Prairie Trail Scenic Byway

Communities

The Prairie Trail Scenic Byway is home to a lot of small-town allure. The towns of Kanopolis, Canton, and Marquette are easily the smallest and quietest of the bunch. Canton is home to the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. In between Kanopolis and Marquette are two must-see Kansas State Parks: Kanopolis State Park and Mushroom Rock State Park

The towns of Lindsborg and Ellsworth, each with about 3,000 residents, both contain rich histories and gorgeous surrounding landscapes! Lindsborg is famous for being "Little Sweden, USA" after Swedish immigrants founded the city in 1869. Ellsworth was once known as the "Wickedest Castletown in Kansas." At one point in time, it was said to be even more restless than Abilene and Dodge City! As the saying went: "Abilene, the first, Dodge City, the last, but Ellsworth the wickedest."

The largest community is McPherson, a historically Scottish community that boasts rich cultural roots in agriculture, industry, small business, and sports! Within McPherson is the McPherson Museum, McPherson Opera House, and the McPherson Mural Collection!