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Tallgrass Prairie Preserve | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The largest protected tallgrass prairie in North America, originally spanning 142 million acres. The tallgrass prairie was a complex landscape harboring a rich diversity of plants and animals. Today less than 10% of the original tallgrass prairie remains in the Flint Hills of Oklahoma and Kansas. This 39,000 acre expanse was purchased from private ownership in 1989 and can now be enjoyed as a scenic drive. This scenic route on public county roads takes visitors through the heart of the Tallgrass Prairie Reserve and through adjacent private ranches. Starting and ending in Pawhuska, the complete drive is approximately 50 miles, and takes about two hours at a leisurely pace with time for stopping. A diversity of grassland and forest is home to over 300 species of birds. Other wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, beavers, woodchucks, badgers, coyotes, and more. Bison have been introduced to the preserve and are one of the largest herds, with 2,500 in number. Drive the 15 miles of road through the bison unit and visit the preserve headquarters and gift shop. There are four scenic turnouts, picnic locations, a self-guided nature trail, a newly added two mile hiking trail, and a historic 1920 ranch bunkhouse. The preserve is open daily dawn to dusk for driving tours. General Info: Credit Cards Accepted, Free Admission, Gift Shop Tour Group Services: Tour Bus Parking Days/Hours Open: Preserve is open daily dawn to dusk; gift shop and visitor center open spring through fall, 10am-4pm (volunteer staffed). Directions: From Hwy 60 junction in downtown Pawhuska, drive N on Kihekah Ave approx 17 miles. This road becomes the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Dr. Highway Corridor: US-270 Group Contact: Harvey Payne |
