Kansas--Flint Hills-Manhattan to Cassoday

For a true glimpse of America's Heartland, this two-hour, 90-mile jaunt passes through the heart of the limestone Flint Hills and into the largest remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie in the United States. The route sets off from Manhattan, home of Kansas State University, established in 1855. Heading south on Route 177 through the rolling terrain, a short detour right on Route 901 leads to the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area. Owned and operated jointly by Kansas State and The Nature Conservancy, the area encompasses 8,616 acres of the nation's last remaining virgin tall prairie grass. Back on Route177, after crossing over I-70, the road cuts through pastures of grass and wildflowers.

Continue south past tree-lined valleys and rocky ledges through Council Grove, which served as an important supply stop for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail, which actually began here. The popular Hays House Restaurant on Main Street dates from 1857. Kaw State Mission Historic Site, housed in an 1850s Indian school, provides a comprehensive overview of the area's history, as well as a variety of Native American artifacts.

Continuing south into Chase County, the eye-popping Z-Bar Ranch lies just north of Strong City. Built by a cattle baron in 1881, the ranch features a three-story limestone block ranch and 180 surrounding acres of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. The route continues south through tiny Cottonwood Falls (population 900) to the heart of the Flint Hills, with its views of native grasses and grazing cattle, to the ranching community of Cassoday, which is referred to as the "Prairie Chicken Capital of the World." Hunted in the fall, these short-tailed grouse are known for their noisy courtship dance.

Starting Point:
Manhattan, KS

Distance of Drive:
90 miles

Must Eat:
Hays House Restaurant
112 West Main St., Council Grove, KS 68846
Phone:  620-767-5911
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Brisket

Little Apple
1110 Westloop Place Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone:  758-539-5500
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Konza Prairie Research Natural Area
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

UsedCars.biz Road Trip in the Same State:
Kansas--Cowboy Route

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