7 Most Scenic Drives in Kansas
Kansas may be known for its vast plains, but its roads hold secrets of breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re a local seeking a weekend escape or a traveler looking for hidden gems, Kansas’s most beautiful drives promise captivating scenery, idyllic small towns, and tons of fun-filled adventures. Let’s dive into seven of the best routes that will make you fall in love with the Sunflower State.
Prairie Trail Scenic Byway
The Prairie Trail Scenic Byway stretches for 56 miles, taking you through the heart of the Flint Hills, one of the most pristine tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world. Begin your journey in Council Grove, a town where history comes alive with landmarks like the Hays House, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants west of the Mississippi River, and the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, preserving Native American history. Heading south along K-177, the rolling green hills and wildflowers of the Flint Hills Scenic Byway create a serene backdrop. Stop at the Z-Bar Ranch House, a historic site offering incredible views, before arriving in Cottonwood Falls. Here, the Chase County Courthouse, built from native limestone, stands as a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. Nearby, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve invites you to step out of the car and immerse yourself in nature with a hike through miles of untouched prairie. This drive offers absorbing views of rolling landscapes and lush foliage, coupled with rich local history, adding up to one of Kansas's most perfect escapes from modernity.
Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
For 42 miles along US-160, the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway reveals a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Begin in Medicine Lodge, where the Stockade Museum offers a glimpse into the area’s frontier days and what living in the stockades in the 1870s was like—stockades essentially being fortifications surrounded by entrenched rows of sharpened logs where settler communities stayed safe on the frontier. As you drive west, the striking red mesas, rugged buttes, and sandstone formations of the “Red Hills” come into view, glowing in the sunlight. Cedar Bluff State Park provides an ideal spot for a picnic or hike among the craggy outcrops and rocky structures. Conclude your journey at Coldwater Lake, a renowned, peaceful oasis perfect for fishing, batting, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings. You'll even find RV hookups and cabins for rent along the lake's placid waters. The vivid colors and dramatic terrain make this route a hidden gem for adventurers and photographers alike or anyone else who craves scenic beauty.
Post Rock Scenic Byway
This 18-mile loop around north-central Kansas on K-232 showcases Kansas’s geological, frontier, and artistic heritage. Begin in Lucas, the self-proclaimed “Grassroots Art Capital,” where the Grassroots Art Center celebrates imaginative folk art creations from the local region and across the state. Traveling south, you're slowly surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Smoky Hills, a range of hills and formations in the Great Plains of north-central Kansas named for the mist that lingers in their valleys at dawn. After passing through the Hills, head southwest into Ellsworth, where you'll find the Hodgen House Museum Complex, a quirky museum offering a vivid glimpse into Ellsworth’s storied past, bringing to life tales of cowboys, gunslingers, and other vibrant characters of this once-rowdy town. Its historic buildings house unique artifacts that reflect the ingenuity of earlier times, so every nook and cranny offers a small window into the past. Guided tours led by passionate storytellers add a personal touch, creating an unforgettable experience that’s worth the stop. End your drive at Wilson Lake, known across the region as the “Clearest Lake in Kansas,” where kayaking, swimming, or simply enjoying the pristine waters creates a perfect conclusion. This route is a delightful blend of art, history, and natural beauty that offers a little something for everyone.
Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
Spanning 63 miles from Atchison to White Cloud via K-7 and US-36, the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway combines history and natural splendor. Begin in Atchison, the hometown of aviation legend Amelia Earhart, and visit her birthplace museum housed in a beautiful Victorian home. Traveling north, the route weaves through the Loess Bluff Hills, shaped by ancient glaciers, and passes Independence Creek, where Lewis and Clark once camped during their famous expedition. Conclude your journey at White Cloud’s Four-State Lookout, where you can stand in Kansas while taking in panoramic views of Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. This drive is a treasure for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway
Trace the footsteps of pioneers along the 40-mile Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway. Starting in Larned, the Fort Larned National Historic Site offers a beautifully preserved frontier post where you can learn about life on the trail. Driving along US-56, keep an eye out for the Santa Fe Trail Tracks, visible wagon ruts left by 19th-century settlers. A stop in Ellinwood reveals fascinating Underground Tunnels, providing a glimpse into the town’s hidden past. End your journey in Great Bend, where the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, a vast wetland teeming with migratory birds, awaits nature enthusiasts. This route offers a tangible connection to America’s pioneering history.
Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway
Nature lovers will adore this 77-mile journey through the Central Flyway, one of North America’s most important migratory bird corridors. Start in Stafford, where the Stafford County Historical Museum provides insights into local history. As the route winds through the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, salt marshes attract thousands of migratory birds, including whooping cranes and sandhill cranes. Be sure to bring your camera for incredible wildlife photography. The journey concludes in Hoisington. This drive is a serene and captivating escape for birdwatchers and anyone seeking tranquility in nature.
Smoky Valley Scenic Byway
Explore Kansas’s Swedish heritage on this 60-mile drive from Lindsborg to Marquette. Begin in Lindsborg, where Bethany College and local shops celebrate Swedish culture. Wander through this town’s charming Main Street, which feels like something straight out of a picture book. Savor the rich flavors of Scandinavian cuisine, marvel at captivating art galleries, and immerse yourself in Swedish traditions to get a little taste of what Swedish culture is like. After this unique glimpse of another country's traditions and foods, take a tour of Coronado Heights, a hilltop castle offering panoramic views of the Smoky Valley below. The journey ends in Marquette, home to the Kansas Motorcycle Museum, showcasing vintage bikes and celebrating local racing legends. Not far from Marquette, the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge offers the chance to see bison and elk roaming free. This route is a delightful mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, perfect for travelers of all ages.
Explore the Most Scenic Routes in Kansas
No matter which of these scenic drives through Kansas you opt for, each reveals its own special slice of the Sunflower State’s hidden beauty and rich history. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged landscapes of the Gypsum Hills or the tranquil prairies of the Flint Hills, want to explore the story of Amelia Earhart, or steep yourself in Swedish culture and cuisine, every one of these routes promises an unforgettable road trip experience.
