• The setting sun over the Flint Hills casts shadows across the wide expanse of tallgrass prairie.

    Tallgrass Prairie

    National Preserve Kansas

  • Caution - Construction Zone

    Please use caution and follow signs as you enter the parking lot. Construction is nearly complete on the visitor center and restrooms. Please call 620-273-8494, 6034, or 7034 for most recent information.

  • We Are Relocating

    The preserve staff is in the process of relocating and previous phone numbers may not function. Please call 620-273-8494, 6034, or 7034 to reach the preserve. Contact station hours are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thank you for your patience.

Virtual Tour Ranch House Parlors

foyer entry

Lowest Level - Foyer Area and Parlors 
The parlor was historically used for formal entertaining; the grandest room in the house.

This photo shows a view of the foyer area inside the Spring Hill Ranch house. The wooden newel post and doors were hand carved.

South Parlor for Family
Family and close friends to the Spring Hill Ranch entered the home through the front and were entertained in the south parlor. 

North Parlor for Company
Formal guests were ushered into the north parlor where the interior finishes were more exquisite.

 
south parlor at the holiday
South parlor during the holiday special event
 
north parlor

North parlor where formal guests were entertained.

A piano was located somewhere in the home; possibly in one of the parlors or upstairs in the family living space. From historic newspapers we know that youngest daughter Loutie was learning to play. The Las Animas Times (Colorado) reported that Mrs. Jones purchased a "fine piano," sometime before her move to Kansas.

Explore Level 2

Did You Know?

The ranch house at the Spring Hill Ranch is made of limestone blocks.

The limestone blocks used to build the historic house, barn, and outbuildings weigh over 160 pounds per cubic foot. Limestone was quarried locally, faced or quoined, then brought to the ranch for building purposes. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve