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Western Vistas

Historic Byway

The plains now filled with oceans of prairie and waves of amber grain once looked very different for ancient eyes. Kansas was once a vast inland sea filled to the brim with aquatic life. When the water receded, erosion and a little bit of luck, left behind patches of otherworldly landscapes and formations that will make your jaw drop to the former deep-sea floor. The rugged landscape of the Western Vistas Historic Byway blends with the historic, and pre-historic, to create an adventure unlike any other.

In addition to the byway's historical significance, visitors often adore the parks and outdoor attractions, such as the State Parks of the Little Jerusalem Badlands and  Historic Lake Scott. Those who appreciate the local history will love stopping in each community. The wholesome feel of the cities and towns gives travelers a great selection of restaurants and shops. As you plan your road trip, don't forget that you can still manage to find overnight lodging accommodations, ranging from traditional hotel stays to camping at the lake.

Just west of the Byway is the town of Weskan, home to Mount Sunflower - the highest point in the state of Kansas!

  • Driving Directions

    Distance: 102 miles

    Traveling from Scott City, KS to Sharon Springs, KS: Beginning in Scott City, head north on US 83. At the intersection with K-95, turn left and head north for a drive through Historic Lake Scott State Park. Upon leaving the park, continue north on US 83 towards Oakley, KS. On the way to Oakley, don't forget to stop by Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Once you get to Oakley, make a left on the classic US-40 Highway and head west towards Sharon Springs, KS. Staying on US-40, the route eventually concludes in Sharon Springs, KS.

    Traveling from Sharon Springs, KS to Scott City, KS: Beginning in Sharon Springs, KS, head east on the classic US-40 Highway towards Oakley, KS. Once you reach Oakley, turn right on US 83 and head south towards Scott City, KS. On the way to Scott City, don't forget to stop by Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. When you return to US-83, head south. At the intersection with K-95, turn right and head south for a drive through Historic Lake Scott State Park. Upon leaving the park, continue south on US 83 until the route eventually concludes in Scott City, KS.

  • Plan Your Road Trip

    El Quartelejo Museum

    Discover the El Quartelejo Museum, where visitors are taken on a captivating journey through the history of western Kansas. This narrative…

    Castle Rock

    One of the 8 Natural Wonders of Kansas, these stunning chalk deposits are many millions of years old. This geological feature of Kansas…

    The Winona Cafe

    Welcome to The Cafe in Winona At The Cafe in Winona, we serve up quality home cooking in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, along with…

    Fort Wallace Museum

    This dynamic museum tells the story of the Smoky Hill Trail - the shortest distance between Leavenworth, KS and Denver - and the people that…

    Buffalo Bill Bronze Sculpture

    Did you know that world famous Buffalo Bill Cody earned the legendary title "Buffalo Bill" in this part of the country? The legendary…

    Fick Fossil and History Museum

    The Fick Fossil & History Museum is home to many world-class fossils including the bones of the oldest documented mosasaur skull in the…

    Monument Rocks National Landmark

    Kansas' first National Natural Monument is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. The Niobrara chalk formation, rich in fossils, some reaching up…

    Smoky Valley Ranch

    On this land, you'll find a sight that almost vanished from America — bison roaming a prairie as they did hundreds of years ago…

    Mt Sunflower Bed and Breakfast

    8 amazing rooms of pure elegance tucked away in a charming old church. Where the prairie and the sky meet your eye. The highest point in…

    Butterfield Trail Museum

    This 1887 two story renaissance-style structure of brick and stone with mansard roof was originally the Logan County Courthouse. Now it…

    Keystone Gallery

    Keystone Gallery is a combination museum, art gallery and gift shop. The museum section contains an extensive, scientific collection of…

  • Things to do along the way

    Photos

    Kansas Byways

    Kansas Route 66

    Kansas' Historic Route 66 Byway offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences to "get their own kicks…

    Post Rock

    Over the Smoky Hills of weathered bedrock, the Post Rock Scenic Byway winds through fields, pastures and prairie.

    Frontier Military

    Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.  Originally built to move soldiers and…

    Glacial Hills

    The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers. 

    Prairie Trail

    When you travel the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, you follow in the steps of Native Americans, explorers and pioneers as they sought food…

    Flint Hills

    The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie - one of the last…

    Native Stone

    Discover the natural beauty of the panoramic Native Stone Scenic Byway.

    Gypsum Hills

    Ancient floodplains, buttes, canyons, mesas and sinkholes are rare on the Great Plains. Yet, nestled in the Kansas grasslands is the Gypsum…

    Smoky Valley

    Named for their hazy, blue appearance at sunrise and sunset, the Smoky Hills divide the more easterly mixed-grass prairie from the…

    Land & Sky

    Travelers along the Land and Sky Scenic Byway have the opportunity to experience the Wallace Branch of the Great Western Cattle Trail, scale…

    Wetlands & Wildlife

    Along the byway, you'll encounter landscapes and communities shaped by the powerful forces of motion and change. You're entering a…

    For more information about the Western Vistas Historic Byway, contact:

    info@westernvistashistoricbyway.com
    620-874-0174 

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