Flint Hills Trail State Park in Kansas Named to National Trails Hall of Fame

Kansas’ Flint Hills Trail State Park Named to National Trails Hall of Fame

Flint Hills Trail State Park in Kansas has been inducted into the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) Hall of Fame after receiving more than 80% of the public vote. The 93-mile route, the longest trail in the state, was selected for its scenic beauty, cultural and historical significance, and its role in boosting local economies.

Spanning rural eastern Kansas, the trail connects over a dozen communities and passes sites linked to the Kaw (Kanza) Nation, the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, and the state’s railroad heritage. Highlights include Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park, dedicated to Kaw Nation history, and the John Brown Memorial Park and Museum State Historic Site. The route also traverses one of the world’s last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems.

Governor Laura Kelly called the honour “a testament to the natural beauty of our state and the commitment of Kansans who have worked to preserve it,” noting that state parks contribute millions to the economy each year.

Designated a state park in 2018 and recognised as a National Recreation Trail in 2020, Flint Hills Trail connects directly to Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, another RTC Hall of Fame member. It is part of the 6,800-mile American Discovery Trail, linking communities across the United States.

In 2022, Kansas secured a $24.8 million federal RAISE grant to extend the route to 118 miles, from Osawatomie to Herington. RTC President Ryan Chao said the trail “stands out as a prime example of how trails bring joy, provide cultural and historic connection, and deliver economic opportunity.”

The Hall of Fame honour places Flint Hills Trail alongside some of the nation’s most celebrated routes, recognising its value as both a transportation corridor and a cultural journey through the heart of Kansas.