KS MO Kansas and Missouri

Overview

This tour samples the prairies and Flint Hills of southeastern Kansas and the wooded Ozarks of southwestern Missouri. The cities of Wichita and Joplin aren’t part of this tour, but they are easily accessible. On the other hand, Springfield, MO, is part of the route and large enough to offer plentiful amenities.  Notable historical sites include the Santa Fe Trail in Council Grove, KS, and segments of the Historic Route 66 between Carthage and Springfield, MO. The climate is mild to moderate, with spring and fall being the best times to ride. The route passes through numerous small towns with dining, lodging, fuel, and other services.   

Roads & Biking

Good paved roads with light traffic typify this route. Kansas’ Flint Hills Scenic Byway is a departure from the state’s usually straight roads, with some pleasant curves and ups and downs. Once in Missouri, the roads become tight and twisty, especially south and east of Springfield. We incorporated a few easy unpaved roads into our route, although most can be bypassed on pavement, except for the county road to Topaz Mill.   

Resources  

Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum www.safarimuseum.com  

Flint Hills Scenic Byway www.travelks.com/ksbyways/flint-hills  

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve www.nps.gov/tapr/index.htm  

Matfield Station 

www.matfieldstation.com  

Council Grove  www.councilgrove.com/historicsites  

Cottonwood Falls 

www.tinyurl.com/cottonwood-falls  

Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce www.chanutechamber.com  

Summit Hill Gardens www.facebook.com/SummitHillEventCenter  

Historic Route 66 www.historic66.com/missouri/det-mo4.php  

Topaz Mill 

www.tinyurl.com/topaz-mill