Flint Hills Trail State Park Joins the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame

On September 6, 2025, trail lovers from across Kansas gathered in downtown Ottawa to celebrate a milestone moment: Flint Hills Trail State Park was officially inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Hall of Fame. This honor places the Flint Hills Trail among the nation’s most significant and beloved multi-use trails—recognized for the social, economic, and quality-of-life benefits it brings to our communities.

The celebration took place at Legacy Square in Ottawa, Kansas, with trail partners, community leaders, cyclists from the Moonrise Bike Ride, and outdoor enthusiasts coming together to honor the achievement. The energy in the crowd reflected just how much the Flint Hills Trail means to Kansas and beyond.

Watch the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Couldn’t make it to Ottawa for the celebration? Watch the full Flint Hills Trail Hall of Fame induction ceremony below and join us in honoring this remarkable Kansas trail.

A Big Year for the Flint Hills Trail

The Hall of Fame induction is the latest highlight in what has already been a landmark year for the Flint Hills Trail.

In April 2025, the long-awaited bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway was completed, eliminating one of the trail’s biggest gaps. This major infrastructure project was funded primarily through a 2021 federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant for $5.5 million, alongside support from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and contributions from a 2022 federal RAISE grant awarded to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).

The new bridge is more than just a crossing—it’s a symbol of the state’s investment in outdoor recreation, active transportation, and the long-term future of the trail. With this project complete, the Flint Hills Trail State Park is stronger, safer, and more accessible than ever before.

Connecting Communities Across Kansas

Stretching 93 miles today—with plans to reach 118 miles from Osawatomie to Herington—the Flint Hills Trail is the longest rail-trail in Kansas. It winds through the beautiful Flint Hills region, connects more than a dozen trail towns, and passes historic and cultural sites significant to the Kaw (Kanza) Nation.

Here in Ottawa, the Flint Hills Trail directly connects to another nationally recognized treasure: Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, which was also inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. Together, these two trails create an unparalleled network of outdoor adventure, offering cyclists, walkers, and nature lovers the chance to explore eastern Kansas in a way that is both active and enriching.

Why the Hall of Fame Matters

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame recognizes trails that deliver exceptional value to their regions. By joining this elite group, the Flint Hills Trail State Park and Prairie Spirit Trail State Park are officially recognized not just as local assets, but as national destinations.

This recognition will bring new visitors to Kansas, boost local economies, and continue to inspire investment in trail development, outdoor recreation, and community health.

Discover the Flint Hills Trail for Yourself

Whether you’re planning your first ride or you’re a longtime fan, now is the perfect time to experience the Flint Hills Trail State Park. With new infrastructure, Hall of Fame recognition, and deep community support, the trail is ready to welcome more riders, walkers, and explorers than ever before. 

Check out our Flint Hills Trail Field Guide for details about the trail including maps, points of interest, trail-heads, and parking locations.

Plan your adventure today—and see why the Flint Hills Trail is the among the best trails in Kansas and a true national treasure.