Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Museums on the Santa Fe Trail
Start of the Historic Tour of Council Grove. Mission school for state's namesake tribe, the Kaw or Kansas. Interpretation of the Kaw, Santa…
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The prairie is a place of relaxation and unspoiled beauty for some. For others, it’s a little slice of heaven. You can’t help but admire the breathtaking scenery along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, but the journey is more than the rolling hills you’ll see. In these parts, the zest of small-town life is ingrained with the landscape. And while the seasons may change the view, the steadfast communities will remain to protect this enchanting land and welcome you along the way.
The 47-mile-long byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie - one of the last remaining landscapes left in America. Much of the land along the byway looks as it did thousands of years ago when the Kaw, Osage, and other native tribes lived here. Early settlers navigated the famous Santa Fe Trail, some stopping to build the various cities and towns found along the route.
Today, the Flint Hills area is home to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and historic venues such as the Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Museums on the Santa Fe Trail. Along the way, you'll also find towns filled with charming shops, restaurants, artwork, historical sites, and other points of interest.
Distance: 47 Miles
Council Grove to Cassoday (North to South): Starting in Council Grove, KS at the intersection of US-56 and K-177, head south towards Strong City, KS, Cottonwood Falls, KS, and Matfield Green, KS. Continue on K-177 for the entire route duration until it eventually concludes in Cassoday, KS.
Cassoday to Council Grove (South to North): Starting in Cassoday, KS, head north on K-177 towards the cities of Matfield Green, KS, Cottonwood Falls, KS, and Strong City, KS. Continue on K-177 for the entire route duration until it eventually concludes at the intersection with US 56 in Council Grove, KS.
Start of the Historic Tour of Council Grove. Mission school for state's namesake tribe, the Kaw or Kansas. Interpretation of the Kaw, Santa…
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Hear about the Flint Hills as you explore the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway!
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway educates and entertains travelers with a Travel Information Radio System. Tune your vehicle’s radio to 1680 AM and hear about local history; wildlife, and ecosystems of the tallgrass prairie; why ranchers burn pastures; special events taking place in local communities; and much more. To keep the signal strong throughout your drive, three transmitters are located along the route: one each in Cassoday (WQCW625), Cottonwood Falls (WQCU481), and Council Grove (WQCU480).
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