Explore Tallgrass Visitor Center

Visitor Center displays geology, ecology, and cultural effects on the tallgrass prairie.

NPS photo

The visitor center is the one stop for information on Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Park rangers attend the visitor center to answer questions and distribute additional information brochures upon request. Exhibits range from geology, ecology, history, and the cultures that shaped today's Tallgrass Prairie. A modest gift shop provides souvenirs of your visit and the park stamp for collecting memories. Junior Ranger booklets provide educational activities for all ages. Events happen throughout the year, predominately during the summer and fall. Hikers can collect trail maps and set out for self-guided exploring. Ask a ranger for seasonal trail suggestions and conditions.

Details

Duration

10-30 Minutes

Activity

Park Film

The 10-minute park film educates visitors on the cultural and natural history of the preserve, going back eons to the forming of the prairie ecosystem. The exhibits within the visitor center can take an additional 30 minutes to review. The gift shop is typically stocked with several items like children stories, field manuals, quick souvenirs, apparel, and musical instruments. Junior Ranger Booklets and park cancellation stamps are available at the front desk. 

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed in the breezeway, ranch outdoor areas, and designated dog-friendly trails. Pets are not permitted inside the buildings.

Activity Fee

No

No entrance fee.

Location

Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Center

Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Center is north of Strong City, Kansas along KS Highway 177.

Reservations

No

Reservations are needed for ranger guided tours and some special events.

Season

Year Round

Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Center regularly closes for 3 holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The visitor center has button-activated automatic doors. Exhibits use a mixture of interactive, tactile, audible, and visual materials. Braille guides and Trekker Breeze⁺ audible aids are available upon request.
Service animals are allowed inside the visitor center.