Prairie Trail Scenic Byway

Tallgrass waving in the wind. Bison herds grazing. The chirp of crickets on a warm summer’s eve. The wild spirit of the prairie lives on in the preserved lands and the souls of those at home along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway. Nature lovers, history buffs, and gearheads alike will find themselves immersed along the way. Captivating landscapes and curved roads make for a peaceful scenic drive, but whether you explore on two wheels or four is up to you.

Prairie Trail Byway Map

Request a Byways Guide

View The Digital Byways Guide

Things to do along the way

About the Byway

Interpretive Sites

Locations

Valkommen Trail trailhead near K-4 & E Lindsborg (38.5684, -97.67501)
SE corner old US 40 & K-156; access via Evans St (38.73961, -98.21517)
McPherson County Fairgrounds (38.3935, -97.42705)

Driving Directions

Distance: 80 miles

Ellsworth to Canton: Begin on the I-70 exit 225 for K-156 towards Ellsworth KS. Continue on K-156 towards Ellsworth for about 10 miles. Once in Ellsworth, make a left on K-140 for 13 miles towards K-141 near Carneiro, KS. Along the way, be sure to stop by Mushroom Rock State Park. You'll continue the route on K-141 for another 13 miles, heading south towards Kanopolis State Park.

Once you reach the sign for K-4, make a left and head east for 15 miles towards Lindsborg, KS. Where K-4 meets 14th Ave in Lindsborg, make a right and head south for 1 mile towards Smoky Valley Rd. Stay on Smoky Valley Rd for 13 miles until you reach Roxbury, KS. In Roxbury, turn right onto 27th Ave and drive the final 13 miles to Canton, KS.

Canton to Ellsworth: Starting in Canton, KS, head north on 27th Ave for 13 miles until you reach Roxbury, KS. In Roxbury, make a left onto Smoky Valley Rd and continue for 13 miles towards Lindsborg, KS. Make a right on 14th Ave just outside of Lindsborg, KS, and continue for 1 mile. Once you reach the sign for K-4 in Lindsborg, make a left and drive 15 miles to K-141. At the intersection of K-4 and K-141, make a right towards Kanopolis State Park and continue for another 13 miles towards the intersection of K-141 and K-140.

Where K-141 and K-140 meet, make a left onto K-140 headed towards Carneiro, KS, and continue for 13 miles towards Ellsworth, KS. Along the way, be sure to stop by Mushroom Rock State Park. Stay on K-140 until you reach K-156 in Ellsworth. Make a right onto K-156 and drive the final 10 miles where the route concludes at I-70 exit 225

Mushroom Rock State Park

Although it might be the smallest state park in Kansas, it remains one of the most sough after places in the state. The best part is... it's 100% free to visit!

Mushroom Rock

Just south of Salina stands one of Kansas' many natural wonders - Mushroom Rocks.

Kanopolis State Park

Welcome to a trail seekers paradise! Kanopolis State Park is well-known for its encaptivating scenic bluffs and hiking trails. The park is also the very first state park in Kansas!