Did you know Kansas is home to the largest remaining area of tallgrass prairie in the US? Check out this 11,000 acre National Preserve, located in the heart of the Flint Hills and dedicated to the rich history of the tallgrass prairie. The preserve is home to more than 500 species of plants, and is a vital piece to our Midwestern ecosystem.
Start your visit here in the visitors center, where you can explore exhibits about the tallgrass prairie and wildlife living on the preserve. Learn about the history of the prairie, and its vitality to the ecosystem. Don’t forget to grab your Junior park ranger booklet and badge.
Next, head over to the Spring hill ranch to explore the historic house built in the 1800’s and the 3-story limestone barn. The house was built on a hillside with a two-story exposure on the upper side, and a three-story exposure on the lower level. Read about the history of the ranch and its original owner while admiring the architecture, and explore the barn and antique equipment. Don’t forget to visit Badger the horse that lives on the grounds, and explore the old outhouse!
You can head ¼ mile down the road to tour the one-room schoolhouse, Lower Fox Creek School, during the summer months.
Next, head back outside and pick one of the many hiking trails to explore. There are several nature trails that allow hikers to experience the tallgrass prairie firsthand while enjoying a shorter hike, such as the Fox Creek trail. Or challenge yourself to the 6.5 mile round trip Scenic Overlook trail to get close up to the herd of bison, as well as spot other wildlife living on the preserve. Backcountry hiking trails explore deeper into the preserve.
If you visit the preserve in late March through October, you will get to see the beautiful prairie wildflowers in bloom. Some of the native flowers include larkspur, indigo, milkweed, coneflowers and sunflowers. Bison calves are usually born in late spring.
Don’t miss this fantastic national preserve next time you are traveling through the Sunflower State!
Related post: 5 free things to do in Wichita with kids