Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

At the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, visitors can hike through some of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in the world. Only 4% of the nation's original 170 million acres of tallgrass prairie remains, and this 11,000 acres is being preserved at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. The site hosts a visitor center, an old stone barn, a beautiful stone house, as well as over 40 miles of trails to be explored. Visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve website hosted through the National Park Service to find schedules for bus tours, exhibit information, cellphone tours, and tips and tricks as to where pets are allowed.

The preserve is home to a herd of native bison that graze the gently rolling hills, and you can even hike through their territory! Trails range from gravel roads and gravel trails to mowed paths through the tallgrass stands. Gently rolling hills give way to beautiful vistas that come to life during spring and summer. An age-old tradition of prairie burning  allows for new growth to emerge every year, turning the hills into lush green habitat for the bison and wildflowers. The Windmill Pasture and Scenic Overlook Trail navigates through the bison herd, and guests are encouraged to proceed with caution as the animals are unpredictable when approached. Other trails such as the Davis Trail, Fox Creek Trail, Southwind Nature Trail, Bottomland, and the Prairie Fire Loop can be traversed without crossing paths with the buffalo should you wish to bypass the wild animals.

Due to the preserve being home to the bison, pets are not allowed on any of the enclosed trails. These trails are accessible 24 hours a day, but camping and biking is not allowed. If one really wishes to maximize their visit to the Tallgrass Prairie and the Flint Hills, the Kansas City Symphony plays the Symphony in the Flint Hills, which is an event like no other. For one weekend in June, the prairie plays host to nearly 7,000 patrons that attend the Symphony in the Flint Hills, where guests may hike in and listen to a once in a lifetime concert in a majestic setting for a feeling that can't be found anywhere else.