Kansas Byways

Kansas is an interesting state, with vastly varying landscapes created by every shifting geology, which deliver an interesting collection of 12 Byways; nine that are scenic, two which are
National Scenic Byways and three, historic.

The incredibly varied collection includes Flint Hills Scenic Byway which delivers incredible views one of the last landscapes of tallgrass prairie in America. Glacial Hills Scenic Byway features rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway is surrounded by rolling, weathered hills, and picturesque vistas.

Smoky Hills Scenic Byway is named for the hazy, blue appearance at sunrise and sunset. The spectacular views along Western Vistas Scenic Byway was created when the ocean subsided, leaving flat plains with oddly placed and shaped buttes protruding out. Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway was formed by ongoing geological movement coupled with stunning bird migrations, wild winds, and weather. On the historic side, The Land and Sky Scenic Byway follows the Wallace Branch of the Great Western Cattle Trail, the Native Stone Scenic Byway features the natural limestone formations used expensively in courthouses, homes and other architecture in the area.

Monuments Rocks – Western Vistas Historic Byway

Post Rock Scenic Byway follows stone fence post lined routes pioneers created when there was no wood for posts on the prairie. The Prairie Trail follows the route Native Americans, explorers and pioneers traveled as they sought food, shelter, and a better life. The stretch of Route 66 that traverses Kansas is part of the historic Mother Road. Frontier Military Byway incorporates the series of military forts built to protect the settlers from tribal marauders on the wide-open prairie.