Scenic Byways
There are approximately 1,100 Scenic Byways in the United States and many more routes with qualities that warrant this special designation afforded by state DOT’s.
Byways are effective economic drivers, on average, able to generate between $250,000-$450,000 in visitor spending per mile, per Byway, per year.
The Scenic Byway program was originally created at the Federal level to deliver economic development to rural areas, and we believe they serve very effectively in that role. Byways are routes that connect small towns and rural communities where visitors stay, dine, and shop while they explore the route, one of the most effective ways to deliver economic development to out of the way areas there is.
Getting a scenic route designated requires a process, but one that is doable. Our team has created more new scenic byways recently than any other organization in America. A new one in Indiana, two in Pennsylvania, a combined one in California, and more pending in other locations. Plus, the Federal Reserve of Kansas City has recently designated our organization as America’s Byway experts.
To begin designating a Byway, or reactivating a dormant one, you need a small team on your end to work with a team on our end. The process includes creating a plan, in this case, called a Corridor Management Plan, although it is really a strategic plan and marketing plan. Having local advisors is important, so they can review the plan as sections are produced for accuracy. We have been through the process so many times, we know the sequence and needed actions well.
All new Scenic Byways are designated at the state level. Byways only become National Byways when the Federal Highway Administration puts out a call and there has not been one since 2020.
Once a Byway is officially designated, there are many promotional vehicles that can be put in place. Most have their own website and social media, others are promoted by the destinations included along the route.
Featuring the heritage and culture along the route is a particularly effective approach to attracting visitors to a Byway. Over the past few years, our team has developed 120 detailed visitor ready itineraries for Byways across the nation, including all of the Byway in four states.
