Welcome to the Visitor Center

Welcome to the prairie. Begin your tour with a stop at the visitor center.

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The visitor center is located two miles north of U.S. Highway 50 and K-177 (Flint Hills National Scenic Byway) intersection.The limestone facade blends in with the natural landscape, complete with a tallgrass prairie grass roof.

Upon reaching the site, turn left into the new parking area. The building has restrooms, water fountains, a short orientation film, Jr. Ranger activities, exhibits, bookstore, and friendly rangers ready to help make your experience a good one. Welcome to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

 

Follow the Prairie Seasons Mural to the visitor center information desk

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After entering the breezeway of the facility, the visitor center is the building on the left with the entry door at the back. The photo to the left shows the visitor center door. See Operating Hours and Seasons page for schedule.

 

Sit on a bench and enjoy the view. Learn about the soil core exhibit

Enjoy a nice breeze on shaded benches while looking out over the prairie. Wait for one of our summer ranger tours. Self-guided tours include the ranch buildings and a podcast of the prairie. Information is online and inside the Visitor Center.

 

Then Midwest Regional Director Mike Reynolds providing speech during the dedication of the visitor center.

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Visitor Center Dedication and Celebration Event

The preserve facilities have evolved through many phases. Rangers once welcomed visitors from the historic ranch house and barn. In 2012, the facilities moved out of the historic buildings, devoting them to more immersive interpretive areas.