📷 Photo by Judy Thomas on UnsplashKansas Flint Hills
The last big tallgrass prairie, with bison, stone ranches and Santa Fe Trail towns.
- Distance
- 163 km (101 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 48 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 4
- States
- KS
- Updated
- May 9, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 163 km (101 mi) with 4 stops, from Wichita to Council Grove. About 1 h 48 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Kansas
Route description
Wichita sits on the Arkansas River, with the Keeper of the Plains sculpture at the confluence and the Old Town district. Head north on I-35, the Kansas Turnpike, a toll road, to Cassoday and then follow K-177, the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, north across rolling tallgrass prairie. The hills have rocky soil that was never plowed, which is why the prairie survived here.
Cottonwood Falls has a main street of stone buildings and the Chase County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse still in use in Kansas. Just north, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects one of the last large pieces of tallgrass prairie, with a bison herd and an 1881 ranch house. Trails lead into the prairie, and bus tours run in season.
Council Grove was an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail, and landmarks from that time, such as the Kaw Mission and the stump of the Council Oak, are found around town. Cattle graze in open range along the byway, so watch for animals on the road.
In spring, ranchers burn the prairie to renew the grass, and the fresh green follows within weeks; wildflowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Services along K-177 are limited, so fill up before you leave. Summer is hot, with thunderstorms.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Wichita
KS - 2123 km
Cottonwood Falls
KS - 38 km
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
NatureStrong City, KSOne of the last large pieces of tallgrass prairie, with a bison herd and an 1881 ranch house.
- 431 km
Council Grove
KS
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Wichita → Cottonwood Falls · 77 mi · 1 h 22 minOvernight nearby, for example: Emporia RV Park (17 mi).
- Day 2: Cottonwood Falls → Council Grove · 25 mi · 0 h 26 minOn the way: Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Kansas Flint Hills?
2-day road trip of about 163 km (101 mi) with 4 stops, from Wichita to Council Grove. About 1 h 48 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Kansas Flint Hills?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 48 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Kansas Flint Hills start and end?
It starts in Wichita and ends in Council Grove.
Which states does Kansas Flint Hills pass through?
Kansas.
Where can you camp along Kansas Flint Hills?
OpenStreetMap lists 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Love's RV Hookup, Air Capital RV Park and Lifestyle Park.
When is the best time for Kansas Flint Hills?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
