atomic cannon

542StephanieL

My boys had a great time climbing the hill up to the cannon and then they got to climb all over it! It's a great view up there!

ScottN4

Don't follow the map it gives you. It takes you to south park. It's off of the Ft. Riley exit before you get to junction city on the south side.

ryan1357

You can see them from quite some distance and have to walk a lot of steps to get there.. It is right off I-70 so you can stop and take a look as you pass through. There isn't much else to say.

klea03

The cannons are always fun to go visit. My 4 y/o loves the walk up, and the view from the top is amazing. There's nothing off the exit in the way of food, but a good place to stretch your legs!

Danford49

this is a nice place to stop and take a nice hike up a hill to get your blood flowing, but you need to make sure you are up to the hike. The weapons are old but for soldiers of the past it a nice reminder of the weaponries used in our earlier war or conflicts

RyanD1977

Not much to it except quite a climb to the top. The views of Ft Riley are nice but driving by at 75mph is really all you need to see.

15BobH

The Atomic Cannon is located in Freedom Park on the south side of Interstate 70 at exit 301; across the highway from the entrance to Marshall Army Air Field, at Ft Riley, Kansas. The Park is an ideal place to stop to stretch the legs and allow the kids to burn off a little steam during those long drives across Kansas. The Park provides ample parking with a few picnic tables. The Atomic Cannon itself is located a short hike up to a ridge about 200 above the park. An asphalt paved switch-back path provides an easy approach to the ridge. There are a couple of old artillery pieces along the path to look at and for the kids to climb on. The Atomic Cannon is one of only three M65 280mm cannons specifically build in the late 50’s to fire nuclear capable shells. The artillery pieces as well as the Cannon itself are pretty dilapidated but the panoramic view makes up for it. Not much historical value, just a nice respite from a long drive.

JohnFord1963

The Atomic Cannon, known as "Atomic Annie" to the Soldiers at Ft. Riley is a nice stop that has a little bit of history and will get your heart beating. It is at the top of large ridge across I70 from the fort and takes about 5-10 minutes to climb up the path. NOT recommended if you're not able for a solid physical exertion or you don't have comfortable shoes.

33ryanw

This is a nice easy hike. The cannon was cool, too. The trail and the signs are in need of major repair. If you're there at the right time you'll be able to see some helicopters take off. My boys loved it!

DR_AL_S

History buffs will appreciate this hike and view. The information on the signs at the start of the hike and during the hike will give one much to ponder during the workout of the hike! Great view of the Fort and the Flint Hills from the top!

218RichardD

Impressive piece of equipment. Easy to get to. Boys really enjoyed being able to see it and even climb around on it. Was not aware of its existence. Information about it helpful.

GeorgeO2

The cannon is at the top of a hill. It is not a long climb but you need to be able to make the trip if you want to see the cannon. There are a few other military exhibts on the way up the hill. My son liked the lizards just as much as he did the cannon when he visited. They were all over the place.

KansasMama

Quite the hike up, but worth the view and up close experience with military equipment. Beautiful to catch a kansas sunset.

tiger711

An interesting hike up the hill next to I-70. The cannon is large, and you can touch and even sit on top of it if you wanted too. The hike is a bit steep, but nothing the average person can't handle. If you are deeply in need of something to do, you might as well try this hike.

JustinS580

The Atomic Canon is a very interesting short hike along I70 just outside of Fort Riley, a US Army base in Kansas. Several different artillery pieces line the quarter mile route up hill ending in with a massive nuclear artillery gun. There are a few history plaques along the way and the trail is paved, though it has fallen into disrepair. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to hike the trail to the top and 10 minutes to return. There is ample parking and the park is rarely crowded. If you are traveling along I70 the Atomic Canyon is a much better and more educational stop than your typical rest area, unless you need a soda or snack. There are no vending machines in the area.