Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

About the Park

Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America, but within a generation most of it had been transformed into farms, cities, and towns. Today less than 4% remains intact, mostly in the Kansas Flint Hills. Established on November 12, 1996, the preserve protects a nationally significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Here the tallgrass makes its last stand.

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What to See & Do

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Nature Trails

Three nature trails (shorter in length) allow visitors to experience the tallgrass prairie first-hand, while remaining in closer proximity to visitor services. These trails are dog friendly, but please help all visitors enjoy them by keeping dogs on a visible 6' maximum leash and picking up after your pet. Enjoy your hike by following these important safety rules. Permits are not required to hike the trails. All trails open 24 hours; no camping.

In Park45 Minutes

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Take a Self-Guiding Tour of the Ranch

Stephen F. Jones named his ranch the Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch for the springs found on the hill west of the house. The house was built on a hillside with a two-story exposure on the upper side and a three story on the lower level. The three-level limestone barn measures 60 feet by 110 feet and is built into the hillside. It originally was roofed with 5,000 pounds of tin and sported a very large double-header windmill. Other outbuildings make up the ranch complex.

In Park60 Minutes

Fishing

Try Catch and Release Fishing

Three preserve ponds and Fox Creek are open to the public for catch and release fishing under the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Park and Tourism's Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats (F.I.S.H.) program. The fishing program is available year-round.

In Park

Park Film

Explore Tallgrass Visitor Center

Park rangers attend the visitor center with a range of exhibits. Geology, ecology, history, and culture all shaped today's Tallgrass Prairie. A modest gift shop provides souvenirs and the park stamp for collecting memories. Junior Ranger books, event posts, trail maps, and brochures constantly draw visitors.

Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Center10-30 Minutes

Backcountry Hiking

Take 12 to West Branch

Up for a full day hike? Set out for marker 27 on the north end of the preserve. This 12 mile rounder provides a grand view of the landscape, bison, and who knows what else. Learn more about backcountry hiking.

In Park4-12 Hours

Wildlife Watching

Bison viewing on the Scenic Overlook Trail

Walk along the gravel trail into the unplowed Flint Hills. Here an array of prairie wildlife make their home. The trail winds uphill through Windmill Pasture where a bison herd grazes. It continues to a hilltop on the far side. Several trail options allow extended backcountry hikes or alternate routes when bison block the path. The visitor center to the overlook is just over 3 miles (5 km) one-way.

In Park30-180 Minutes

Self-Guided Tours

Spring Hill Ranch Buildings and Southwind Nature Trail Tour

This walking tour will highlight the main buildings of the Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch and provide an opportunity to hike through a portion of preserved tallgrass prairie.

30-60 min 5 stops

Visitor Centers

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Visitor Center

Begin your preserve visit with the visitor center, complete with 10-minute orientation video, exhibits, indoor and outdoor restrooms, and water fountains. The visitor center is located on the left side of the breezeway. Rangers attend the visitor center during regular business hours. Summer hours run from May through October. Shorter winter hours run from November through April.

8:30AM - 4:30PM 6202738494

Parking & Access

Parking Lots

Barn Handicap Parking

The level grass area allows more convenient walking access to the historic barn and ranch house. The designated parking spots are next to a shaded picnic area. Restrooms and water filling station are across from the barn.

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Bottomland Nature Trail Parking

The gravel parking lot is off county road 227. The lot has a single entrance with fence line. Larger vehicles will be difficult to maneuver in a full lot. Two unisex restrooms, a bike rack, and picnic tables are provided at the parking area. The dog-friendly Bottomland Nature Trail connects with the trail network for short or extensive hiking.

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Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse

The final U-turn into the gravel lot has a slight incline. The lot has walking access to the Southwind Nature Trail and the Davis Trail. Minimal turnaround space for campers and trailers.

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Two-Section Pasture

Small gravel lot with turn around for large vehicles and trailers. Corrals next to parking lot are for official use only. This lot is the eastern access to the 3 mile (5 km) Two Section Trail into Strong City. Leashed dogs are allowed when the pasture is not occupied by cattle. Three ponds in the area permit catch and release fishing.

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Visitor Center

Gravel parking lot off Kansas Highway 177 is open 24/7. The lot loops around to the north, allowing an easy circular traffic for campers and trailers. Handicap spaces are available near the visitor center entrance and near the barn entrance on the hill. The barn parking area closes at the end of business hours. The gravel and surrounding grass are soft after excessive rain.

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Getting Here & Transit

Park Amenities

Permits & Reservations

Operating Hours

Photos

limestone mansion of the ranch

three level limestone barn

tallgrass hiking trails

butterfly milkweed wildflowers