Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

I, Too, Am America Contest

Watch Sunflower Journeys Presents: The National Parks of Kansas on KTWU Channel 11, Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 pm and Monday, September 28th at 9:30 pm.
more...

Last Stand of the Tallgrass Prairie

Where's the tall grass?

Tallgrass prairie once covered 140 million acres of North America. Within a generation the vast majority was developed and plowed under. Today less than 4% remains, mostly here in the Kansas Flint Hills. The preserve protects a nationally significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie and its cultural resources. Here the tallgrass prairie takes its last stand.

Visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Tour Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

The preserve offers a wide variety of activities and experiences. Visit the Plan Your Visit page or click on the link above to download a pdf of our 2009 Schedule of Events.

Welcome to the prairie and enjoy your visit!

Bison at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

"Where the Buffalo Roam"

Thirteen head of bison are once again back on the preserve. The genetically pure bison come from Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota and will be the parent herd for the preserve. This keystone species once roamed the North American prairies in the millions. Today they are making a come back.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the preserve, but should be aware that bison are wild animals and should never be petted. Please see the rangers for more information.

For Your Safety

Preserve Voted One of 8 Kansas Wonders

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve was honored with being selected as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. Then Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced the results on January 29, 2008, Kansas Day, at the State Capitol.

Visit the press release to learn more about the seven other Wonders of Kansas, the contest, and ceremony.

Write to

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
P.O. Box 585
Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(620) 273-8494

Administrative Headquarters
(620) 273-6034

Fax

(620) 273-8950

Climate

The preserve is situated in northern Chase County, Kansas. Climate is considered moderate, with average precipitation over 30", summer high temperatures 80-100 degrees, and winter low temperatures 10-20 degrees. Summer storms with lightning and hail are common. Weather is a factor for certain interpretive activities.