IT’S OFFICIAL — Kansas is ready to make history! 

Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation declaring September 15–24, 2026 as The American Discovery Trail 250 Relay in the State of Kansas — and it’s coming to us next week!

This is part of a truly massive national celebration: a 6,800-mile, coast-to-coast relay carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence from Point Reyes, California all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. It’s the largest relay of its kind in our nation’s history — and for ten incredible days, it’s going to cross right through the heart of Kansas.

571 miles. 10 days. One unforgettable journey through our state.

The relay enters Kansas near Coolidge at the Colorado line and winds through Garden City, Dodge City, Larned, Ellinwood, McPherson, Council Grove, Lawrence, and Olathe before departing near Kansas City on the Missouri line — following the Flint Hills, the historic Santa Fe Trail corridor, and the small towns and rail-trails that connect us all. Runners, cyclists, hikers, equestrians, and wheelchair users of every age are invited to carry the baton along the way!

Huge thanks to Governor Kelly for this proclamation, and to everyone who showed up at the Capitol to celebrate this milestone with her: Myron Leinwetter (Kansas Trails Inc.), Justine Staten (Kansas Horse Council), Rick & Ginger Heere and Bob O’Brien (O’Brien Bicycle Club), Mike Scanlon (Kansas Trails Inc.), Elizabeth Burger & Kelli Mark (Sunflower Foundation), Jeff Bender (Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks), and Harold Draper (American Discovery Trail Society).

– Mike Scanlon