The preserve is open year-round from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

• May - October - Visitor information desk is located in the historic limestone barn.  The limestone barn is not climate controlled.
  
• November - April - Visitor information desk is located on the back porch of the limestone ranch house.  Exhibits, brochures, and a 10-minute audio visual program are available at each location year-round.

Visiting After Hours - The parking lot gates and buildings close at 4:30 p.m.  Please remove your vehicle outside the parking lot gates to the circle drive if you are visiting beyond 4:30 p.m. 

The Southwind Nature Trail and ranch headquarters area are open until sunset and accessible via the parking lot area through walk-through gates and self-guiding walking tour brochure located in the kiosk at the base of the driveway.

Pets on Leash - Pets must be on a visible leash no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and are welcome in the ranch headquarters, Southwind Nature Trail, Bottomland Trail, and Lower Fox Creek School areas. Invisible or remote training devices do not allow other visitors to see that your pet is restrained. 

Pets must be attended at all times. They may not be tied off to any structure at the preserve or to vehicles in parking area. Biting animals pose safety threats to other visitors.  Even the best trained animal will bite if their safety is endangered.

Be kind to your pet. Do not leave pets inside vehicles, as temperatures heat rapidly in summer months.

Pets are not allowed in any of the buildings, in the backcountry area, or on the buses. 

Why? 

• Historic Preservation - The furniture, architecture, and even the floors of the historic buildings are protected. 
  
• Respect for other visitors - Not everyone enjoys sharing small spaces with animals.
  
• Wildlife - All park wildlife is protected and even well-behaved dogs are curious.  Let the prairie's native wildlife live free from harassment by our pets.
  
• Prairie damage - Dogs can dig up grasses and vegetation.
  
• Your pet's safety - Wild animals strike back when their safety is threatened.

Please respect other visitors by picking up after your pet.  Pet waste disposal bags are located on the Welcome Information Kiosk located at the base of the driveway and at the southeast kiosk on the Southwind Nature Trail. Dispose of pet waste bags in any trash can at the preserve, but not in the portable restrooms. Thank you.


Phone
620-273-8494