Flint Hills Scenic Byway: A Kansas prairie motorcycle adventure

The Flint Hills Scenic Byway is a well-maintained, two-lane road with wide, sweeping curves. At a moderate pace without stops, you can get from one end of the byway to the other in approximately 1–1.5 hours. Begin in Council Grove, KS, and head south to Cassoday, KS—or vice versa. After leaving Council Grove, you'll ride down K-177 for the entire route, passing through Strong City, Cottonwood Falls, and Matfield Green.

When riding north, take K-177 out of Cassoday until you hit the intersection of US-56 and K-177 in Council Grove.

If you have access to a radio during your cruise, tune into 1680 AM radio to listen to some insightful programs about the region's history.

Whether you're riding north or south, there are plenty of opportunities to stay, play, and eat along your journey. Kansas Tourism offers plenty of guidance concerning lodging and points of interest.

Be sure to use the tourism board's interactive map to help you plan your route, especially if you're riding for more than one day.

In Council Grove, KS, you can expect snow from November to March. So, for motorcyclists, April to October is the ideal time to ride along this byway. Expect the most rainfall from May to July, with humidity rising in July and August.

Here are the average monthly temperatures in Council Grove during optimal riding months.

• Do your research to ensure you have the proper safety gear, accessories, and supplies.

• Complete all necessary motorcycle maintenance, including an oil change and full inspection (brakes, lights, battery, etc).

• From April to July, be cautious of inclement weather, as conditions can change rapidly.

• At dawn and dusk, watch your speed and be vigilant concerning wildlife crossings, especially deer.

• During the spring planting and fall harvesting seasons, expect to encounter farm equipment on the roads. Share the road and only pass when it’s safe to do so.

The Flint Hills area is home to one of the last tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America. As you ride this motorcycle route, you'll discover opportunities to hike, view wildlife, and explore small towns. There are scenic lookouts, historic sites, and plenty of spots to eat.

When it comes to rest stops, you have plenty of options along the byway. Kansas Tourism offers a curated list of local lodging with choices to suit every taste, including 11 options in Cottonwood Falls, nine in Council Grove, and three in Matfield Green.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Campgrounds: Enjoy the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem at one of the many campgrounds just off the byway. Check for locations with canoe or fishing equipment rentals if you’re interested in some time on the water.

• Bed & breakfast: Typically quiet and cozy, you can find all of the amenities of home while immersed in local culture.

• Vacation rentals: If you’re looking for a home away from home, the Flint Hills area has plenty of vacation rentals where you can spread out and relax. Amenities like a full kitchen and laundry are great options for a longer stay.

• Hotels: For maximum comfort and convenience, book a hotel in one of the towns that bookend the route.

While in the area, experience the local eateries. Try some of the most-highly recommended restaurants by locals and bikers:

• Hays House: The oldest continuously operated restaurant west of the Mississippi River—a must-stop in Council Grove

• Jacalito Family Restaurant: A family restaurant offering Mexican and American menus in Strong City

• Ad Astra Steakhouse: Restaurant with modern American fair—from meat and potatoes to vegan and gluten free options in Strong City

• Grand Central Grill: A fine dining steak house in Cottonwood Falls

• Cassoday Country Store: Frequented by bikers, this spot is known for awesome homemade burgers and fries

• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve—just 17 miles south of Council Grove, this preserve is one of the last remaining expanses of tallgrass prairie left in the world. Ride though a landscape where bison roam, grassland birds soar, and native flowers bloom on rolling hills.

• Chase Lake Falls—Located in Cottonwood Falls, this tiered waterfall is a hidden gem assessable via a short, scenic hike. The falls sit above Chase State Fishing Lake, where you can catch a variety of freshwater fish. Note that the access road is gravel, though well-maintained.

• Teter Rock—East of Cassoday near Eureka, this towering limestone monolith was originally placed as a directional marker atop the area’s highest hill. It’s a great place for panoramic views of the Flint Hills—and an unforgettable photo op.

• Kanza Heritage Trail—This two-mile trail in Council Grove winds through Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park, offering a chance to see historic monuments and learn about the Kaw Nation, the Native American tribe that gave Kansas its name.