The 12 Byways of Kansas Deliver the Ultimate Scenic Routes

Kansas’ byways give you 12 ways to experience diverse geology and small-town destinations.

Land & Sky
Western Vistas
Smoky Valley
Wetlands & Wildlife
Post Rock
Prairie Trail
Native Stone
Flints Hills
Gypsum Hills
Glacial Hills
Frontier Military
Route 66 Historic Byway

Land & Sky

88 miles

Towns: St. Francis, Goodland, Sharon Springs

Along America’s first agriculture-themed byway, the summer months shine with golden wheat fields and the bursting sunflower bloom in August. All year long, you’ll find pastures of livestock lounging in the sunshine. From Lookout Point, witness the deep ravines and jagged terrain of the Arikaree Breaks that provide a stark contrast to the plains. Mount Sunflower (not an actual mountain but still the highest point in Kansas) makes the perfect locale for a picnic.

Western Vistas

102 miles

Towns: Scott City, Oakley, Sharon Springs

Discover prehistoric fossils and other archaeological finds in Scott City’s El Quartelejo Museum, which depicts Kansas life in the early Native American and pioneer days. See the unique chalk formations of Monument Rocks before stopping at the larger-than-life sculpture of Buffalo Bill in Oakley. The dramatic sculpture, depicting the legend taking aim at a buffalo from atop his horse, resides at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center. End with a bison or beef burger at Towns End Tavern in Sharon Springs (open Fridays and Saturdays).

Smoky Valley

60 miles

Towns: WaKeeney, Ogallah, Ransom

This horseshoe-shape route runs through the Smoky Hill River Valley, known for its mix of native grasses and purple, yellow and sky blue wildflowers in the springtime. The Smoky Hills (which appear to be hazy blue at dusk and dawn) are best viewed alongside chalky rock outcroppings. Take a small detour to 70-foot-tall Castle Rock, a limestone formation dramatically rising from flat surroundings. In WaKeeney, Western Kansas Saloon and Grill—in a restored hardware store—is the place to go for some serious steak.

Wetlands & Wildlife

18 miles

Towns: Wilson, Lucas

Short but sweet, this stretch highlights the resourcefulness of Kansas settlers. Due to a lack of trees, they built fence posts and farmsteads (many of which still stand) from native limestone. Quirky finds include the Tim Burton-esque S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden in Lucas and the World’s Largest Czech Egg, measuring 20×15 feet and standing sunny-side upright with patterns that honor local Czech heritage. For local flavor, try a burger from Fly Boy Brewery and Eats in Sylvan Grove or road-trip-worthy beef jerky from Brant's Market in Lucas.

Post Rock

18 miles

Towns: Wilson, Lucas

Prairie Trail

80 miles

Towns: Ellsworth, Marquette, Lindsborg

Delve deep into the ethnic and natural diversity of Kansas. Spot roaming elk, bison and more than 100 bird species via a walking or tram tour at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Another must-see: Marquette’s Kansas Motorcycle Museum, where the main hall is filled with racing trophies and dozens of stunning choppers. Journey in mid-June to catch the Midsummer’s Festival in Lindsborg for Swedish food, dancing and craft demonstrations, or stop by the Swedish Heritage Museum, open year-round.

Native Stone

75 miles

Towns: Manhattan, Alma, Eskridge

Limestone is (literally) the bedrock of much of Kansas, and that becomes especially clear on this rocky road trip. Follow miles of Jenga-style stacked limestone fences crafted by 19th-century ranchers intending to keep cattle away from crops. In Alma, visit The Volland Store gallery to see local artwork, then stretch your legs on the adjacent, sculpture-adorned Volland Trail. A home-cooked meal and a generous slice of pie reward your efforts at Hilda’s Diner in Eskridge.

Flints Hills

48 miles

Towns: Cottonwood Falls, Strong City, Council Grove

Most of the tallgrass prairie along the byway looks as it did thousands of years ago, when the Kaw, Osage, and other Indigenous tribes lived here. Visit Cottonwood Falls, where you’ll find the 1873-built Chase County Courthouse, the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas. In Council Grove, the Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Museums feature a new museum about Native American life in the region, plus a re-created 1857 Santa Fe Trail trading post.

Gypsum Hills

42 miles

Towns: Coldwater, Medicine Lodge

Geological marvels abound, with ancient floodplains, buttes, canyons and mesas lending dramatic backdrops to roadside snapshots. Experience ranch life by booking a stay at family- owned Gyp Hills Guest Ranch in Medicine Lodge. Take a hike among the surrounding rusty-red bluffs, and bring your RV for an overnight. Wake up your senses with a refreshing dip in the spring-fed blue waters of Lake Coldwater, the only lake in southwest Kansas that permits water sports.

Glacial Hills

63 miles

Towns: Leavenworth, Atchison

Make like Lewis and Clark and explore the rolling hills and rock-studded valleys they once traversed. The byway takes you through historic downtown Leavenworth, where you can ride a fully restored 1913 carousel at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. Grab a light bite at The Sunflower Cafe in Atchison on your way to Four State Lookout in White Cloud. On a clear day, the ADA-accessible observation platform offers a sweeping view of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa.

Frontier Military

168 miles

Towns: More than 20 to visit!

Once built to move soldiers and supplies, this storied stretch connects Fort Leavenworth to the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Fort Scott’s most active period (1842 to 1873) witnessed pivotal moments in history. Experience life during these years through artillery demonstrations and soldiers on horseback. Learn the Fort Leavenworth story at the Frontier Army Museum, then pay your respects at nearby Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Route 66 Historic Byway

13 miles

Towns: Baxter Springs, Riverton, Galena

It doesn’t get more classic than a cruise along the Mother Road. Get oriented in Baxter Springs at the Kansas Route 66 Visitors Center, a Tudor-style former gas station. Inside, see signatures of hundreds of Route 66 travelers. Continue with the automotive theme in Galena at Cars on the Route, home to the rusty boom truck that inspired the character Tow Mater in Cars, and Gearhead Curios, a restored Texaco station starring a 1951 Hudson Hornet honoring Cars character Doc Hudson.