Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

The prairie is a place of relaxation and unspoiled beauty for some. For others, it’s a little slice of heaven. You can’t help but admire the breathtaking scenery along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, but the journey is more than the rolling hills you’ll see. In these parts, the zest of small-town life is ingrained in the landscape.  And while the seasons may change the view, the steadfast communities will remain to protect this enchanting land and welcome you along the way.

Flint Hills Byway Map

Things to do along the way

About the Byway

  • Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

    Welcome to one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems. This 11,000-acre nature preserve is home to extensive hiking trails and a bison herd that roams throughout the beautiful Flint Hills. You won't find anywhere else like this in the country!

  • Locations

    • Custer Elm Park (38.65557, -96.48825)
    • Downtown Strong City (38.3947, -96.53931)
    • Bates Grove Park (38.37582, -96.54005)
    • Pedastal on K-177 (38.11915, -96.59646)
    • Downtown Cassoday (38.03958, -96.63795)
  • Driving Directions

    Distance: 47 Miles

    Council Grove to Cassoday (North to South): Starting in Council Grove, KS at the intersection of US-56 and K-177, head south towards Strong City, KSCottonwood Falls, KS, and Matfield Green, KS. Continue on K-177 for the entire route duration until it eventually concludes in Cassoday, KS. 

    Cassoday to Council Grove (South to North): Starting in Cassoday, KS, head north on K-177 towards the cities of Matfield Green, KSCottonwood Falls, KS, and Strong City, KS. Continue on K-177 for the entire route duration until it eventually concludes at the intersection with US 56  in Council Grove, KS. 

  • Hear about the Flint Hills as you explore the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway!

    Flint Hills National Scenic Byway educates and entertains travelers with a Travel Information Radio System. Tune your vehicle’s radio to 1680 AM and hear about local history; wildlife, and ecosystems of the tallgrass prairie; why ranchers burn pastures; special events taking place in local communities; and much more. To keep the signal strong throughout your drive, three transmitters are located along the route: one each in Cassoday (WQCW625), Cottonwood Falls (WQCU481), and Council Grove (WQCU480).

  • Byway Gallery

    Kansas Byways

    Native Stone

    Discover the natural beauty of the panoramic Native Stone Scenic Byway.

    Glacial Hills

    The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers. 

    Post Rock

    Over the Smoky Hills of weathered bedrock, the Post Rock Scenic Byway winds through fields, pastures and prairie.

    Frontier Military

    Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.  Originally built to move soldiers and…

    Land & Sky

    Travelers along the Land and Sky Scenic Byway have the opportunity to experience the Wallace Branch of the Great Western Cattle Trail, scale…

    Gypsum Hills

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    Western Vistas

    Visit a rugged landscape on the culturally and visually fascinating route known as the Western Vistas Historic Byway. 

    Wetlands & Wildlife

    Along the byway, you'll encounter landscapes and communities shaped by the powerful forces of motion and change. You're entering a…

    Prairie Trail

    When you travel the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, you follow in the steps of Native Americans, explorers and pioneers as they sought food…

    Kansas Route 66

    Kansas' Historic Route 66 Byway offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences to "get their own kicks…

    Smoky Valley

    Named for their hazy, blue appearance at sunrise and sunset, the Smoky Hills divide the more easterly mixed-grass prairie from the…

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