The Flint Hills might possibly be the most famed landscape in Kansas focusing on its sweeping grasses and rugged limestone bluffs. It’s certainly the most revered landscape as the area represents the largest remaining tract of tallgrass prairie in North America. These endless vistas have remained unchanged for thousands of years and a variety of people, plants and wildlife call the Flint Hills home.
The northern most point of this byway along KS highway 177, begins in Council Grove and meanders south through the “Heart of the Flint Hills” Chase County. Here you will find the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve with its limestone mansion, miles of hiking trails, the Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse, an enormous three-story barn, as well as, a state of the art visitors center.
On down the road, you will come to Cottonwood Falls where you can visit the Chase County Courthouse, museums and the historic Cottonwood Bridge. As your journey continues south, stop at the Scenic Overlook to get a 360-degree view of the prairie. Spend some time at Pioneer Bluffs before traveling to Matfield Green to find the Prairie Art Path.
The awe-inspiring beauty of the Flint Hills embraces you as you travel this unique portion of the Scenic Byways of Kansas.
The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway organization is a 501(c)(3). The maintenance of the overlooks is done by volunteers, if you would like to make a donation to help defer the costs, please contact the Chase County Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or call 620-273-8469
https://www.facebook.com/FlintHillsByway
Schrump Hill Scenic Overlook located 3 miles south of Cottonwood Falls
Scenic overlook south of Matfield Green
