
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.