Take a peaceful drive along the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway on U.S. Route 73 from Easton to Atchison, Kansas. Explore 14 miles of rolling farmland, wide curves, and quiet scenic views in this underrated stretch of northeastern Kansas.
U.S. Route 73
Discover U.S. Route 73, a north–south highway linking Kansas and Nebraska. Explore its path through Leavenworth, Atchison, and Dawson, and learn about its role in regional travel and history.
U.S. Route 73 (US 73) is a relatively short but important north–south highway running through the central United States. Spanning just over 113 miles, it primarily serves the states of Kansas and Nebraska. The highway begins in Bonner Springs, Kansas—just outside the Kansas City metro area—and extends northward to its terminus in Dawson, Nebraska. Though not among the longest U.S. highways, US 73 functions as a regional connector for small towns, rural communities, and interstate travelers.
In Kansas, US 73 overlaps significantly with other highways, such as US 24 and US 59 near Atchison. This portion of the route travels through varied terrain, including river valleys and agricultural land. It plays a critical role in linking northeastern Kansas towns like Leavenworth, a historic military community, with key transportation routes and river crossings over the Missouri River.
Crossing into Nebraska, US 73 becomes more rural, passing through Richardson County before ending near the small town of Dawson at a junction with US 75. While its footprint is modest compared to longer U.S. routes, US 73 has served as a local artery for commerce and travel since its establishment in 1926.
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U.S. Route 73: Leavenworth – Kansas
Take a quick but meaningful journey westbound along U.S. Route 73 through Leavenworth, Kansas—passing Fort Leavenworth, the U.S. Penitentiary, and historic neighborhoods just beyond the Missouri River.