In Kansas’ Flint Hills, venture into the famous prairie landscape and Kansas State University’s vibrant hometown.
Defined by the sea of swaying bluestem, carpets of wildflowers, grazing bovines, and limestone outcroppings covering its undulating terrain, the Flint Hills region beckons nature lovers. Because of all the limestone, early settlers used the land for livestock grazing instead of cultivated crops, allowing the prairie to survive.
Today, you can hike into pristine preserves, bike nearly 100 miles, overnight in a rustic lodge, or tune in to the Kansas City Symphony from your prairie seat. Get an overview at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Start with the 15-minute immersive film about the prairie, complete with falling snow and winds that gust through the theater. Then peruse exhibits that detail the region’s biology and culture, and take time to explore the gardens outside. Kids can roam an indoor interactive prairie playscape.
Hike The Hills
At Konza Prairie Biological Station south of Manhattan, hike through the tallgrass to a spectacular hilltop view of the Flint Hills and Kansas River Valley. Drive to the State-177 scenic overlook for another panorama. Fifty miles south near Strong City, stop by the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve’s visitors center, then take a bus tour (seasonal) in the 11,000-acre preserve or hike to scenic overlooks and a one-room schoolhouse that dates to 1884. You can also tour the 1881 limestone ranch house and nearby barn.
Konza Prairie Biological Station
8,600 acres of quiet, rolling hills marked with flint and limestone dominate the landscapes around Manhattan KS. Kansas State University…
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Nearly 11,000 acres of wide open space, beautiful vistas, seasonal wildflowers, wildlife, bison herd, history, and plenty of solitude. The…
Other Tours To Take
North of Matfield Green, historic ranch Pioneer Bluffs includes an early 1900s house, barns and distinctive mile-long limestone fencing. Learn its story through prairie talks, interpretative exhibits and music. Head to Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge near Hartford to spot some of the nearly 300 bird species that fly through here. Explore by auto tour, nature trails, and hunting and fishing outings.
Pioneer Bluffs
“Come home” to Pioneer Bluffs and take time to enjoy a simpler life. Bring a picnic, hike along Crocker Creek, and explore the oak savannah…
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
This Refuge is managed primarily for migratory waterfowl. Intensive use by ducks and geese occurs during the spring and fall migration…
Flint Hills Trail State Park
The route links great stops from Osawatomie to Council Grove.
Flint Hills Trail State Park
It’s the kind of place where you can travel many miles in near silence as your hiking boots or bike tires move over a surface velvety smooth.
Osawatomie
At the eastern trailhead, the John Brown Museum State Historic Site recalls Bleeding Kansas days.
John Brown Museum State Historic Site
Discover the harsh realities of pioneer life at the John Brown Museum State Historic Site, where Reverend Samuel and Florella Adair struggled to survive on the Kansas frontier while maintaining and defending their…
Ottawa
Intersect with Prairie Spirit Trail State Park at the new downtown Legacy Square.
Prairie Spirit Trail
A century ago Kansans took the train from town to town, watching the countryside lazily pass as they road the rails.
Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park
Pedal a lengthy stretch of pure prairie, en route to the Kaw Nation memorial near Council Grove.
Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park
Site of the Last Kaw (Kanza) Indian Village in Kansas prior to forced removal of the tribe (for which Kansas is named) to Oklahoma in 1873. Begin tour at restored Indian Agency Ruins for two and one-half mile walking…
Pomona State Park
West of Pomona, take a detour for a campout.
Pomona
For decades visitors have come to Pomona State Park by automobile. Now, they’re also coming by horseback and bicycle.
Make Manhattan Yours
Dubbed Manhappiness and The Little Apple, Kansas State University’s hometown of Manhattan delights visitors with shopping, dining and a trendy collegiate-geared entertainment district filled with youthful culture and charm.
Manhattan
Visit Manhattan! There’s a world of enjoyment awaiting your visit to Manhattan, Kansas, home to Flint Hills Discovery Center, Kansas State University, Konza Prairie and Sunset Zoo.
Start Downtown
Manhattan lives up to its endearing nicknames at every step. Best of all, getting around is easy in the city of 55,000, starting with the walkable 4-square-block downtown. Manhattan Town Center mall anchors the heart of downtown, and stylish shops join locally owned restaurants along Poyntz Avenue. Enjoy downtown views (along with a craft brew sampler) from the rooftop patio at Tallgrass Tap House.
Manhattan Town Center
Located in the heart of beautiful downtown, Manhattan Town Center is proud to be the cornerstone of community life for over 30 years. Manhattan Town Center offers a generous selection with specialty stores, restaurants…
Pedal to Campus
Use the free bike-share to cruise the mile to Aggieville, the fun-loving shopping, bar and entertainment district next to campus. Get a taste at some Wildcat favorites: Varsity Donuts, Rock-a-Belly Bar and Deli, Kite’s Bar and Grill, Radina’s Coffeehouse, and Acme Gift.
Kansas State University
Kansas State University offers the most acclaimed, unique "Family" experience for students, parents, and visitors. Wildcats' athletics include football, men's/women's basketball and highly-competitive baseball…
Flint Hills of Kansas
Flint Hills of Kansas
Engage in the vast beauty of rolling hills and breathtaking views along the Flint Hills in east-central Kansas. This is one of the…
Flint Hills Trail State Park
The 117-mile rail-trail across Kansas from the Marais des Cygnes river valley near Osawatomie to the heart of the Flint Hills is…
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
The 47-mile-long Flint Hills National Scenic Byway offers incredible views of the native grasses the tallgrass prairie