Contact Info
Strong City, KS 66869
- Phone:
- 620-273-8494
Basics
- Type:
- National Park
- Price:
- Free
Description
Tallgrass prairie once covered 400,000 square miles of North America. Less than 4% remains, mostly in the Flint Hills of Kansas. On November 12, 1996, legislation created the 10,894 acre preserve, which protects a nationally significant example of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem, while containing a unique collection of natural and cultural features from the American Indian to present.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
The preserve hiking trails are open 24 hours a day, year-round. A trail map is available outside the visitor center door.
Summer Season - May through October
Buildings Open Daily
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Winter Season - November through April
Buildings Open Daily
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse - Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May through December.
The preserve buildings will be closed for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, President's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
Visiting After Hours
The ranch driveway gate and buildings close at 4:30 p.m. If parking in the handicap parking area on the hill near the barn, please move your vehicle to the lower parking area if you will be visiting beyond 4:30 p.m.
The ranch headquarters area and building exteriors are accessible through walk-through gates and self-guiding walking tour brochure located in the kiosk at the base of the driveway.
Hiking trails are open 24 hours; no camping or open flame.
Season:
Price:
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
The preserve is located in northern Chase County, Kansas 2 miles north of intersection U.S. Hwy 50 and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway 177 (K-177) west of Strong City. Watch for brown attraction signs.
From Kansas City
Travel southwest on I-335 to Emporia, KS. At Emporia travel 16 miles west on U.S. 50 and north for 2 miles on K-177.
From Wichita
Travel northeast on I-35 to the Cassody exit. Travel north on K-177 for 25 miles to Strong City. Turn west on U.S. 50 and travel approximately 1 mile. Travel north on K-177 for 2 miles. The preserve is on the west side of the highway.
