Originally covering over 142 million acres in 14 states, the
Tallgrass Prairie was one of North America's major ecosystems.
Today, the ecoregion is confined to Oklahoma and Kansas. Sweeping
vistas of the open prairie landscape along with incredible sunrises
and sunsets are just some of the many natural attractions of
this ecoregion. A driving tour through the Nature Conservancy's
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, near Pawhuska, conveys the same
images of namesake tallgrasses - big bluestem, Indiangrass and
switchgrass - and herds of grazing bison that greeted pioneers
as they crossed these plains in covered wagons over a century
ago. For a scenic retreat, book at cabin at Osage Hills State
Park, a densely wooded park nestled in lush, rolling hills.
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Counties: |
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Kay and Osage Counties
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Area of OK: |
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Northeastern part of Central Oklahoma
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Major Cities: |
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Kaw City, Pawhuska, Burbank, Webb City and Shidler
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Outdoor Activites: |
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Camping, fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing, horseback
riding, cycling, hiking, hunting
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Wildlife: |
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Buffalo, bobcats, Greater Prairie Chicken, badgers, armadillo,
white-tailed deer, beaver, coyote, 243 native vertebrate species
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Of Interest: |
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- Tallgrass Prairie Preserve - once covered 14 states,
but today only 10% of this ecoregion remains. The preserve
spans 39,000 acres, and bison graze the prairie. The preserve
is open dawn until dusk throughout the year.
- Kaw Lake - 168 miles of shoreline with recreational
activities including fishing, sailing, skiing, hiking, horseback
riding and mountain biking.
- Osage Hills State Park on Bluestem Lake –
this densely wooded park is nestled in lush, rolling hills
and was once an Osage Indian settlement. This area has winding
roads, a wealth of scenery and ample recreation opportunities,
which make it the perfect getaway.
- Osage Tribal Museum
- Kanza Museum - Learn about the history of the
Kaw Nation.
- Bivin Garden - Shidler's botanical garden.
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Annual Events:
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- Kaw Fest (Kaw Lake) (June)
- Kaw Nation Pow Wow (Kaw City) (Aug)
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Terrain Description: |
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The Tallgrass Prairie features open hills of limestone
and shale with steep and relatively narrow valleys. The natural
vegetation features the namesake tallgrasses: big bluestem,
indiangrass and switchgrass, each of which can reach up to
eight feet in height in moist, deep soil sites. Wildflowers
bloom throughout the ecoregion. |
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Back To Ecoregions Map
Click photo to view the full picture.
Osage Hills State Park - Lookout Lake
Near Pawhuska, OK
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve - Buffalo Round-up
Near Pawhuska, OK
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Near Pawhuska, OK
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