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The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie - one of the last remaining such landscapes left in America. The drive itself is beautiful year-round. Much of the land along the Byway looks as it did thousands of years ago when the Kaw, Osage and other native tribes lived here. Early settlers navigated the famous Santa Fe Trail through here, some stopping to build the towns of Council Grove, Cottonwood Falls and Strong City.
Today, the Flint Hills area is home to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and such historic venues as the Kaw Nation Heritage Park and Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum. You'll also find towns filled with charming shops, restaurants, artwork and antiques.
As you follow Highway 177, tune into 1680 AM radio to hear the history of the Flint Hill prairie. Strong City Caboose Park offers an informational kiosk and Cottonwood Falls Bates Grove Park, next to the Cottonwood Falls River has a walking trail. Five miles south of town is a scenic overlook with stunning views of the hills and native foliage. For a real-life cowboy experience, stay at one of the many ranches that cater to visitors. Food and lodging varies from rustic to lavish and gourmet. Excursions by wagon train or by horse are available in many locations.
Continuing south, the byway passes the recently designated Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve with its showcase limestone mansion, Fox Creek Schoolhouse and barn. It then goes through Strong City and Cottonwood Falls, site of the Chase County Courthouse, in operation since 1873, and the Roniger Native American Museum. South of Cottonwood Falls, the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway travels above the hills for more panoramic views of the ranches in the area then dips down into the creekside to follow magnificent stone walls around historic farmsteads still in operation. 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.
The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway is a two-lane, paved road easily reached from the Kansas Turnpike (I-35) , 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. A scenic overlook site is located just south of Cottonwood Falls with a raised bed of native wildflowers, interpretive signs and a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The local byway committee is in the process of developing additional educational kiosks to further enhance the traveler's experience in the future.
There are many good wildlife viewing opportunities along the Byway. These include Chase State Lake, Council Grove Lake, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. When road conditions permit, the Flint Hills Wildlife Drive is a good way to see the back country here.
Travelling along the byway and exploring historic sites, quaint towns, and scenic visitas, visitors will discover where the rugged West truly begins.