Kansas Designates Pony Express Historic Byway as 13th Scenic Route

The new byway celebrates the historic, scenic, and cultural assets along the original Pony Express Trail.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping, airbrushed gradients and towering forced perspectives of the Kansas landscape, capturing the grand scale and romance of travel along the Pony Express Historic Byway.The new Pony Express Historic Byway in Kansas invites travelers to explore the state's rich history and natural beauty along an iconic American frontier route.Topeka Today

The state of Kansas has officially designated the Pony Express Historic Byway as the 13th scenic byway in the state. The byway, which runs through several counties in northeast Kansas, closely follows the original Pony Express Trail and highlights the historic, scenic, cultural, recreational, archaeological, and natural assets of the corridor.

Why it matters

The designation of the Pony Express Historic Byway as a scenic route aims to drive tourism, support local businesses, and bring new economic opportunities to the rural communities along the route. It also honors an iconic chapter in American history by inviting travelers to experience the charm, heritage, and hospitality of Kansas.

The details

The Pony Express Historic Byway begins at mile marker 381 on U.S. Highway 36 east of Troy and extends through Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha, Marshall and Washington counties, ending on Highway 243 at the historic Hollenberg Pony Express Station. The byway was facilitated with assistance from the Kansas Byways Program, managed by Kansas Tourism and the Kansas Department of Transportation.

  • The Pony Express Historic Byway was officially designated as Kansas' 13th scenic byway on April 8, 2026.

The players

David Toland

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce for the state of Kansas.

Calvin Reed

Kansas Secretary of Transportation.

Bridgette Jobe

Director of Kansas Tourism.

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What they’re saying

“Our state's byways tell the story of Kansas while creating real economic opportunity for the communities along the route. The Pony Express Historic Byway highlights one of the most iconic chapters in American history while inviting travelers to experience the charm, heritage and hospitality of Kansas. Byways like this drive visitation, support local businesses, and bring new energy to rural communities across the state.”

— David Toland, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce

“Well-maintained highways and roads connect travelers to the stories, landscapes and communities that make Kansas unique. The Pony Express Historic Byway not only honors a remarkable piece of our nation's history, but also supports tourism, strengthens rural economies, and showcases the important role our transportation system plays in connecting people and places across Kansas.”

— Calvin Reed, Kansas Secretary of Transportation

“Byways invite travelers to slow down and experience the places and stories that shaped our state. The Pony Express Historic Byway is the kind of journey that encourages travelers to explore a little longer, discover local businesses and create lasting memories.”

— Bridgette Jobe, Director of Kansas Tourism

What’s next

The Kansas Byways Program will work to promote and market the new Pony Express Historic Byway to travelers, highlighting the route's historical significance and the unique attractions and businesses along the way.

The takeaway

The designation of the Pony Express Historic Byway as Kansas' 13th scenic byway demonstrates the state's commitment to preserving its rich history and natural assets, while also supporting rural economic development through tourism. This new byway offers travelers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the story of the Pony Express and discover the charm and hospitality of the communities along the route.