National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Tallgrass Prairie National PreserveView of the prairie
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Fees & Reservations
 
Take a ranger-led prairie bus tour during the summer
Ranger-led prairie bus tours

Entrance Fee

There is no charge to visit Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve or attend any of our many programs and activities.

Bus Tour

Free ninety-minute ranger-led prairie bus tours are given at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. from the last Saturday in April through the last Sunday in October. Bus tours are available on a first-come basis, but reservations can be made if space is available by calling the rangers at 620-273-8494. A minimum of two passengers is required per bus tour.

Group Tours

Free guided tours for schools and organized groups may be reserved a minimum of two weeks in advance by calling (620) 273-8494.

Park Passes

Starting January 1, 2007, the America the Beautiful-National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes replaced the Golden Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle, and National Park Passes. These passes are NOT available at the preserve. However, they are available at these regional locations:

*All Golden Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle, and National Parks Passes will continue to be honored at applicable locations according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Golden Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for the new passes. 

Camping

The preserve does not have camping available. The nearest location is five miles south on K177 in Cottonwood Falls at Bates Grove Park and Swope Park. Call the Cottonwood Falls City Office at 620-273-6666 for more information or ask a ranger for directions.

Chase State Fishing Lake, administered by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (3 miles west of Cottonwood Falls) provides a shelter house, fire rings and grills, picnic tables, and pit toilets for use by campers, picnickers, and anglers.  

Camping, picnicking, fishing, and hunting are available at Council Grove Reservoir (17 miles north of the preserve) and is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Call the Council Grove Lake Office at 620-767-5195 for more information.

Spring Hill Ranch at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve  

Did You Know?
Stephen F. Jones spent the modern equivalent of about $1.9 million building the Spring Hill Ranch complex including the stone fences, but only occupied the ranch for about 5 years. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Last Updated: April 12, 2009 at 15:56 EST