Chasing the Last Days of Summer in Fike Park

There is something special about late summer in Colby.

Recently, I was enjoying a picnic in Fike Park as the sun was beginning to set, and I found myself looking around and realizing just how much life was happening all around me.

Monarch butterflies were everywhere.

They floated through the park, chased one another through the air, and danced between the trees and flowers. With a light breeze moving through the park and the evening sun beginning to turn everything golden, it was one of those simple moments that makes you stop and appreciate where you are.

And the more I paid attention, the more I noticed.

Squirrels were racing through the grass and darting up trees. Bees were buzzing from flower to flower. Birds were chirping overhead. Kids were laughing and playing in the distance while dogs occasionally added a "woof" to the soundtrack of the evening.

It was peaceful, but it certainly wasn't quiet.

Fike Park was alive.

Wildlife Right in the Heart of Colby

When we talk about visiting Colby, we often mention our attractions, restaurants, events, history, and shopping—but sometimes the best experiences are the simplest ones.

Our parks are full of wildlife, and Fike Park is especially beautiful this time of year. You don't have to travel far or plan an entire day to enjoy nature. Sometimes all you need is a picnic blanket, something to eat, and a little time to look around.

Watch the butterflies.

Listen to the birds.

See how many squirrels you can spot.

Let the kids run around.

Bring the dog for a walk.

Find a shady spot beneath one of the trees and enjoy an evening outside.

Don't Rush Into Fall Just Yet

Fall is right around the corner in northwest Kansas, but summer isn't finished with us yet.

These late-August evenings are worth taking advantage of. The days are still warm, the evenings are beginning to feel a little more comfortable, and our parks are putting on their own little end-of-summer show.

Pack dinner and have a picnic. Take an evening walk. Bring the family to the playground. Sit beneath a tree with a book. Or simply find a bench and watch the sun go down.

You might be surprised by how much there is to see when you slow down long enough to notice it.

Before the leaves begin to change and that familiar Kansas fall breeze rolls into Colby, get outside and enjoy these last summery days.

The butterflies are still dancing, the bees are still buzzing, the squirrels are still playing, and the birds are still singing.

And right now, Fike Park might just be one of the most peaceful places to experience it all.

Come enjoy a little nature in the Oasis on the Plains.