Approximately 45 Kansas University faculty and staff on Wednesday got a close-up view of a herd of buffalo near Scott City.

“We’re trying to hit spots off the beaten path,” said Margey Frederick, director of special events and visitor services at KU.

The visit to Duff’s Buffalo Ranch was part of the 11th annual “Wheat State Whirlwind Tour.”

The tour, which left Monday from Lawrence and will return Friday, gives KU personnel a chance to connect with Kansans in rural areas.

“Year after year, the tour has proven to be an outstanding way for KU faculty and staff to get out and learn firsthand what makes this great state tick,” said KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway.

“They not only learn about its history, landscape and economy, they get a better understanding of where KU’s students come from and meet some great people along the way,” he said.

The group, riding in a tour bus, will travel more than 1,000 miles. It already hit Topeka, Manhattan, Barnes, Marysville, Concordia, Lucas, Palco, Nicodemus, Edson, Goodland, Oakley, Logan County, Ness City and Dodge City.

Stops today and Friday include Spearville, Fort Larned, Hudson, Hutchinson, Inman, Yoder and Cottonwood Falls.