Kansas Flint Hills

Route description

Wichita sits on the Arkansas River, with the Keeper of the Plains sculpture at the confluence and the Old Town district. Head north on I-35, the Kansas Turnpike, a toll road, to Cassoday and then follow K-177, the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, north across rolling tallgrass prairie. The hills have rocky soil that was never plowed, which is why the prairie survived here.

Cottonwood Falls has a main street of stone buildings and the Chase County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse still in use in Kansas. Just north, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects one of the last large pieces of tallgrass prairie, with a bison herd and an 1881 ranch house. Trails lead into the prairie, and bus tours run in season.

Council Grove was an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail, and landmarks from that time, such as the Kaw Mission and the stump of the Council Oak, are found around town. Cattle graze in open range along the byway, so watch for animals on the road.

In spring, ranchers burn the prairie to renew the grass, and the fresh green follows within weeks; wildflowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Services along K-177 are limited, so fill up before you leave. Summer is hot, with thunderstorms.