Kansas – Kansas – Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve
September 1st, 2010
We have mentioned National Parks which preserve historical sites as well as monuments, however this one is different. Yes, it protects something historical, however it is not a structure or a battle-site, this National Park in Kansas conserves an ecosystem. The entire north American territory was formerly covered with the tall grass prairies, but of course as time passed it decreased and at this point only 4% of that land is covered with prairies .
The national park offers exceptional hiking opportunities; the Southwind Nature trail plus the Fox Creek hiking trail are generally the 2 widely popular trails among visitors. While the earlier provides a relaxing stroll across the streams and rolling hills of the prairie grasslands, the Fox creek is a 6.1 mile long trail where visitors are able to see up to 6 feet tall grass in the fall. You may as well take pleasure in catch and release fishing at the Fox creek. However, you must possess a justifiable Kansas fishing license and anglers will have to take a free ‘Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve permit’. You can easily surf the web and check a different vacation blog to know more about this.
Back country hiking is also a widely popular activity in the park. The trails are open 24 hours and you will not require authorization for hiking. Tenting in the back country isn’t permitted. The back country paths dotted with wild flowers offer beautiful sceneries of grasslands and lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. One factor which you must keep in mind while hiking is just to keep a careful distance from wild animals, particularly bison, as they are known to assault when threatened. You can easily collect a trail map from the ranger information center. It is situated at the barn at the famous ranch headquarters during summer time and on the back porch of the house during winters.
The park also organizes guided ranger led tours. The trip through the historic 1881 limestone ranch is exceptionally popular among visitors. You might also take a guided bus tour around the back country to look at the pleasing prairies. There are several lodging options on hand for you to pick from.
Thus, in case you fancy a Kansas vacation, this national park will prove to be an excellent selection.
