels just a little bit quieter.

4. The Heartland of America: The Beauty of Kansas

What struck me most about Kansas was its vastness and understated beauty. From the rolling prairies to the quiet charm of its small towns, this state has a way of making you feel connected to the land in a way that larger, more crowded places just can't. The beauty here is in the simplicity — the way the sky stretches out endlessly, how the sunlight dances across golden fields of wheat, and how the quiet moments on the road seem to hold more meaning.

Kansas may not have the towering mountains of the West or the bustling streets of the East, but it has something else: a raw, untouched beauty that feels timeless. It’s the heartland, the center of it all, and it offers some of the most picturesque landscapes I've ever had the privilege to photograph. Whether you're exploring historic sites like the Hollenberg Pony Express Station or driving along the endless highways that cut through the plains, Kansas is a place where the spirit of the American heartland lives on in every mile.

Conclusion

Driving through Kansas was more than just a road trip — it was an immersion into the quiet beauty of the American heartland. From the historic Pony Express station to the peaceful, isolated roads of the prairie, this journey reaffirmed my belief that sometimes the most unexpected places hold the most beauty. For any photographer or traveler looking to capture the soul of America, Kansas offers a unique perspective, with its endless horizons and timeless landscapes.

So, the next time you're on the road, take a detour through Kansas. Stop at the Geographic Center, visit a Pony Express station, or simply pull over and admire the peaceful isolation that defines this great state. You never know what you might discover — or what stunning images you’ll capture along the way.

My Camera

I’m often asked what camera I shoot with. I’m a firm believer that any modern camera today can produce a good picture. I use a Canon R5 as my main camera. It is a mirrorless camera, and more importantly it is a great tool. I am able to get it to translate the vision that I see into a photograph. My key reasons for this camera are: 

• It is 45 mp. For some photographers, that may be too much as it produces large files. As a landscape photographer it is my sweet spot. 
• It’s a Canon. I have used a lot of Canon cameras and have always found them dependable, reliable and intuitive to use. 
• The RF lenses are truly amazing. I have always had EF-L series lenses, but the RF lenses produce stunning images. 
• The image stabilization is outstanding.
• It is not too large, and not too small and works well as a travel camera for landscape photography. 

But this isn’t a blog about cameras. If you want to know more, please contact me. 

Debbi Marquette Photography is located in Upstate New York at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Debbi is an award winning and published travel, landscape and bald eagle photographer specializing in artistic, authentic, and memorable landscape and wildlife photography. She travels frequently, lives near the mountains and constantly has a camera in her hand to capture photographs so others can see the beauty of our world.

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