Kansas’ Last Great Tallgrass Prairie

f you ask someone to picture the most iconic scenery in Kansas, the Flint Hills almost always rise to the top. Sweeping horizons, rolling grass-covered hills and uninterrupted views define a landscape that feels both vast and intimate at the same time.

Named for the flint rock that rises to the surface throughout the region, the Flint Hills stretch across east-central Kansas and protect the largest remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie in North America. Seasonal range burns each spring transform the hills into vibrant shades of green, while summer wildflowers and golden autumn grasses reveal an ever-changing palette throughout the year.

At the heart of the region lie places like Konza Prairie, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, and the Flint Hills Scenic Byway. However, the true character of the Flint Hills often reveals itself when you leave the pavement behind. Far from being flat, this region offers sweeping vistas that stretch for miles, hidden waterfalls tucked into limestone ravines, and some of the best hiking and exploration opportunities in the state.

This is Kansas at its most raw, open, and unforgettable.