Plan Your Visit

• Bison grazing on the tallgrass prairie

• Butterfly milkweed and growing tallgrass

• Spring brings prescribed fire to the Flint Hills

• Historic 1881 Spring Hill Ranch house

• Three-story limestone barn at the ranch

• Kids learning about farm animals and chores

• Visitors having some old fashioned fun

• Tallgrass prairie grasses are "Tall in the Fall"

Where is the tall grass?

Shh....It's hiding among the peace and quiet. We want to help you plan your special visit!

With nearly 11,000 acres of Mother Nature, see wide open space, beautiful vistas, wildflowers, wildlife, bison herd, a historic ranch and one-room school with limestone buildings, and plenty of solitude. Each season brings something new to experience.

Our motto is "Tall in the Fall" as it takes all season for the tall grasses to reach their maximum height, which is dependent on the amount of rainfall. Greater rain equals taller grasses. So, expect to see grasses up to 6 inches in the spring that grow all summer until their maximum heights in late September/October.

The preserve offers many opportunities to make a meaningful connection to the prairie and the people that lived here. You do not need a reservation to visit the preserve. The prairie is open year-round 24/7 except during times of prescribed fire. The hiking trails consist of old gravel ranch roads and mowed paths; a truly rustic and natural environment. It's a good idea to wear clothing and footwear you don't mind getting dirty. Use sunscreen and insect repellent. Water is suggested in all seasons.

The buildings have posted hours. All access to the preserve is via walking or hiking. Bicycles, ATVs, and private vehicles are not allowed in the prairie. Camping and overnight parking is not authorized at this time.

We hope you will have fun, make lifelong memories, and develop a deep appreciation for this very special place. There is something for everyone here in the jewel of the Flint Hills.