Goods & Services

Chase County Courthouse 1873 - On a clear day, the preserve's ranch buildings can be seen from the courthouse's highest oval window nearly 5.5 miles away.

NPS Photo

Strong City and Cottonwood Falls Communities

Strong City

Located two miles southeast of the historic ranch headquarters area on K-177 (Flint Hills National Scenic Byway), restaurants, gasoline, postal services, and a city park are available.

Cottonwood Falls

The county seat and located five miles southeast of the historic ranch headquarters area on K-177 (Flint Hills National Scenic Byway), restaurants, lodging, gasoline, postal services, camping, fishing, two parks, library, museums, and area shops are available.

Camping

Camping and overnight parking are not authorized at the preserve at this time. Camping is available at Chase State Fishing Lake, Swope Park in Cottonwood Falls, and in the nearby communities of Emporia and Council Grove. For a complete listing of all available goods and services in Chase County, visit the Chase County Chamber of Commerce website.

 

Visitors enjoying the picnic area near the barn.

NPS Photo

At the Preserve

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are at the ranch headquarters area and at the Bottomland Nature Trail. They are first-come, first-serve.

Water

Drinking fountains are available across from the barn. A water fountain with bottle filler is available inside the Visitor Center.

Food Services

No food services are available at the preserve. Several amenities are available in Strong City and Cottonwood Falls within a 10 minute drive south. Council Grove has additional fast food chains 20 minute drive to the north. Emporia, 30 minutes east, has larger retail stores, mini-malls and markets.