Discover the last remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie in North America along Kansas’s breathtaking Flint Hills Scenic Byway. This 48-mile National Scenic Byway stretches from I-35 near Cassoday—the “Prairie Chicken Capital of the World”—to the historic town of Council Grove along US 56.

As you travel this route, endless waves of native grasses ripple across rolling limestone hills, virtually unchanged since bison roamed freely. The landscape shifts dramatically with the seasons: emerald green in spring, golden and amber in autumn, and dramatic burnt orange after controlled prairie burns. Watch for grazing cattle ranches, red-tailed hawks circling overhead, and wildflowers dotting the roadside.

Key stops include the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where you can hike among grasses reaching six feet tall, and Council Grove’s historic downtown, once a vital stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Don’t miss the Kaw Mission State Historic Site and the famous Council Oak tree.

The best time to visit is late April through May when spring burns reveal vibrant new growth, or September through October for stunning fall colors. Allow two to three hours for the drive, longer if you plan to hike or explore the charming small towns along the way.

Explore Nearby

• Wilson State Park — State Park in Kansas
• Webster State Park — State Park in Kansas