Tours in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Tours in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a beautiful expanse of unbroken tallgrass prairie in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The preserve covers more than 11,000 acres and is home to an array of native wildlife, including bison, elk, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the preserve, including hiking, wildlife watching, and taking guided tours. In this article, we will focus on the different types of tours available in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

Bus Tours

One of the best ways to explore the preserve is by taking a guided bus tour. The tours depart from the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan and take visitors through the heart of the preserve. During the tour, you will learn about the prairie ecosystem, the history of the area, and the flora and fauna that call the preserve home. The tours are available from May through October and last about 2.5 hours.

Hiking Tours

If you prefer a more active way to explore the preserve, you can take a guided hiking tour. The tours are led by experienced rangers who will take you on a trek through the prairie grasses. You will learn about the unique plants and animals that live in the preserve and see stunning vistas of the Flint Hills. The hiking tours are available from May through October and range from easy to moderate difficulty.

Sunset Tours

For a unique experience, you can take a sunset tour of the preserve. The tours depart from the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Visitor Center in Strong City and take visitors through the preserve as the sun sets over the prairie. You will see the landscape come alive with color as the sun sets and learn about the history and ecology of the area. The tours are available on select days from May through September.

Bison Tours

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is home to a herd of bison, and visitors can take a guided tour to see these majestic animals up close. The tours depart from the preserve’s Visitor Center and take visitors through the prairie to see the bison grazing in their natural habitat. You will learn about the bison’s history in the area, their importance to the prairie ecosystem, and the efforts to preserve the herd. The tours are available from May through October.

Photography Tours

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a photographer’s paradise, with sweeping vistas, colorful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. The preserve offers guided photography tours led by experienced photographers who will help you capture the beauty of the prairie. You will learn about lighting, composition, and other techniques to improve your photography skills. The tours are available on select days from May through October.

In conclusion, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the world. With a variety of tours available, visitors can choose the experience that best suits their interests and abilities. Whether you want to learn about the history and ecology of the area, see bison up close, or capture stunning photographs of the prairie, there is something for everyone at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.