Meadowlark Trail

The Meadowlark Trail in Kansas is a trail that stretches along a former Union Pacific railroad corridor for 12.6 miles between the cities of McPherson and Lindsborg. The corridor was rail banked in 1997 by the Central Kansas Conservancy, which has since been hard at work developing the trail. As of late 2025, Meadowlark Trail is open for use from Lindsborg to McPherson, although conditions vary along the length.

In the south, the trail begins at the northwestern edge of the city of McPherson, home to two colleges and a growing population. The trail travels northward for 4 miles through farmland to Pawnee Road. This section of trail has a smooth crushed limestone surface.

In the north, the trail begins at the southern endpoint of the paved Välkommen Trail in Lindsborg. This city is known as 'Little Sweden' because it was settled by Swedish immigrants in the 19th century, and the community celebrates its Swedish heritage with events throughout the year. The Meadowlark Trail meets the Välkommen Trail at the Old Mill Campground, located a short walk from the McPherson County Old Mill Museum on Mill Street.

Continuing south from the campground, the trail offers a bit more shade than the section of trail closer to McPherson, as it is enveloped by trees. Before reaching Smoky Valley Road, the trail meets an edge of the winding Smoky Hill River. This portion of trail currently ends at Shawnee Road in an open field.

A map of all Rail to Trail treks is found here: https://www.visitlindsborg.com/media/Attractions/Kansas-Rail-Trails-012925_Meadowlark Trail.pdf

Bring water and be prepared to carry out any trash you create. Restrooms are not available along the trail.