Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America, but within a generation most of it had been transformed into farms, cities, and towns. Today less than 4% remains intact, mostly in the Kansas Flint Hills. Established on November 12, 1996, the preserve protects a nationally significant remnant of the o
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursHiking trails are open 24/7; no camping, no open flames, no drones. Prescribed fire and cattle/bison operations may close specific trails. Watch for signs. Trail maps available at the Visitor Center and most trailheads.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 6202738494 · tapr_interpretation@nps.gov
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. **2 miles north of Strong City, KS on K-177** **16 miles west of Emporia, KS on U.S. Hwy 50 and
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you fish at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Barbara's Knoll, Bottomland Nature Trail, Connection Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
Hiking trails are open 24/7; no camping, no open flames, no drones. Prescribed fire and cattle/bison operations may close specific trails. Watch for signs. Trail maps available at the Visitor Center and most trailheads.
Nearby sites
Douglas Kulp / CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Council Grove Lake
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
Designed and published by the Kansas Department of Transport / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Marion Reservoir
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
