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.
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Prairie Spirit Trail State Park was the first rails-to-trails site in Kansas and follows the original bed of the old Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Fort Gibson Railroad. Built-in the 1860s, it was the first north-south rail line in Kansas.
Prairie Spirit was constructed from Ottawa to Iola between 1996 and 2008. The 52-mile trail is a unique linear park spanning three counties and including eight pocket parks to stop along the way. The Prairie Spirit Trail connects with the 7-mile-long Southwind Rail Trail between Humboldt and Iola. Combined, the trails pass through 10 charming rural communities.
It is a greenway and travel corridor open to pedestrians and bicyclists traversing diverse ecosystems, including tallgrass prairie, riparian areas, and agricultural lands and communities. The trail is a hard-packed limestone screening surface in rural areas and paved with asphalt through Garnett, Iola and Ottawa.
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.
The trail is accessible for electric wheelchairs in many locations.
Flowers, plants, gifts, bridal registry, jewelry, kitchenware, and in season a selection of bedding plants, trees and shrubs.
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Our downtown is a thriving district of restaurants, shopping, and businesses.
Iola Downtown Square is the Largest Courthouse Square in the United States. It is 2 blocks wide by 2 blocks long with no division by roads…
Recognized in 2017 by the Guinness Book of World Records as "The World's Oldest Operating Purpose-Built Cinema", the Plaza 1907 movie…
Visit the Mary L. Martin Art Gallery and enjoy the magnificent works of art from the most famous of artists to local talent that is…
Over 125 varieties of bulk candies await you in this paradise of everything sweet! Homemade macarons of every flavor, a dozen varieties of…
Standing guard over fallen warriors of old is a Civil War Soldier cast in a unique zinc, located on the west edge of the community in the…
An extra special invitation is extended to you to attend the municipal Band Concerts, featuring the oldest continuing municipal band in the…
Located on U.S. Highway 25 west of Iola turn at the River bridge exit. In the Neosho River, west of Iola, you can find Channel Catfish…
Performing Arts Center bringing Family & Music Series' with the "Best Leg Room" in Kansas to their Main Stage. Also houses a Speaker Series…
Do I need a permit for Prairie Spirit Trail State Park?
There are no permits required to enjoy the park.
Park PermitsCan I drive on the Prairie Spirit Trail?
No, the park is open to any non-motorized travel – hiking and biking – but is accessible for electric wheelchairs in many locations.
Prairie Spirit Trail Office - (785) 448-2627
Prairie Spirit TrailHow long is the Prairie Spirit Trail?
51 miles between Iola and Ottawa
Prairie Spirit TrailAre there restrooms near the Prairie Spirit Trail?
You'll pass many cities that have amenities along the way for bathroom breaks. However, there are currently no restrooms or water fountains directly next to the trail, so plan accordingly.
Prairie Spirit TrailCan I fish at the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park?
No, but the trail is nearby Lake Garnett Park, Crystal Lake, Richmond City Lake, and the Cedar Valley Reservoir.
Fishing InfoCan I hunt near the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park?
No, there is no hunting off the trail. Hunting is available at other State Parks nearby the trail.
Hunting InfoThese public lands are a perfect escape no matter what your interest may be - hiking, camping, wildlife watching, fishing, mountain biking…
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