National Preserve · KS

Things to do in Tallgrass Prairie

The National Park Service lists 7 things to do at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. 7 have no extra fee, 7 need no reservation, and 5 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

Bison graze in an open prairie stretching to the horizon.
Photo: NPS photo

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.

30-180 Minutes Year-round

Wildlife Watching

A kiosk stands next to a white gravel trail through tall grasses and flowers.
Photo: NPS photo

Break on the Bottomland Trail

The Bottomland Trail offers many amenities and a short walk through the prairie. It's an ideal stop for passing through with a tight schedule. The fine gravel trail loops through a small meadow by the river.

10-120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Front-Country Hiking

Wall exhibits dsplay several ecology topics
Photo: NPS photo

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.

10-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Park Film

Mowed and gravel path make up the Southwind Nature Trail.
Photo: NPS Photo

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.

45 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

A mown trail cuts through waste high grasssloping down to a line of trees.
Photo: NPS photo

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.

4-12 Hours Year-round

Backcountry Hiking

Aerial photo showing the historic ranch buildings.
Photo: NPS Photo

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.

60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

child with fishing pole by pond
Photo: NPS Photo

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.

Year-round Pets allowed

Fishing

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Tallgrass Prairie. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

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