Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a protected area in the Flint Hills of Kansas that conserves a remnant of North America’s tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The preserve is managed to protect native prairie habitat and to interpret historic prairieland use.

Large tracts of tallgrass prairie were converted to agriculture in the 19th and 20th centuries; the preserve was created to protect one of the remaining intact prairie ecosystems and to support research, interpretation and conservation of native species. Management emphasizes restoration and traditional grazing practices to maintain prairie biodiversity.

The preserve lies in the Flint Hills region of east-central Kansas near small towns such as Strong City and Cottonwood Falls, set within rolling grassland and ranch country.

• Significance: Protects one of the largest remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie in North America and focuses on habitat conservation and public education about the Flint Hills ecosystem.
• Best season: Best time to visit for wildflower displays and tall grasses is late spring through early autumn; summer months provide the fullest growth and visibility of tall grasses.

What to See#

• Visitor center: A visitor center that provides orientation, exhibits on tallgrass prairie ecology and history, and trailheads for the preserve’s hiking routes.
• Preserve and bison range: Managed prairie acreage that includes a small herd of bison maintained to demonstrate historic grazing processes and native prairie ecology, plus a network of trails for walking and wildlife viewing.

• Start at the Tallgrass Prairie visitor center in Strong City for maps, advice on open trails and any seasonal ranger programs before setting out into the preserve.
• Visit in late spring to early summer for peak wildflower and grassland color and in the late afternoon for better wildlife viewing and softer photography light.
• Check the preserve's calendar for scheduled guided walks or bison-related programs-these curated experiences cover areas and history most self-guided visitors miss.