Visitor Center and restroom construction is well under way. Please proceed with caution as you enter the driveway to the parking lot, read all signs, and check Facebook for more frequent updates.

Please continue to call ahead (620-273-8494) for tour availability due to major construction projects occurring in 2012.

The preserve hiking trails are open 24 hours a day, year-round. The historic buildings are open year-round from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving, December 25, January 1, and as posted. 

Due to funding shortage the preserve buildings will also be closed on January 16, 2012(Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday), February 20, 2012 (President's'Day), October 8, 2012 (Columbus Day), and November 12, 2012 (Veteran's Day Observed).

A self-guiding tour map is available to visit the site year-round.

• January - July - Due to construction, the visitor information desk will be located on the back porch of the limestone ranch house.  Exhibits, brochures, and a 10-minute audio visual program are available year-round.
  
  
• Upon the completion of the Visitor Center, visitors will obtain maps and orientation at the new facility located south of the historic limestone barn.
  
  
• Visiting After Hours - The ranch driveway gate and buildings close at 4:30 p.m.  If parking in the handicap parking area by the barn, please move your vehicle to the lower parking area if you will be visiting beyond 4:30 p.m. 
  
  
  The ranch headquarters area and building exteriors are accessible through walk-through gates and self-guiding walking tour brochure located in the kiosk at the base of the driveway.
  
  Hiking trails are open 24 hours; no camping.

Pets on Leash - Pets must be on a visible leash no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. Invisible or remote training devices do not allow other visitors to see that your pet is restrained. Pets are welcome in the ranch headquarters, Southwind Nature Trail, Bottomland Trail, Fox Creek Trail, and Lower Fox Creek School areas. 

Pets must be attended at all times. They may not be tied off to any structure at the preserve or to vehicles in parking area. Biting animals pose safety threats to other visitors.  Even the best trained animal will bite if their safety is endangered.

Be kind to your pet. Do not leave pets inside vehicles, as temperatures heat rapidly in summer months.

Pets are not allowed in the historic buildings, in the backcountry area, or on the buses. 

Why?  

• Historic Preservation - The furniture, architecture, and even the floors of the historic buildings are protected.
  
• Respect for other visitors - Not everyone enjoys sharing small spaces with animals.
  
• Wildlife - All park wildlife is protected and even well-behaved dogs are curious.  Let the prairie's native wildlife live free from harassment by our pets.
  
• Prairie damage - Dogs can dig up grasses and vegetation.
  
• Your pet's safety - Wild animals strike back when their safety is threatened.

Please respect other visitors by picking up after your pet.  Pet waste disposal bags are located on the Welcome Information Kiosk located at the base of the driveway and at the southeast kiosk on the Southwind Nature Trail. Dispose of pet waste bags in any trash can at the preserve, but not in the portable restrooms. Thank you.

Phone

620-273-8494