10 Best Road Trips You Can Take Through The Scenic State Of Kansas
Kansas, often acclaimed for its sweeping prairies and history-rich landscapes, offers an array of picturesque road trips that beckon the traveler to explore its hidden gems. From the rolling Flint Hills to the historic trails that once witnessed westward migration, Kansas provides a canvas on which every journey paints a new picture. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just seeking a peaceful drive, these ten road trips through the Sunflower State are sure to inspire a sense of wonder.
1. Flint Hills National Scenic Byway: This 47.2-mile route offers expansive views of undulating tallgrass prairies. Starting from Council Grove, it winds through the heart of the beautiful Flint Hills.
2. Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway: This byway circles the Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migrating birds and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
3. Route 66 Historic Byway: While only 13.2 miles of this iconic highway run through Kansas, the small section from Galena to Baxter Springs is dense with Americana and vintage charm.
4. Western Vistas Historic Byway: For those captivated by the Old West, this 102-mile trail from Scott City to Sharon Springs showcases unique rock formations and rich frontier history.
5. Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway: Featuring stunning red soil caps atop mesa-like hills, this southwestern Kansas drive from Medicine Lodge to Coldwater is short but incredibly scenic.
6. Glacial Hills Scenic Byway: Named for its post-glacial landscape features, this northeastern route winds from Leavenworth to White Cloud, revealing rolling hills and lush foliage along the Missouri River bluffs.
7. Prairie Trail Scenic Byway: Explore central Kansas’ heritage and natural beauty across 56 miles from Canton to Ellinwood, with stops at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and Kanopolis State Park.
8. Post Rock Scenic Byway: A journey along this byway illuminates why limestone fence posts became a signature feature of the region—start in Lucas and make your way to Wilson for art-infused towns amidst rocky outcroppings.
9. Smoky Valley Scenic Byway: Named after the Smoky Hill River, this 60-mile stretch traverses rugged landscapes and historic sites like Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park from Oakley to K-140 Highway.
10. Frontier Military Historic Byway: Linking Fort Leavenworth with Fort Scott, this route dives deep into Civil War history while offering lush landscapes beside the Marais des Cygnes River.
Each of these road trips featuring Kansas’s scenic state delivers unique encounters with America’s heartland—its culture, its wilderness, and its storied past—providing travelers with unforgettable experiences mile after mile.