Think Kansas, think waving prairie grasses, wide-open skies, and hearty servings of Midwestern comfort food. The Sunflower State is also renowned for its charming small towns, fascinating Native American and pioneer history, and a very famous journey to Oz. You can set out on your own adventure on the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, a picturesque road trip through the heart of the state, and discover why the Midwest has become one of America’s top vacation destinations.
The byway runs for 47 miles from Council Grove in the north to Cassoday in the south. It’s easily accessible from both Topeka and Wichita, making it a rewarding diversion if you’re traveling between the two cities. With an extra day or two, you can linger in historic towns, wander through tallgrass prairie, and enjoy dinner in the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. Here’s how to make the most of your trip on one of Kansas’ finest scenic byways.
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Must-see along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
large bison walking in prairie – Peter Blottman Photography/Getty Images
No matter how much time you have, you won’t want to miss the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which sits about halfway along the route and is one of the best vacation spots in the state. The vast tallgrass prairie has been reduced to a fraction of the 170 million acres it once spanned across North America. Much of what remains is in the national preserve, where visitors can discover 11,000 glorious acres of grasslands, wandering bison, and historic sites.
If you’re short on time, head out on the Bottomland Trail for a peaceful loop walk through the meadows. If you have a little longer, the Scenic Overlook Trail offers a good chance to spot some bison. Before you go, read our tips on what to do if you encounter a bison in the wild. To get a glimpse of the history of the area, you can also explore an 1880s ranch and visit the one-room schoolhouse.
The best time to go is in September or October, when the grasses reach their full height, typically between 3 and 5 feet. Early September is also a good time to catch the state’s sunflowers in bloom, making this a prime window for your road trip. Strong City is just outside the preserve and is home to the Flint Hills Rodeo, a three-day event held in late May or early June. This is another good time to visit the preserve, as you have a high chance of seeing newly born bison calves (keep your distance!) and colorful wildflowers.
Discover small towns and historic sites
white and red ranch buildings – Pioneer Bluffs / Facebook
Before setting out on the drive, take some time to look around the charming small town of Council Grove. Once a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, Council Grove’s downtown area is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can learn about Native American culture at the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, which tells the story of 30 Kaw boys who lived and went to school there in the 1850s. Nearby, you’ll also find the wooden Pioneer Jail, which dates to 1849.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Hays House 1857 Restaurant and Tavern to experience the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi that’s still serving customers. The menu features many Midwestern favorites, but the chicken-fried steak is particularly popular among diners. If you’re not the designated driver on your road trip, check out the cocktails, several of which are made with local whiskeys.
Before you reach Cassoday, pop in to Pioneer Bluffs, a 12-acre homestead with several historic buildings to explore in peaceful surroundings. Just down the road, stop in for a walk at Matfield Station’s PrairyArt Path, a four-mile trail with long views across the prairie and sculptures along the way. If you want to extend your trip, book one of the on-site cottages for an overnight stay. By the time you reach Cassoday, you’ll understand why this stretch of Kansas leaves such a lasting impression.
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Read the original article on Explore.