Tallgrass National Preserve near Strong City, Kansas, is a great place to visit with your family because of the various things to do there. Start your visit at the visitors center, where your children will love the hands-on exhibits designed to teach them about one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the United States. Then, consider going on a Z Bar Ranch smartphone tour to see its historic limestone barn, prairie mansion, and icehouse. You will want to bring your camera to capture images of the wildflowers, bison and other wildlife. The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway runs through this park, offering many stunningly beautiful sights, and this park is a fascinating place to go hiking. There are other nearby sites to explore, and you will not want to miss the great local businesses and restaurants.
Traveling in an RV is a fantastic way to explore Kansas’ Flint Hill region and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. That way, you can drive along the scenic byway in style and stop to visit lots of attractions. If you do not have an RV, rent one on RVshare.com where there are a number of great choices available.
Start your visit by viewing the hands-on exhibits at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Three ponds and the Fox Creek are excellent places to go fishing. There are fantastic places to go hiking, including the Scenic Overlook Trail, where you can see the preserve’s bison herd. Don't forget to visit the historic Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch.
Hiking TrailsThis trail starts on the preserve’s north end. Then, it runs through the Windmill Pasture, where you can see bison grazing. This trail then crosses the prairie with great views of the entire preserve before ending on this location’s south side.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve 2480B KS-177, Strong City, Kansas 66869
12 miles
Difficult
This trail starts about 0.5 miles from the visitors center at the entrance to Windmill Pasture. Hike through the pasture to get to Davis Trail. Then, follow it along the creek, past the bison handling chutes and through the valley to return to the starting point. Be prepared to get off the trail a time or two as you need to stay 100 feet away from the bison.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, 2408 KS-177, Strong City, Kansas 66960
7 miles
Difficult
Break on the Bottomland Trail loops through a lush meadow near a shallow river. Interpretative signage along the way helps you learn more about the prairie. This trail can be a fantastic place to go birdwatching and see wildlife, especially in the early morning hours and at sunset.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, 2408 KS-177, Strong City, Kansas 66960
0.5 miles
Easy
SightseeingLearn more about the Flint Hills and prairie at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Hands-on permanent and temporary exhibits make this a great place for kids to explore. Catch a show in their immersive experience theater.
315 South 3rd Street Manhattan, Kansas 66502
Follow the hiking trails at the Konza Prairie Biological Station. See bison grazing in the pastures. Visit with researchers to learn more about these magnificent animals.
100 Konza Prairie Lane, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
MuseumsLearn about the oil industry in the early 20th century at the Kansas Oil Museum in Butler County, Kansas. Stroll through the historic company town and see oil equipment from 100 years ago outside this museum. Head inside to learn more about the history of the area and the Flint Hills.
333 East Central Avenue, El Dorado, Kansas 67012
Isaac and Ellen Goodnow are honored at this museum, which tells how the family founded Manhattan and Kansas State University. A historic native stone home houses this museum. The home contains period furniture pieces and Goodnow’s large rock and mineral collection.
2301 Claflin Road, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsHead to Elmdale Trading Post to see what you can find in the antique and vintage booths stocked by residents. They specialize in buying and selling guns and ammunition. You can also get some basic groceries at this store.
US Hwy 50 & Main Street, Elmdale, Kansas 66850
Get a new pair of cowboy boots and a great fitting pair of jeans at Jim Roberts & Son. You can complete the look with a new cowboy hat from this store. The knowledgeable staff can tell you what works well in different scenarios because they are fourth-generation cowboys and cowgirls.
322 Broadway Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845
Enjoy a wide selection of foods from Ad Astra Food & Drink, like gourmet burgers and steaks. They offer several vegan and vegetarian options. You will love the décor at this rustic restaurant, where local artwork adorns the brick walls.
318 Cottonwood Street, Strong City, Kansas 66869
Get outstanding barbecue with all the fixings at Keller Feed and Wine Company. They also offer delicious daily entrees, which the chef often bases on unique cultural foods worldwide. This restaurant also offers an extensive wine collection.
317 Broadway Street, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is about one hour south of Manhattan, Kansas. Get on Kansas 177 South and take it to the preserve, located just outside of Strong City, Kansas. Be careful in Strong City as the road makes several turns close together.
2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869
Fee: Entry fee $0
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve showcases what this area used to look like when the first settlers arrived from the east. There are gorgeous hikes that you can take throughout the year to see the bison herd. The preserve also offers free guided tours at a variety of times, so check on the availability. You can camp at many locations in the surrounding area, so be sure to bring your RV. If you do not have one, renting one on RVshare.com is quick and convenient. Visiting this site in an RV gives you the flexibility to do what you want to do at the preserve and in the nearby communities.
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