Accessibility at the Preserve

Viewing the new waysides at the Bottomland Trail

National Park Service

Trail Access

The Bottomland Trail is wheelchair friendly with trailhead kiosk, five interpretive waysides, comfort station, picnic area, benches, and two varying length trails of 3/4 or 1/2 mile. Handicap parking (gravel, but close to the trailhead) is available. Trails are open 24 hours year-round. A brochure is available at the trailhead to assist you as you travel the trail.

Travel south of historic ranch headquarters area on K-177 for two miles, turning left (east) onto the gravel country road adjacent to St. Anthony cemetery. Travel east on gravel road for 1/3 mile. Watch for trail sign on the north (left) side of the road.

Bus Tours

The preserve offers a guided prairie bus tour at 11 a.m., with more available as staffing allows. Other available tour times are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. during summer months (May through October) as staffing and weather conditions allow. The bus is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, but terrain is a typical prairie environment. Bus tours are sometimes canceled due to lightning. A minimum of two passengers is required for all bus tours. Call ahead for availability.

House Tours

The 1881 historic limestone ranch house is accessible for wheelchairs through a removable ramp at the back porch of the house. The lower portion of the house is not wheelchair accessible, however a photo album is available showing the interior lower portion of the home. Follow the link below to view the interior of the buildings.

Virtual Tour Page

Historic Limestone House and Barn

Due to construction this season, the main floor of the limestone house will be used as the visitor contact station during summer months. In the past the barn has been used as the visitor contact station.

The main level of the barn is wheelchair accessible via built-in ramps. There is limited access to the barn during winter months. A photo album is available in the house showing the lower and upper levels of the barn. The lower level and main level of the barn is open for regular viewing during our summer and fall season, with limited viewing available during winter and spring. Follow the link below to view the interior of the buildings.

Virtual Tour Page

Historic One-room Schoolhouse

On weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in May, June, September, and October the Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse is open for viewing from noon until 4 p.m. and is staffed by volunteers. The schoolhouse is accessible via removable ramps. Please call ahead for assistance. Follow the link below to view the interior of the buildings.

Virtual Tour Page

Audio Visual Program

A 10 minute site orientation video is available in the house. Presentation is open-captioned with audio-description available via headsets and/or hearing aid loop. A script is also available upon request.

Parking at the Preserve

Handicap parking is available northwest of the historic limestone barn. Please follow signs through the parking lot and up the driveway beyond the barn. Parking is perpendicular to the wooden post and chain barrier. Please watch for daily signs during our construction this season, as directions and parking areas may change.

Restroom Facilities

Restroom facilities at the historic ranch headquarters area are somewhat primitive, but offer a unisex wheelchair accessible port-a-john. New restrooms are on the way during this season's construction plans.

The Bottomland Trail offers a flushable comfort station equipped for wheelchairs.