No matter what time of year it is, there’s never a good reason to pass up the chance of taking one of the many scenic drives in Kansas. Roads wind and weave through some of the Sunflower State’s most picturesque areas, beautiful in spring, summer, fall, and even winter. Set the cruise, roll down your windows, and enjoy these drives that are pure Kansas:

1. Smoky Valley Scenic Byway
Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, WaKeeney, KS, USA
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Impressive limestone cliffs, colorful flowers and the Cedar Bluff Reservoir await you on the truly jaw-dropping Smoky Valley Scenic Byway.
2. Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway Info Kiosk, 12345 US-160, Medicine Lodge, KS 67104, USA
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
This 42-mile Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway (which runs from Coldwater to Medicine Lodge) showcases Kansas at its finest--lovely vistas, rugged landscapes and a rich history that you can only find in the Sunflower State!
3. Route 66
U.S. Route 66, U.S. Rt. 66, Baxter Springs, KS, USA
Pom'/Flickr
Get your kicks on Route 66, the legendary southeast Kansas Byway famous for its green, rolling hills, and nostalgic businesses.
4. Flint Hills Scenic Byway
Kansas 177, KS-177, Council Grove, KS, USA
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
This 48-mile drive known as the Flint Hills Scenic Byway isn't just one of the most beautiful in Kansas; it's one of the most beautiful in the country!

This short, wonderful video showcases the surreal beauty of this unique Kansan landscape:

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5. Western Vistas Historic Byway
Western Vistas Historic Byway, Kansas, 2655 US-40, Wallace, KS 67761, USA
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Where else but on the Western Vistas Historic Byway can you see native wildlife, unique museums AND the famous (pictured) Monument Rocks?
6. Post Rock Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Passing gorgeous Wilson Lake on the 18-mile Post Rock Scenic Byway will make you think you aren't in Kansas anymore!
7. Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Running along the northeast corner of the state, Glacial Hills Scenic Byway is known for its rolling hills, clear skies and killer views of the mighty Missouri River.
8. Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
The 77-mile Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway lives up to its name. While on your trip, you will see both Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, which are two of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world!

Need to know all the need-to-haves for these road trip adventures? Check out our epic road trip essentials packing list.

What is your go-to when it comes to scenic drives in Kansas? If we missed your favorite, be sure to nominate it! If you find you just can’t get enough of all the amazingness that is the Sunflower State, you’re in good company. Explore all the best attractions and things to do in Kansas!

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Scenic Drives In Kansas

Leah | March 13, 2021

What Kansas road trips should I take?

Cruise the Kansas highways while you seek out some unique destinations when you take these Kansas road trips.

 

What are the best roadside attractions in Kansas?

While you're taking these Kansas scenic byways, you might be able to stop by some roadside attractions. These kinds of attractions are an important part of road trips, after all.

  • The most iconic one of all is the World's Largest Ball of Twine, located in Cawker City, Kansas. That's about as close to the definition of an American roadside attraction as you'll get. Kansas is also home to a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell... made of wheat! It's located in Goessel, Kansas.
  • For a trip to the weird and wacky, stop by the Museum of Odd in Lawrence, Kansas. You probably don't know what to expect when visiting there, but know that it's weird oddities you could never even try to expect in the first place.

 

What day trips in Kansas can I take?

Sometimes there's not enough time for a whole road trip, but the urge to explore and get out is still there - no worries! Day trips are the perfect solution for that, and Kansas has plenty of options.

  • A day trip out to the uniquely stunning Monument Rocks is definitely one to add to your bucket list. Speaking of natural beauty, take a trip out to the Konza Prairie for sweeping, beautiful views.
  • For an entirely different kind of trip, you could easily spend all day in the largest antique mall in Kansas. That title goes to the Paramount Antique Mall in Wichita, Kansas.

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