Flint Hills National Scenic Byway overview
Website launched to promote Flint Hills tourism
The Flint Hills Scenic Byway stretches 47.2 miles across the Flint Hills of Kansas on K-177 between Council Grove and Cassoday. It is a beautiful drive year-round showing off the panoramic vistas of the tallgrass prairie.
Historic sites abound in Council Grove including the Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum, Council Oak, Santa Fe Trail, Old Cowboy Jail, Post Office Oak and Museum, KATY Depot, Hays House, the Last Chance Store and Kaw Nation Heritage Park.
The byway passes the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve with its showcase limestone mansion, Fox Creek Schoolhouse and barn then follows the roadway through Strong City and Cottonwood Falls, site of the Chase County Courthouse, in operation since 1873 and Cottonwood Falls, site of the French Renaissance style Chase County Courthouse, in operation since 1873, two museums, and the historic Cottonwood River bridge.
South of Cottonwood Falls, the Flint Hills Scenic Byway travels among the hills for more panoramic views of the ranches in the area then dips down into the creekside to follow magnificent stone walls around farmsteads still in operation. The scenic overlook south of Cottonwood Falls gives you a wonderful view of the vast reaches of this prairie land, and the Rogler Ranch Century Farm provides a glimpse of early farm life.
Cassoday is the southern end of the byway where antique shoppers may find just what they have been looking for and may also visit the Cassoday Museum. Cassody is the Prairie Chicken capitol of Kansas, and also hosts motorcycle gatherings the first Sunday of the months of May through October.
The Flint Hills Scenic Byway is a two-lane, paved road easily reached from the Kansas Turnpike, I-70, U.S. 50 and U.S. 56. Tourist amenities are available in the towns along the route including historic restaurants, hotels, antiques, artisans, and other facilities.
The local byway committee has developed additional educational kiosks and a radio broadcast system to further enhance the traveler's experience. The award-winning system is accessible at 1680 AM and the messages change as the traveler proceeds, with information provided by each of the three counties along the byway.
For more information about the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, contact:
Charley Klamn
620-273-8686
Flint Hills Scenic Byway Committee
City of Cottonwood Falls
P.O. Box 387
Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845
or
Deb Zeiner
620-273-8469
Chase County Chamber of Commerce
Cottonwood Falls
chasechamber@sbcglobal.net
