Flint Hills Panoramic Road

Embark on a spectacular journey through the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas! Starting in the city of El Dorado, the Flint Hills Panoramic Road trip takes you through the stunning Cassoday, and ends in Manhattan. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, a stunning natural area full of wildflowers, tallgrass prairie, and plenty of wildlife. The total distance of the route is about 170km, and can be completed in one day. The best time to drive this route is during the spring and summer months, when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The roads are well maintained and suitable for all drivers. With a moderate budget, you can make this road trip a reality!

El Dorado, Kansas, is the perfect starting point for the Flint Hills Panoramic Road. Located in south-central Kansas, El Dorado is a small city with a lot of charm. From El Dorado, travelers can explore the Flint Hills, a unique and serene landscape unique to Kansas. The El Dorado area is rich with historical sites, including the El Dorado State Park, which features a replica of the original 1860s fort. The city also features a number of museums, including the Butler County Historical Museum and the El Dorado Museum of Art. Visitors to El Dorado can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, and camping. Travelers to El Dorado can fly into Wichita's Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to explore the area. With a car, visitors can head to El Dorado for the start of their road trip, and take the scenic route to explore the Flint Hills. El Dorado is an ideal starting point for the Flint Hills Panoramic Road. With its historical sites, museums, and outdoor activities, visitors to El Dorado will find plenty to explore and enjoy.

Ready for an exciting road trip? Let's start in El Dorado, United States and drive through the beautiful Flint Hills. This 21mi journey will take you fewer than 1 hour and you will be amazed by the stunning views. You will find plenty of interesting places to visit in El Dorado, such as the Butler County History Center, the El Dorado Lake, and the El Dorado State Park. In Flint Hills, you will be able to enjoy the incredible views of the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge and the Konza Prairie Biological Station. Finally, you will end your journey in Cassoday. Here you can visit the Old West Town and the famous Cassoday Bike Run. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!

A road trip from Cassoday to Tallgrass Prairie National Park is an exciting adventure! This 30 mile drive, which takes less than an hour, offers breathtaking views of the scenic countryside. During the drive, you can take in the beauty of the Flint Hills and the rolling fields of wildflowers. Once you arrive in Cassoday, be sure to visit the historic Cassoday Hotel and the Cassoday Museum. The hotel was built in 1912 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is filled with artifacts from the area's past. As you continue your journey, take some time to explore the Tallgrass Prairie National Park. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, bison, and prairie chickens. You can hike the trails, go bird watching, and take in the stunning views of the prairie. Finally, be sure to visit the nearby town of Strong City. Here, you can explore the old train station, which is now a museum, and take in the beauty of the Flint Hills. No matter what your destination, this road trip from Cassoday to Tallgrass Prairie National Park is sure to be a memorable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome road-trippers! Let us take you on an amazing journey from the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to Manhattan. This 55mi drive will take you less than an hour to complete, so you can spend the day exploring the best of both locations. Start your trip in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and explore its vast prairie landscapes and the Flint Hills. Here you can take a guided tour, go bird watching, or just take a leisurely stroll. Don't forget to snap some pictures of the breathtaking views! When you're ready, hop back in the car and drive to Manhattan. Here you can visit the Kansas State University and its beautiful gardens, the Flint Hills Discovery Center, and the Manhattan Town Center. Take some time to explore the city's unique shops and restaurants. As you drive, take in the scenic views of the Flint Hills and the surrounding landscape. At the end of the day, you'll have seen the best of both locations. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Manhattan, the end of the Flint Hills Panoramic Road, is a city of many attractions. Located in the heart of Riley County in northeastern Kansas, Manhattan is the perfect destination for a road trip. The city is home to the Manhattan Town Center, a sprawling shopping mall with an array of stores, restaurants and entertainment. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoor activities of Manhattan Park and the historic buildings of Aggieville. For those looking to explore Manhattan's history and culture, the Flint Hills Discovery Center is a must-see. This interactive museum focuses on the area's natural and cultural heritage, and features interactive exhibits, educational programs and a planetarium. The nearby Konza Prairie Biological Station is also a great spot for nature lovers, with its diverse array of plants and animals. For those traveling by car, Manhattan is within easy reach of several airports. The nearest international airport is Kansas City International Airport (MCI), located just two hours away. Manhattan is an ideal destination for a road trip, offering something for everyone. Whether it's shopping, outdoor activities, history or culture, Manhattan has it all. So pack your bags and hit the road - the Flint Hills Panoramic Road awaits!

Before you set off

Embark on the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, a splendid journey through the native tallgrass prairies of Kansas, stretching approximately 170km (105 miles) from the historic city of El Dorado to the vibrant university city of Manhattan. This scenic route, which traditionally follows Kansas Highway 177, offers an immersive experience into the heart of the Flint Hills, the largest remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie in North America.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• El Dorado: Start your Trip with a visit to El Dorado State Park, which offers a beautiful lakeside setting and a chance to partake in outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Dive into the local history at the Butler County History Center and Kansas Oil Museum.
• Cassoday: Known as the `Prairie Chicken Capital of the World,` Cassoday provides a haven for bird enthusiasts with its monthly prairie chicken booming ground tours during the mating season.
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: This 10,894-acre preserve is a sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the prairie ecosystem, where you can hike trails, join ranger-led tours, and visit the historic Spring Hill Ranch and limestone barn.
• Manhattan: Conclude your Road Trip in the `Little Apple,` where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of Aggieville, visit the Sunset Zoo, and explore the campus of Kansas State University.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal time to visit is late spring through early fall, with peak wildflower blooms occurring from late May to early July. The changing colors of the grasses in autumn also present a picturesque landscape.

Potential Risks:

• Weather conditions in Kansas can change rapidly; tornadoes are possible in spring and severe thunderstorms can arise in summer.
• Wildlife on the Roads, especially during dawn and dusk, requires attentive driving.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Flint Hills region is named after its abundant flint deposits, which were crucial to the Native Americans for tool-making.
• A highlight of the route is the annual Symphony in the Flint Hills, an outdoor concert that celebrates the region's heritage and beauty through music.
• The route's Roads are part of the National Scenic Byways Program, recognized for their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities.

A good choice for:

The Flint Hills Panoramic Road Trip is a compelling invitation to discover the vast beauty of Kansas's natural landscapes and the charm of its small towns. It's a journey through time, where the endless sky meets rolling hills, and the spirit of the American prairie comes alive.