Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve — Attraction in Strong City

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a beautiful place for a hike and to see Buffalo on the Kansas Plains. The trails are clearly marked and maps are available of the many trails and paths. There is also the original barn, house, and one room school house that you can explore, complete with descriptive history of the farm and preserve. At the barn, there is old farm equipment (old John Deere and other farm stuff I had no idea about), a short video on the history of the property, and you can try your hand at some ropin - fun for kids and adults. Great photo ops. Park Rangers at the visitor center are informative and there are clean restrooms, a small museum with information on the Kansas Plain, wildlife, and native plants and a gift shop with mementos and snacks. Highly recommend. Dogs are not permitted on the trails. They may be on grounds with house, barn, and school house; however cannot go in the buildings. There are a few benches and huge walnut trees that overlook the property where you could have a rest and/or light lunch. You can bring your own food. Whatever you bring, you must remove when you leave to keep property clean as you would at any other National Park. Please be respectful for others enjoyment. Have fun! Afterwards, we went to Braun’s for ice cream - perfect day with perfect weather today,...

I had a lovely time visiting the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas. My visit began at the visitor center, where the friendly and knowledgeable staff provided helpful information to get me started. Their guidance made it easy to plan my short visit and make the most of my time.

I first explored the historic ranch buildings, which offered an interesting glimpse into the area’s past. The displays and preserved structures helped bring the history of the prairie and the people who lived there to life.

From there, I set out on one of the main trails that winds through the prairie. The landscape was beautiful—wide open, peaceful, and full of native grasses swaying in the breeze. After walking for a bit, I reached the area where the bison roam. I was lucky enough to see two small groups grazing calmly in the distance. Being out there, surrounded by prairie and watching these iconic animals, was a truly serene and memorable experience.

The preserve is a wonderful and well-maintained place, and it’s absolutely worth seeking out. I only had a few hours to spend, but I wish I had more time to explore. I’ll definitely plan a...

Went first Sunday in February, the same day of a certain big football game, and it was 70 degrees and sunny (but windy) in nearby Strong City, Kansas. Pretty good weather for middle of winter. Hiked about 9 or 10 miles in 3 hours, stopping occasionally to take photos. Hues of yellow and brown at that time of year. Not complaining, because it can just as easily be snow covered. This would be best done in April after things green up. When green the Flint Hills can rival pictures I've seen of Ireland, which is known as the Emerald Island. Then late afternoon shadows make for beautiful patterns. First went there 15 or 20 years ago when they wouldn't let you on the land before it was established. Now there is a visitors center which helped immensely with maps and trail descriptions and warnings to stay out of buffalo pastures. There are slabs of rocks at trail junctions with numbers on them to mark the way and trails are two-track old ranch roads. Go earlier in the day in spring before thunderstorms develop, watch forecast for tornadoes and people said don't go in July, when it can be up around 100...