Fall is the season for another assortment of color on the prairie
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
National Preserve · KS
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.
Park report
Alert: Park Closure
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesSchoolhouse and the Schoolhouse Spur Trail Closed for Maintenance
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesThe Preserve is Open, but K-177 Highway Closed 12 Miles North
Alert: Caution
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesDangerous Highway Crossing
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available21 activities
Park Name
InfoTallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Designation
InfoNational Preserve
State(s)
InfoKS
Phone
Info6202738494
tapr_interpretation@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoHiking 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.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Themes & Topics
InfoArchitecture and Building, Farming and Agriculture, Ranches + 17 more
Weather Info
InfoTypical weather for the preserve ranges from lows of 0 degrees in the winter and highs of 90 + degrees in the summer. Prevailing prairie winds attribute to winter blizzards and occasional summer storm
Getting There
InfoThe 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 sig
Location
Info38.4402° N, -96.5671° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website