Most Scenic Road Trips in Kansas City, United States

Kansas City, United States, Kansas City, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Most Scenic Road Trips

Most Scenic Road Trips in Kansas City, United States

1. Lake of the Ozarks Scenic Byway

A picturesque drive along Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks with stunning lake views and rolling hills.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking vistas of pristine lakes, forests, and rolling hills.
  • Recreational Activities: Provides access to various water sports, fishing, and hiking opportunities.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Features a variety of landscapes ranging from dense forests to tranquil lakefronts.

2. Kansas Flint Hills Scenic Byway

A scenic journey through the world's largest expanse of tallgrass prairie in Kansas.
  • Historical Significance: Preserves a vast prairie ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged since the days of Lewis and Clark.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to observe native wildlife, including bison, deer, and numerous bird species.
  • Photography Opportunities: Provides stunning landscapes perfect for capturing the essence of Kansas's natural beauty.

3. Prairie Spirit Trail

A tranquil, rail-to-trail journey that winds through rural Kansas countryside.
  • Cycling and Hiking: Ideal for cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
  • Historic Sites: Passes through several historic towns with unique architecture and rich cultural history.
  • Scenic Variety: Offers a diverse landscape of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands along the trail.

4. K-32 Highway to Weston

A scenic drive through vibrant farmlands leading to the charming town of Weston.
  • Rural Charm: Features stunning, unspoiled views of Kansas farmland and rolling hills.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at the picturesque town of Weston, known for its historic buildings and charming atmosphere.
  • Seasonal Attractions: Offers seasonal attractions like apple orchards, vineyards, and pumpkin patches.

5. K-68 Highway to Council Grove

A scenic drive through the Flint Hills, leading to the historic town of Council Grove.
  • Natural Wonders: Provides views of the magnificent Flint Hills and numerous prairie lakes.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at Council Grove, a town steeped in history as a stopping point for pioneers on the Oregon Trail.
  • Restaurants and Shops: Features unique restaurants and shops showcasing local culture and products.

6. Silver River Valley Scenic Byway

A scenic drive through the rolling hills of northeastern Kansas, featuring the Silver River and beautiful countryside.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases picturesque valleys, forests, and the sparkling Silver River.
  • Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and canoeing in the beautiful outdoors.
  • Historical Sites: Passes by several historic sites, including Fort Scott National Historic Site.

7. Highway 160 to Osawatomie

A scenic drive through rolling hills and lush valleys, ending at the historic town of Osawatomie.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of Kansas farmland, forests, and rolling hills.
  • Historical Significance: Arrives at Osawatomie, a town rich in history as the site of the Battle of Osawatomie and John Brown's Fort.
  • Small Town Charm: Enjoys the charm of small-town Kansas with unique shops and friendly locals.

8. Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

A scenic drive through the world's largest expanse of tallgrass prairie in Kansas.
  • Natural Wonders: Features stunning vistas of the Flint Hills and native prairie wildflowers.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to observe native wildlife, including bison, deer, and numerous bird species.
  • Historical Significance: Passes by several historic sites related to the Chisholm Trail and early settlement in Kansas.

9. Highway 400 to Ottawa

A scenic drive through rolling hills and picturesque valleys leading to the charming town of Ottawa.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases beautiful countryside with rolling hills, farmlands, and valleys.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at Ottawa, a town with rich history and numerous historic sites.
  • Restaurants and Shops: Features unique restaurants and shops showcasing local culture and products.

10. Highway 7 to Marysville

A scenic drive through the rolling hills of eastern Kansas, ending at the historic town of Marysville.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers stunning vistas of rolling hills, farmlands, and the beautiful countryside.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at Marysville, a town rich in history as the birthplace of President Ronald Reagan.
  • Small Town Charm: Enjoys the charm of small-town Kansas with friendly locals and unique shops.

11. Highway 24 to Burlingame

A scenic drive through the rolling hills of northeastern Kansas, ending at the charming town of Burlingame.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases beautiful countryside with rolling hills, farmlands, and valleys.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at Burlingame, a town with rich history and several historic sites.
  • Small Town Charm: Enjoys the charm of small-town Kansas with friendly locals and unique shops.

12. Highway 36 to Seneca

A scenic drive through the rolling hills and picturesque valleys of southeastern Kansas, ending at the historic town of Seneca.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers stunning vistas of rolling hills, farmlands, and valleys.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at Seneca, a town with rich history and several historic sites.
  • Small Town Charm: Enjoys the charm of small-town Kansas with friendly locals and unique shops.

13. Highway 68 to Wamego

A scenic drive through the rolling hills of northeastern Kansas, ending at the charming town of Wamego.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases beautiful countryside with rolling hills, farmlands, and valleys.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at Wamego, a town with rich history and several historic sites.
  • Small Town Charm: Enjoys the charm of small-town Kansas with friendly locals and unique shops.

14. Highway 69 to Emporia

A scenic drive through rolling hills and picturesque valleys in east-central Kansas, ending at the historic town of Emporia.
  • Natural Beauty: Offers stunning vistas of rolling hills, farmlands, and valleys.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at Emporia, a town with rich history and several historic sites.
  • Small Town Charm: Enjoys the charm of small-town Kansas with friendly locals and unique shops.

15. Highway 71 to Fort Scott

A scenic drive through rolling hills and picturesque valleys in northeastern Kansas, ending at the historic town of Fort Scott.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases beautiful countryside with rolling hills, farmlands, and valleys.
  • Historic Town: Arrives at Fort Scott, a town with rich history and several historic sites.
  • Small Town Charm: Enjoys the charm of small-town Kansas with friendly locals and unique shops.