Kansas, known for its expansive prairies, wide open skies, and rich cultural history, is often referred to with the slogan “Kansas: As Big As You Think.” This phrase perfectly captures the vastness and diversity of experiences that Kansas offers. The state is not just about long stretches of farmland but also features scenic beauty, rich history, and opportunities for adventure, much of which can be explored through its network of Kansas Byways.
Kansas Byways: A Journey through Scenic Beauty and Heritage
Kansas is home to 11 designated scenic byways, each offering a unique window into the state’s natural landscapes, history, and local culture. These byways traverse the plains, rolling hills, and historic towns, providing travelers with a scenic and immersive way to explore Kansas. Here’s an overview of some of the notable Kansas Byways:
1. Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
- Length: 48 miles
- Highlights: The Flint Hills are one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world, and this byway showcases their beauty. As you travel through the rolling hills, you’ll encounter sweeping vistas of undisturbed prairie. The byway passes through small, historic towns like Cottonwood Falls and Strong City, as well as the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which offers trails and a visitor center to learn more about this unique environment.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer, when the prairie grasses are lush and wildflowers are in bloom.
2. Post Rock Scenic Byway
- Length: 18 miles
- Highlights: Named for the limestone fence posts found throughout the region, the Post Rock Scenic Byway passes through the Smoky Hills of north-central Kansas. The byway offers views of unique rock formations, limestone bluffs, and the Wilson Reservoir, which is perfect for boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Cultural Significance: Along the way, you can visit historic sites like the World’s Largest Czech Egg in Wilson, a testament to the Czech heritage in the area.
3. Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
- Length: 42 miles
- Highlights: This byway takes you through the red hills and canyons of south-central Kansas, where you’ll experience a landscape unlike anywhere else in the state. The Gypsum Hills, also known as the Red Hills, are characterized by their rich red soil, mesas, buttes, and rugged beauty. The byway runs through the towns of Medicine Lodge and Coldwater and offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife watching.
- Historical Connections: Medicine Lodge is home to the Peace Treaty Pageant, which commemorates the 1867 peace talks between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.
4. Native Stone Scenic Byway
- Length: 48 miles
- Highlights: Running through the heart of the Flint Hills, this byway is named for the native limestone used in many of the fences, buildings, and structures in the area. The rolling hills, stone barns, and quiet country roads offer a peaceful journey through rural Kansas.
- Cultural Landmarks: The byway passes near Wabaunsee, home to the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church, which played a role in the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict before the Civil War.
5. Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway
- Length: 77 miles
- Highlights: This byway offers a completely different kind of Kansas landscape—wetlands. It winds through Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, two of the most important wetlands in North America. These wetlands are a haven for migratory birds, including pelicans, sandhill cranes, and whooping cranes, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Ecological Significance: These areas are part of the Central Flyway, a major migration route for millions of birds. During peak migration periods, the wetlands teem with diverse species.
6. Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
- Length: 63 miles
- Highlights: Located in northeastern Kansas, the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway follows the path of ancient glaciers that left behind rolling hills, valleys, and woodlands. This byway offers lush, tree-lined roads and scenic views of the Missouri River. It also passes through towns with deep historical roots, including Atchison, the birthplace of aviator Amelia Earhart.
- Historical Significance: The byway is rich in history, with stops that include Fort Leavenworth, the oldest active military post west of the Mississippi River, and several sites related to the Lewis and Clark expedition.
7. Prairie Trail Scenic Byway
- Length: 56 miles
- Highlights: Traveling through central Kansas, this byway offers a look at the transition from the prairie to the Smoky Hills. Visitors can explore the Coronado Heights and the historic Santa Fe Trail. Along the way, you can visit Lindsborg, known as “Little Sweden,” with its unique Swedish heritage and festivals.
- Cultural Landmarks: Lindsborg is home to the Bethany College Messiah Festival, and the town itself is filled with Swedish shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
8. Route 66 Historic Byway
- Length: 13 miles
- Highlights: Though short, this byway covers the Kansas section of the famous Route 66, one of the most iconic highways in the U.S. It travels through the towns of Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the heyday of America’s “Mother Road.”
- Historical Significance: Along the way, you’ll find landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge, the last remaining Marsh arch bridge on Route 66, and vintage service stations that harken back to the road trip era of the mid-20th century.
9. Smoky Valley Scenic Byway
- Length: 60 miles
- Highlights: The Smoky Valley Scenic Byway offers stunning views of the Smoky Hills in north-central Kansas, with rugged terrain, tallgrass prairie, and rock formations that give the area a unique character. Travelers can visit Lake Wilson for outdoor recreation and experience the beauty of the Kansas Badlands.
- Recreation Opportunities: The byway is popular for hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors.
10. Western Vistas Historic Byway
- Length: 102 miles
- Highlights: As the name suggests, this byway takes you through the wide-open spaces and historic landscapes of western Kansas. The journey passes through the Monument Rocks and Castle Rock, both unique chalk formations that rise dramatically from the prairie.
- Historical Sites: Travelers can explore the Butterfield Overland Dispatch stage line and the historic Fort Wallace.
