Crawford County, Kansas – Nature is gradually reclaiming strip mining sites in the Pittsburg area, and some have been transformed into unique recreation and wildlife areas. The area above, dug out during coal mining days, is now part of Crawford State Fishing Lake #1, just north of Frontenac. The areas are not without their hazards: steep drop-offs, there are reports of submerged barbed wire or vehicles. Collapsing undergound mines are also a problem throughout the southeast coal, lead, and zinc mining areas. Nevertheless, there were several fisherman out enjoying this lake over the weekend.
That’s not much of a tourism pitch is it? — Really though, it’s a fascinating part of the state with a lot of history: Big Brutus, the Great Fried Chicken Rivalry…. Visit and enjoy, just don’t swim in the mine pits.
