Cottonwood 200 Bicycle Tour
Starting date:
Ending date:
Event Details
Check website for COVID updates.
The Cottonwood 200 is a three-day bicycle tour on paved roads through the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas. The ride covers 200 miles (75 miles day one; 50 miles day two; 75 miles day three) over the Memorial Day Weekend. It is a loop tour that starts and ends at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, with SAG stops (rest stops with food & water) approximately every 10-15 miles, Sunday breakfast and dinner, and overnight accommodations at Council Grove High School included in the registration fee.
Join us and see why so many past participants have called the Cottonwood 200 "The Best Ride Ever."
In 1976, a hearty group of cyclists from the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club searched for a way to celebrate the nation's 200th birthday. Looking at their maps, they realized a round trip from Topeka to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas would be 200 miles, and cover some of the best cycling terrain in the state.
Thus began the Cottonwood 200, now in its 38th year. Join us for a three-day tour and go back in time as you travel the same paths used by Native Americans, settlers, and cattle drives.
The route will cross through lands that are the historic home of the Kaw (or Kansa) Indians, after whom the state of Kansas is named. Parts of the route follow the original Santa Fe Trail, used by settlers in their journey to the American southwest. Riders will spend two nights in Council Grove, which served as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail and is home of numerous historic sites, including the Kaw Indian Mission museum. On Sunday, riders will visit beautiful Cottonwood Falls, where residents have restored several downtown buildings into artist galleries, unique western shops, and delightful restaurants. At Cottonwood Falls, participants can tour the Chase County Courthouse, one of the oldest working courthouses west of the Mississippi and home to a breathtaking spiral staircase. Other nearby sites include the Roniger and Chase County Museums, and the nationally renowned Z-Bar Ranch/Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve.
Cottonwood 200 Bicycle Tour
Email Address : director@cottonwood200.org
Web: www.cottonwood200.org
Bike Rides
Attractions and Upcoming Events
First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church, built over 112 years ago, is the site of a unique presentation of Tiffany Windows. Adorning the sanctuary is the rare artwork of America's foremost designer of stained glass, Louis Comfort Tiffany, who came to Topeka in 1911 and produced these windows for the church. Topeka, KS Historic Churches
Potwin Place
Looking for a scenic drive? View beautiful Victorian homes of the late 1800s situated along brick streets where islands of greenery circle each intersection point in the National Historic District known as Potwin Place. Each Christmas, special decorations can be viewed.
Topeka, KS ToursKansas Expocentre
The Kansas Expocentre sits in the heart of Topeka and thrives with meetings, conventions, concerts, trade shows and special events. Home to Cider Days, championship rodeos and the Shawnee County Fair, the Expocentre is a multi-purpose facility which features over 200,000
Topeka, KS VenuesCombat Air Museum, Forbes Field
Much more than a collection of aircraft, Combat Air Museum houses a wide variety of military and aviation oriented memorabilia, ranging in time from the first World War to the space shuttle program. There are approximately 30 aircraft on display with multiple additional static displays.
Topeka, KS MuseumsJayhawk State Theatre of Kansas
On August 11, 1925, E.H. Crosby of the Crosby Brothers Company made the first announcement of his plans to provide the capital city of Kansas with a modern theatre. The Jayhawk Theatre opened its doors on August, 1926. Placed on the national register of historic places in 1974
Topeka, KS Historic Theatres