Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas.

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Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Top choice in Kansas


This 11,000-acre national preserve, 2 miles northwest of Strong City, is a perfect place to hike the prairie, with its 40 miles of scenic trails. Bison were reintroduced here in 2009 and now number about 100, sharing the space with prairie chickens (whose mating rituals are legendary!). Rangers give tours of a preserved ranch and offer bus tours from the visitor center, explaining just how rare this ecosystem is (less than 4% of North America's original tallgrass prairie remains).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kansas attractions

1. Chase County Historical Society

4.05 MILES

In a historic corner brick commercial building, this small museum has engaging displays about the county's history including the nearby 1931 plane crash…

2. County Courthouse

4.16 MILES

Don't miss the showstopping County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls. Completed in 1873, it is a fantasy of French Renaissance style.