Explore Off the Beaten Track like the Pioneers on the Prairies of Kansas

Become one with the pioneers of the early 1880's when you come to explore off the beaten track on the Flint Hills Scenic Byway in Kansas, K177. Look out on the fields of grass blowing in th wind, looking like the waves on an unending ocean. Now you know why the covered wagons were called Prairie Schooners. Imagine yourself one of those pioneers looking out on an untamed wilderness and an uncertain future. Take at least two or three days to explore off the beaten track here. There is a lot of history and natural beauty waiting to be discovered.

Council Grove National Historic Landmark District, Kansas
There is enough here to make a vacation out of. Stop and see the museums dedicated to the early pioneers and have a meal in the oldest restaurant in the west. Walk where people like John C. Fremont, Kit Carson and General George Armstrong Custer once walked. Look out on the same prairie views that they did all those years ago.

Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie
Travel through and explore off the beaten track in what is left of what was once a vast almost unending prairie. There is not much acreage left, but what is is unbelievably beautiful and hopefully it will stay this way.

Lower Fox Creek School, Strong City Kansas
A one room school house sitting out amongst the prairie grasses. The rooms are intact, with book on the desks, like they were waiting for the teacher and students to arrive.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Put on your hiking gear and get ready to explore way off the beaten path. Park Rangers will guide guided tours. Try to take one, you will learn so much about the history of the area and the wildlife of the prairie. The ranch house form 1881 is a must see.

Chase County Courthouse Kansas
Cottonwood Falls
Just the site of this building must have scared a few criminals straight. It is very impressive, especially by the standards of a prairie town of the 1800's. Expect to spend a few hours here and take the tour.