Top Motorcycle Roads in Kansas
Kansas, with its diverse landscapes ranging from rolling prairies to scenic byways, offers an exciting playground for motorcycle enthusiasts. Before we dive into the heart of the Sunflower State, it’s worth noting that neighboring states like Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado also boast some incredible rides. The best motorcycle rides in Missouri offer winding routes through the Ozarks, while Oklahoma’s motorcycle routes feature stunning red rock formations and sweeping plains.
1. The Kansas Flint Hills
- Location: Central Kansas
- Distance: 108 miles
- Key features: Panoramic vistas of tallgrass prairie, rolling hills
- Notable attractions: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway is a quintessential Kansas ride, showcasing the state’s natural beauty. As you cruise along Route 177, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in North America. The road winds through gentle hills, offering a perfect blend of sweeping curves and straightaways.
2. K-7 to Rulo
- Location: Along Missouri River
- Distance: 84 miles
- Key features: Curvy roads, hills and valleys, tree-lined stretches
- Difficulty: Suitable for beginners but offers technical challenges for experienced riders
- Notable attractions: Casino and Wild Bill’s Bar and Grill in Rulo
This route along the Missouri River offers a different side of Kansas riding. The road hugs the river, providing curves, hills, and scenic views. It’s an excellent choice for riders of all skill levels, with enough technical sections to keep experienced riders engaged.
3.US-36
- Location: Northern Kansas
- Distance: 391 miles
- Key features: Smooth pavement, varied geography from flat western end to rolling eastern end
- Notable attractions: Motorcycle museum in St. Francis
US-36 spans the entire width of Kansas, providing riders with a diverse cross-section of the state’s landscapes. The western portion offers wide-open spaces and big skies, while the eastern section treats riders to more rolling terrain. Don’t miss the motorcycle museum in St. Francis for a dose of two-wheeled history.
4. KS-4
- Location: From Topeka westward
- Distance: 122 miles
- Key features: Surprising amount of turns, especially on the eastern side
KS-4 is a pleasant surprise for riders expecting Kansas to be all straight roads. The eastern portion of this route offers an unexpected number of turns, making for an engaging ride. As you head west, the landscape opens up, providing a classic Kansas riding experience.
5. Native Stone Scenic Byway
- Location: West of Toledo
- Distance: 9 miles
- Key features: Sweeping curves, hills, excellent pavement quality
- Runs close to: Mill Creek
Though short, the Native Stone Scenic Byway packs a punch with its scenic beauty and enjoyable riding. The road follows the contours of the land, offering a series of sweeping curves and elevation changes that will keep riders engaged. The proximity to Mill Creek adds to the scenic value of this route.
Best Motorcycle Rides in Kansas
1. Southeast Kansas Corner Loop
- Location: Starting near Kansas City, ending near Lawrence
- Distance: Approximately 530 miles
- Duration: Two-day trip
- Key features: Sweeping turns, rolling hills, flat-out runs
- Notable attractions: Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, Sandstone Gardens
This extensive loop takes riders through the scenic southeast corner of Kansas. The route offers a diverse riding experience, from sweeping turns through rolling hills to straight stretches perfect for opening up the throttle. Plan for a two-day trip to fully enjoy the ride and attractions along the way.
2. Perry Lake Loop
- Location: Northeast of Topeka
- Distance: 53 miles
- Key features: Views of Perry Lake, small elevation changes, nice curves
- Notable attractions: Perry Lake State Park
The Perry Lake Loop is a perfect day ride for those in the Topeka area. This route offers pleasant curves and gentle elevation changes, all while providing beautiful views of Perry Lake. It’s an excellent option for a relaxing weekend ride.
3. Pick Your Kansas (Highway K4)
- Location: To/from Lindsborg
- Key features: Diverse scenery, elevation drops, well-paved highway
- Offers choice of: Flat pasturelands or hillier experience
Highway K4 offers riders the chance to customize their Kansas riding experience. Depending on your route choice, you can enjoy either the classic flat pasturelands or opt for a hillier ride with more elevation changes. The well-maintained pavement makes for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
4. Leavenworth to Wyandotte Park
- Location: Near Kansas City
- Distance: 13 miles
- Key features: Hills, hidden turns, elevation changes
- Difficulty: More technically challenging
- Notable attractions: Wyandotte County Lake Park
For riders looking for a more technical challenge, the route from Leavenworth to Wyandotte Park delivers. Despite its short distance, this ride packs in hills, hidden turns, and elevation changes that will keep you on your toes. It’s a great option for experienced riders looking to hone their skills.
5. Kansas Byways Tour
- Location: Various locations across Kansas
- Key features: 12 byways (9 scenic, 3 historic) offering diverse landscapes and cultural experiences
- Notable routes: Native Stone Byway, Frontier Military Historic Byway, Route 66 Historic Byway
For riders looking to explore the best of Kansas, the Kansas Byways Tour is an excellent choice. This collection of scenic and historic byways showcases the state’s diverse landscapes and rich history. From the Native Stone Byway to the iconic Route 66, there’s something for every rider.
As you plan your motorcycle adventures in Kansas, remember that each neighboring state offers its own unique riding experiences. Nebraska’s motorcycle routes feature scenic river valleys and sandhills, while Colorado’s mountain passes provide thrilling high-altitude rides. Whether you’re sticking to Kansas or venturing beyond, the Midwest offers a wealth of exciting roads to explore on two wheels.
Motorcycle Rides in the US by States
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Vishwanath Mathpati
I am Vishwanath Mathpati, a full-time Blogger and Motorcyclist from Bidar, Karnataka. I love writing about my Motorcycles Stories and Riding Gears on this blog.
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