About Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Hiking trails are open 24/7; no camping, no open flames, no drones. Prescribed fire and cattle/bison operations may close specific trails. Watch for signs. Trail maps available at the Visitor Center and most trailheads. Cell phone tour information is available at the kiosk and on the waysides. Visitor Center and historic buildings are open daily from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm May 1st through October 31 and 9 am to 4:30 pm November 1 - April 30. Visitor Center closed Monday and Tuesday, from November 1 to March 31.
Activities
Getting There
The preserve is located in northern Chase County, Kansas 2 miles north of intersection U.S. Hwy 50 and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway 177 (K-177) west of Strong City. Watch for brown attraction signs. **2 miles north of Strong City, KS on K-177** **16 miles west of Emporia, KS on U.S. Hwy 50 and 2 miles north on K-177** **17 miles south of Council Grove, KS on K-177** **85 miles northeast of Wichita on I-35, U.S. Hwy 50, and K-177** **60 miles southwest of Topeka on I-335 (Kansas Turnpike) to Emporia**
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Nature Trails
Three nature trails (shorter in length) allow visitors to experience the tallgrass prairie first-hand, while remaining in closer proximity to…
Nature trails are generally shorter in length and provide a nice hiking experience for more novice or visitors with time…
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…
Take a brochure and follow along as you learn more about the ranching legacy of the years of large ranching…
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…
Three preserve ponds are open to the public for catch and release fishing under the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Park…
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…
The 10-minute park film educates visitors on the cultural and natural history of the preserve, going back eons to the…
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…
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…
The visitor center to the scenic overlook is just over 3 miles (5 km) one-way. This coarse gravel trail has…
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…
Hours: Visitor center and historic buildings are open seven days a week. Lower Fox Creek School is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from May 1 to December 31. Summer hours run from May through October. Winter hours run November through March.
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