Smoky Valley Scenic Byway

History, Heritage, & Museums

Westward-bound pioneers crossed this area as they traversed the Smoky Hill Trail. The Butterfield's Overland Despatch, established at the end of the Civil War, originally carried freight and then passengers from Fort Leavenworth to Denver. Today limestone markers identify two of its crossings along the Byway. 

Threshing Machine Canyon near Cedar Bluff State Park and Reservoir is the site of an 1867 Native American attack on a wagon train transporting a threshing machine to Brigham Young in Salt Lake City. Smoky Hill Trail travelers carved their names in the canyon walls. 

You'll find these pieces of history and so much more on your Smoky Valley Scenic Byway adventures.