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:
- Smoky Valley Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Impressive limestone cliffs, colorful flowers and the Cedar Bluff Reservoir await you at this centrally located byway.
- Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism This 42-mile trek (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!
- Route 66
Flickr/Mandy Get your kicks on this legendary Southeast Kansas Byway that is famous for its green, rolling hills and nostalgic businesses.
- Flint Hills Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism This 48-mile drive isn’t just one of the most beautiful in Kansas; it’s one of the most beautiful in the country!
- Western Vistas Historic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Where else but Western Vistas can you see native wildlife, unique museums AND the famous (pictured) Monument Rocks?
- Post Rock Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Passing gorgeous Wilson Lake on this 18-mile drive will make you think you aren’t in Kansas anymore!
- Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism Running along the northeast corner of the state, Glacial Hills is known for its rolling hills, clear skies and killer views of the mighty Missouri River.
- Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway
Flickr/Kansas Tourism The 77-mile 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!
What is your go-to when it comes to scenic drives in Kansas? If we missed your favorite, be sure to nominate it here.
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Impressive limestone cliffs, colorful flowers and the Cedar Bluff Reservoir await you at this centrally located byway.
This 42-mile trek (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!
Flickr/Mandy
Get your kicks on this legendary Southeast Kansas Byway that is famous for its green, rolling hills and nostalgic businesses.
This 48-mile drive isn’t just one of the most beautiful in Kansas; it’s one of the most beautiful in the country!
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Where else but Western Vistas can you see native wildlife, unique museums AND the famous (pictured) Monument Rocks?
Passing gorgeous Wilson Lake on this 18-mile drive will make you think you aren’t in Kansas anymore!
Running along the northeast corner of the state, Glacial Hills is known for its rolling hills, clear skies and killer views of the mighty Missouri River.
The 77-mile 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!
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Address: Kansas, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Drives In Kansas March 13, 2021 Leah 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. You can visit the state’s prettiest waterfalls on this Waterfall Road Trip Through Kansas. Speaking of pretty, why not explore the most Picturesque Small Towns In Kansas on an easy-to-take route? If you’re someone who enjoys spooky, paranormal things, we’ve got a Kansas Ghost Town Road Trip and a Kansas Haunted Places Road Trip. If you get hungry along the way, why not try this delicious Fried Chicken Trail In Kansas. Needless to say, there are many unique ways of exploring the state! 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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Drives In Kansas
March 13, 2021
Leah
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. You can visit the state’s prettiest waterfalls on this Waterfall Road Trip Through Kansas. Speaking of pretty, why not explore the most Picturesque Small Towns In Kansas on an easy-to-take route? If you’re someone who enjoys spooky, paranormal things, we’ve got a Kansas Ghost Town Road Trip and a Kansas Haunted Places Road Trip. If you get hungry along the way, why not try this delicious Fried Chicken Trail In Kansas. Needless to say, there are many unique ways of exploring the state! 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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Cruise the Kansas highways while you seek out some unique destinations when you take these Kansas road trips. You can visit the state’s prettiest waterfalls on this Waterfall Road Trip Through Kansas. Speaking of pretty, why not explore the most Picturesque Small Towns In Kansas on an easy-to-take route? If you’re someone who enjoys spooky, paranormal things, we’ve got a Kansas Ghost Town Road Trip and a Kansas Haunted Places Road Trip. If you get hungry along the way, why not try this delicious Fried Chicken Trail In Kansas. Needless to say, there are many unique ways of exploring the state!
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.
