Flint Hills

The Flint Hills are a band of rolling hills in eastern and central Kansas characterized by shallow soils overlying cherty limestone, giving the region its name. They contain the largest remaining tracts of native tallgrass prairie in North America and are a major stronghold for that ecosystem.

Land use in the Flint Hills is dominated by cattle ranching and extensive grazing, and the landscape is managed with seasonal prescribed burns that sustain native grasses. The open, grassy hills and narrow valleys make the area important for prairie ecology and for scenic drives and small-scale tourism.

Geographically the Flint Hills run roughly north-south through eastern Kansas and extend toward the Kansas-Oklahoma border; notable protected areas and research stations are scattered within the region, with visitor access concentrated near small towns and preserve sites.

• Tallgrass prairie: This region contains the largest continuous area of native tallgrass prairie remaining in North America and is best seen in spring and early summer when grasses and wildflowers are at peak growth.

What to See #

• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: A protected area preserving a representative tract of native tallgrass prairie, located near Strong City, Kansas, and managed to maintain prairie ecosystems through grazing and prescribed fire.