Tour die Kapellen

Tour die Kapellen is a cycling event on rural roads in Ellis County, Kansas, centered on visits to historic limestone churches. It highlights the region's Volga-German heritage. Route choices range from a 15-mile ride to a 100-mile Gran Fondo. Options include a mixed-surface ride, a custom route planner, and a bus tour for those interested in the chapel visits without cycling. The longer routes include more chapels: one at 15 miles, two at 30, three at 52, four on the 62-mile metric century, five at 75, and six on the 100-mile route. Musicians perform at each location, making the stops a blend of cultural exploration and rest. The event originated as a collaborative effort between four rural communities, Hays Symphony members, and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, with backing from Hays Area Bicyclists, neighboring towns, and the Fort Hays State Music Department.