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Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Designation: National Preserve

Location: Kansas

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America, but within a generation most of it had been transformed into farms, cities, and towns. Today less than 4% remains intact, mostly in the Kansas Flint Hills. Established on November 12, 1996, the preserve protects a nationally significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Here the tallgrass makes its last stand.

🌤 Weather Information

Typical weather for the preserve ranges from lows of 0 degrees in the winter and highs of 90 + degrees in the summer. Prevailing prairie winds attribute to winter blizzards and occasional summer storms. Thunderstorms that form on the Great Plains have a rare chance of producing tornadoes. Lightning poses a danger when hiking into the prairie. Please check current weather conditions at NOAA before hiking into the preserve.

🚗 Directions

The preserve is located in northern Chase County, Kansas 2 miles north of intersection U.S. Hwy 50 and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway 177 (K-177) west of Strong City. Watch for brown attraction signs. **2 miles north of Strong City, KS on K-177** **16 miles west of Emporia, KS on U.S. Hwy 50 and 2 miles north on K-177** **17 miles south of Council Grove, KS on K-177** **85 miles northeast of Wichita on I-35, U.S. Hwy 50, and K-177** **60 miles southwest of Topeka on I-335 (Kansas Turnpike) to Emporia**

Images

fall wildflowers at the preserve

Fall is the season for another assortment of color on the prairie

Credit: NPS

limestone mansion of the ranch

Historic 1881 Spring Hill Ranch house

Credit: NPS

three level limestone barn

Historic 1882 Spring Hill Ranch barn

Credit: NPS

tallgrass hiking trails

Hike among the tall tallgrass species in the fall

Credit: NPS

butterfly milkweed wildflowers

View a collage of summer flowers among a carpet of green in the spring and early summer

Credit: NPS

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Sunday, Feb 15

Overcast

Overcast

High: 55.9°F | Low: 44.4°F

Humidity: 92%

Wind: 15.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.8

Sunrise: 07:17 AM

Sunset: 06:05 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (7%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 47.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Feb 16

Sunny

Sunny

High: 65.7°F | Low: 41.9°F

Humidity: 80%

Wind: 20.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.8

Sunrise: 07:15 AM

Sunset: 06:06 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (2%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 48.2°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Feb 17

Overcast

Overcast

High: 61.5°F | Low: 51.8°F

Humidity: 84%

Wind: 26.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.7

Sunrise: 07:14 AM

Sunset: 06:07 PM

Moon: New Moon (0%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 52.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (4)

⚠️ Flood Warning (Severe)
▼

Flood Warning issued February 15 at 5:44AM CST until February 16 at 4:48AM CST by NWS Topeka KS

Effective: Feb 15, 2026 6:44am
Expires: Feb 15, 2026 9:45pm

...The National Weather Service in Topeka KS has issued a Flood
Warning for the following rivers in Kansas...

Cottonwood River near Emporia affecting Lyon County.

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Cottonwood River near Emporia.

* WHEN...From early this morning to late tonight.

* IMPACTS...At 20.0 feet, South bank of the Cottonwood River 1 mile
south of Emporia floods.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 5:30 AM CST Sunday the stage was 20.1 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 20.4
feet this morning. It will then fall below flood stage late
this morning.
- Flood stage is 20.0 feet.

⚠️ Flood Warning (Severe)
▼

Flood Warning issued February 15 at 1:05AM CST until February 16 at 4:26PM CST by NWS Topeka KS

Effective: Feb 15, 2026 2:05am
Expires: Feb 15, 2026 5:15pm

...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in
Kansas...

Neosho River Near Neosho Rapids affecting Lyon County.

* WHAT...Moderate flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Neosho River near Neosho Rapids.

* WHEN...Until tomorrow afternoon.

* IMPACTS...At 22.0 feet, Low lying areas along the river flood.
At 23.0 feet, Water overtops Road 145 on the west side of the
bridge over the Neosho River.
At 26.0 feet, Water covers large areas over both banks.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 12:30 AM CST Sunday the stage was 20.7 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage
this morning to a crest of 25.7 feet this evening. It will
then fall below flood stage late this evening.
- Flood stage is 22.0 feet.

⚠️ Flood Warning (Severe)
▼

Flood Warning issued February 15 at 7:39AM CST until February 16 at 12:40PM CST by NWS Topeka KS

Effective: Feb 15, 2026 8:39am
Expires: Feb 16, 2026 12:30am

...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in
Kansas...

Cottonwood River near Emporia affecting Lyon County.

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Kansas...

Pottawatomie Creek near Garnett affecting Anderson County.

Neosho River Near Neosho Rapids affecting Lyon County.

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Cottonwood River near Emporia.

* WHEN...Until early tomorrow afternoon.

* IMPACTS...At 20.0 feet, South bank of the Cottonwood River 1 mile
south of Emporia floods.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 7:30 AM CST Sunday the stage was 20.5 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 20.6
feet this afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage this
evening.
- Flood stage is 20.0 feet.

⚠️ Flood Warning (Severe)
▼

Flood Warning issued February 15 at 7:39AM CST until February 16 at 2:24PM CST by NWS Topeka KS

Effective: Feb 15, 2026 8:39am
Expires: Feb 16, 2026 12:30am

...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in
Kansas...

Cottonwood River near Emporia affecting Lyon County.

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Kansas...

Pottawatomie Creek near Garnett affecting Anderson County.

Neosho River Near Neosho Rapids affecting Lyon County.

* WHAT...Moderate flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Neosho River near Neosho Rapids.

* WHEN...Until early tomorrow afternoon.

* IMPACTS...At 22.0 feet, Low lying areas along the river flood.
At 23.0 feet, Water overtops Road 145 on the west side of the
bridge over the Neosho River.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 6:30 AM CST Sunday the stage was 21.9 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 23.1
feet this afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage this
evening.
- Flood stage is 22.0 feet.

Park Alerts

Springhill Barn: repairs and maintenance Park Closure
The historic Spring Hill Barn is closed until further notice for repairs and maintenance.
Bison Are in Calving Season Caution
A reminder that bison are going about their normal life cycle, with moms being protective. A raised tail is a warning sign and the animal may charge or give chase. Please give a wide distance, at least 100 yards. You can also hike around Windmill Pasture.
All Trails Are Open Information
The preserve has recently used prescribed fire for prairie management. All trails are open. Visitors have the opportunity to see the geology that kept the Flint Hills from being tilled.
Bottomland Nature Trail is OPEN Information
The Bottomland Nature Trail is now open. The surfaces are concrete and fully accessible. Park staff are working on revegetating along the paths with native grass seed. Come out and enjoy your trails.
Bison are in the Breeding Season Caution
A reminder that bison are going about their normal life cycle and may be more aggressive. A raised tail is a warning sign and the animal may charge or give chase. Please give a wide distance, at least 100 yards. You can also hike around Windmill Pasture.
Bottomland and Fox Creek Trails are Closed February 8th and 9th Park Closure
The Bottomland and Fox Creek Trails will be closed for prescribed fire Sunday and Monday. Please do not cross posted signs or barriers. Pit toilets will remain open unless conditions change and warrant their closure. Follow signs and be safe.
Bottomland and Fox Creek Trails are Closed Aug 7, 2025 Park Closure
The Bottomland and Fox Creek Trails will be closed Thursday 8/7/25 for prescribed fire. Please do not cross posted signs or barriers. Be safe.
Dangerous Highway Crossing Caution
Highway 177 is 60 mph with a blind spot directly across from the house. Safely use the highway underpass to the Fox Creek Trail just south of the visitor center parking lot. Be smart, stay alive.
Water Fountain/Bottle Filling Station is Working Again Information
The water fountains and bottle filling station at the restroom area across from the barn are working again. Please make sure you have enough water when hiking on the prairie. Be safe and plan ahead.
Handicap Parking Available at Visitor Center
For the next several months, the handicap parking area by the barn is closed until the barn construction project is complete. Handicap parking is available at the Visitor Center.
Park Buildings Closed January 1st for the Holiday Park Closure
So that staff may spend time with their families, the preserve VC and historic buildings will be closed January 1, 2026. Staff will return to work on January 2, 2026. All trails remain open. Be safe and Happy Holidays.
Preserve Closed January 19th for the Holiday Park Closure
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, the preserve buildings and visitor center are closed. Trails remain open. Please use caution if hiking. Bring your own water, as there is no potable water available due to maintenance. Restroom (pit toilets) available at the Bottomland Nature Trail, two miles south of the visitor center. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Dangerous Highway Crossing Caution
Highway 177 is 60 mph with a blind spot directly across from the house. Safely use the highway underpass to the Fox Creek Trail just south of the visitor center parking lot. Be smart, stay alive.
No Water at the Preserve Caution
There is no water at the preserve due to system maintenance. Please bring your own water and plan accordingly. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Use Caution, Some Surfaces May Be Slick Caution
Please use caution when visiting the preserve during winter months, as some surfaces may be slippery due to ice and frost. Use handrails where available or avoid areas that look slick. Ramps, steps, and all paved areas around the historic buildings, Visitor Center, and Bottomland Trail may be slick. Use caution, obey all posted signs, and do not go beyond barriers. Be safe and have an enjoyable visit.
West Traps Pasture by Schoolhouse is Closed Starting November 14th Park Closure
The West Traps Pasture (area by schoolhouse) will be closed to hiking in preparation for upcoming bison roundup. Area will be closed for approximately 3 weeks. For your safety, please do not cross beyond closure signs. The preserve has many other trails for you to explore.
Preserve is Closed Monday January 26th Park Closure
The visitor center and historic buildings are closed due to winter weather conditions. All park operations are suspended on Monday, January 26.
Bison Showing Extra Curiosity Recently Caution
Bison graze in both Windmill and West Traps pastures. Some bison have exhibited a little more aggression lately. Bison will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Keep 100 yards distance. A raised tail is a warning sign:bison may charge or give chase.

More Info

Some Western Trails Closed Aug 5th for Resource Management Park Closure
Big Pasture and West Traps Pastures will be closed briefly on Tuesday morning so that cattle can be moved. All hiking trails east of Highway 177, Southwind Nature Trail, and portions of the Scenic Overlook trail will be open. Please follow posted signs.
Bison are in the Breeding Season Caution
A reminder that bison are going about their normal life cycle and may be more aggressive. A raised tail is a warning sign and the animal may charge or give chase. Please give a wide distance, at least 100 yards. You can also hike around Windmill Pasture.

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
2480B KS Hwy 177
Strong City, KS 66869

🏤 Mailing Address:
2480B KS Hwy 177
Strong City, KS 66869

📞 Voice Phone: 6202738494

📞 Fax Phone: 6202738660

✉️ Email: tapr_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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