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Canyon Drive


category : Scenic Drives
Canyon Drive Russell County offers the traveler some of the most breathtaking views and vistas to be found in Kansas. The following is a self-guided tour travelers can take to get "off the beaten path" and see some of the beauty local residents take for granted.

Travelers getting off of I-70 at Exit 206, turning north on Highway 232, will be traveling on the Kansas Post rock Scenic Byway, seeing one of the most spectacular views of Lake Wilson. Lake Wilson offers 100 miles of shoreline and 9000 surface acres of water for sporting enthusiasts.

Continuing north on Highway 232, travelers will come to Lucas, which has the distinction of being the "Grassroots Art Capital" of Kansas. This unique rural Kansas community offers a variety of examples of grassroots art - each a must see in their own right.

Traveling west on Highway 18, travelers will view the Wolf Creek Valley, which is part of the Smoky Hills Greenhorn limestone escarpment. Travelers will note the distinction of the bluffs to the south of the valley and the levelness of the valley floor, providing some of the richest agricultural soils. Stopping at the roadside park in Luray, will give travelers an opportunity to visit the first log cabin built in Russell County.

Continue west on Highway 18 to Paradise, to view the limestone water tower or venture south on Highway 281 at the west junction of K18 and Highway 281.

Traveling south on Highway 281, travelers come to realize the image of "flat" Kansas is a misnomer. The highway cuts through layers of limestone revealing outcropping of Dakota, Graneros Shale, and Greenhorn limestone which forms this area of the Smoky Hills. Approximately five miles north of Russell, travelers drop into the Saline River Valley, which provides some of the state's most rugged landscape.

In the city of Russell, travelers are encouraged to tour the community, noting the various uses of native "post rock" limestone in homes, downtown businesses and lawn ornamentation. Additionally, the history of the community can be found in preservation at the Fossil Station Museum, Oil Patch Museum, Gernon House, and Heym-Oliver House.


Come visit us in Russell, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Oil Patch Museum

Oil Patch Russell is a place to see, feel and learn about oil, the "Black Gold" that fuels man's imagination, as well as his machines. The story of the people and events that make up the history of oil in this area will come alive at Oil Patch Russell.

Russell, KS Museums

Outdoor Murals

This mural is painted on the side of the building bordering Cecil Bricker Park at 8th and Main in downtown Russell.

Russell, KS Arts

Gernon House

This structure is the oldest "post rock" stone house built in Russell in 1872 by Nicholas Gernon, a blacksmith and one of the original settlers. This lovely home has been fully restored to the period of the 1890s.

Russell, KS Museums

Heym-Oliver House

A renovated "post rock" limestone family home, showing a different style of sawn limestone. Located on "historic" Kansas Street.

Russell, KS Historic Homes

Canyon Drive

Russell County offers the traveler some of the most breathtaking views and vistas to be found in Kansas. The following is a self-guided tour travelers can take to get "off the beaten path" and see some of the beauty local residents take for granted. Travelers getting off of I-70 at Exit 206

Russell, KS Scenic Drives

Things to do Scenic Drives near Russell, KS