Beginning in Canton, KS, the byway offers 56 miles through country rich with scenic, historic, cultural, archeological, and recreational sites and activities.

The Byway is one of nine official scenic Byways in Kansas, and a part of the Kansas Byways Program.The program was formed to identify and designate scenic roadways for the enjoyment of the traveling public in Kansas.

“It's a really great program that the state has set up to bring tourism to Kansas, to enjoy some of our beautiful scenery,” explained Della Meier, director of the Prairie Trails Scenic Byway committee.“It shows people the different things you can see in the area, and there are a lot of really special things to see.”

Five towns are located along the Byway, including Lindsborg,Marquette,McPherson, Canton, and Roxbury. Meier noted that since the Byway was set up as an official Kansas Byway four years ago, there has definitely been an increase in out-of-town traffic to these areas.

“People are driving through more of our smaller towns, and stopping for food or shopping,” she said.“I always see people out traveling along the Byway.”

A number of tourism attractions are also featured along the Byway. See bison and elk grazing in the Flint Hills at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, stop for some hiking or fishing at McPherson State Lake, enjoy spectacular panoramic views along the Smoky Valley Road, check out the twenty-seven historic sites at Kanopolis State Park, and view strangely unique geologic formations at Mushroom Rock State Park.

Other highlights include: Battle Hill at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge,Twin Mounds seen from Smoky Valley Road, Carlson Memorial Park in Lindsborg, The Bethany Lutheran Church National Historic Site in Lindsborg, Faris Caves on National Millennium Legacy Trail, the downtown murals of Marquette, and the Santa Fe Trail Marker east of Canton on U. S.Hwy. 56.

Special events take place throughout the year at various Locations along the Byway, as well. Some of these events include spring and fall Wildflower tours at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, Svensk Hyllningsfest in Lindsborg,Thunder on the Smoky Motorcycle Rally and Festival in Marquette, Autumn in the Valley Festival and Chili Cook-off in Marquette, and Christmas in Canton.

Mushroom State Park is a geological wonder made of sandstone and sedimentary rock held together by natural cement, located just north of Kanopolis State Park.

“It is just such a great opportunity to enjoy some of the sights and attractions that we have right here in Kansas,”Meier explained.“There are fields and horses and cattle, and just some really lovely rural scenery, with a lot of great places to stop along the way.”

It is also a unique way to experience some of the history of the area.The Byway follows the steps of Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers as they sought food, shelter, and a better life.The nearby Santa Fe Trail led traders through Kansas on their way to New Mexico, 19th-century cowboys drove cattle along the Chisholm Trail, and the majestic Flint Hills were home to huge herds of roaming bison.

Historians believe Francisco Coronado surveyed the countryside from Coronado Heights just north of the Byway in the early 1540s.Other famous visitors include Zebulon Pike and “Buffalo Bill”Cody. Immigrants from faraway lands, including Sweden, also settled in the area and built towns highlighting their culture and heritage.

The Byway has been popular with both drivers and cyclists, Meier noted. Although there is not a lot of shoulder room, the ride is a good challenge with a number of hilly areas. Since the Byway is all county road, there is regular road maintenance performed all along the 56 mile stretch.

“A lot of people are really getting into nature now,wanting to get outside and enjoy the weather and the scenery,”Meier said.

“Biking along the Byway is a really fun way to do that.” For more information about the Prairie Trails Scenic Byway, visit http://ksbyways.org/prairie_trail.