by Seth Jarvis

The land we know as Kansas was once the center of an immense tallgrass prairie that stretched from northern Canada to northern Texas. For thousands of years, it was home to indigenous tribes such as the Osage, Wichita, Kansa and Pawnee. And enormous buffalo herds roamed freely across its rolling hills.

But as the United States and Canada consolidated their control over the Great Plains, the indigenous people were displaced by settlers, and the buffalo were virtually eradicated. Natural tallgrass prairie disappeared, and farmland and trees took over the Great Plains.

EXPLORE PRAIRIE WHILE HIKING: Visitors to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve can experience adventure along its many trails.

Today, one of the only major remaining stretches of that historic tallgrass prairie is in the Flint Hills. With its rocky soil, this land was not very lucrative for growing crops, which prevented the region from undergoing the environmental transformation the rest of the prairie underwent.

During the late 20th century, conservationists called for policymakers to act and restore native tallgrass prairie for future generations. In Kansas, there were a variety of proposals for the development of a national preserve in the Flint Hills region. Ultimately, Kansas Sens. Bob Dole and Nancy Kassebaum, both Republicans, crafted legislation that was passed in 1996, establishing the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Later, in 2010, the preserve reintroduced a herd of bison.

Tallgrass history

Covering over 10,000 acres, there are a variety of historic and natural sites to see. On the grounds of the preserve lies a ranch from the late 19th century, with a limestone ranch house and a three-story limestone barn. Both are examples of early settlement of Kansas, when structures were frequently constructed out of limestone due to scarce supplies of wood in the new state.

HISTORY STILL STANDING: Historic 19th-century limestone buildings tell the story of the prairie.

A museum in the visitors center includes exhibits on the history of the Flint Hills, along with information on the natural life of the region. Millions of years ago, a great ocean existed in what is now the Great Plains. The remnants of this ocean are visible at the preserve, from limestone cliffs to fossilized aquatic life. In the museum, you can learn all about the ancient life and landscape that are wildly different from what exists in modern Kansas.

Path to adventure

There is no shortage of adventure to be had at the preserve. Several trails provide beautiful views of the grassland and the wildlife at the preserve. These trails vary in length, with some providing a wide overlook of the rolling hills while others hug the serene Fox Creek. Certain trails also allow for viewing of bison — as long as you don’t get too close. Large groups of 15 or more may have access to guided tours of the ranch and the surrounding nature. Additionally, these trails are open at night, making it an ideal place for astronomy.

EXPERIENCES MAKE MEMORIES: Visitors can experience ranch life as well as see more than 400 species of wildlife that call the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve home.

In the preserve, there are dozens of different species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, plus more than 400 species of plants for botany enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in catch-and-release fishing at three of the reserve’s ponds along with Fox Creek. When planning your visit, note the various species of tallgrass reach their peak height in the fall.

From its history to its stunning views and opportunities for adventure, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a perfect place to spend an afternoon or day outdoors.

Jarvis is an intern for Kansas Tourism. Kansas Tourism aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on the state and local communities. For more trip inspiration and to order a free Kansas Travel Guide, head to travelks.com.