Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma is the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on Earth, spanning 39,000 acres. The tallgrass prairie is a complex environment harboring a rich diversity of plants and animals. The current 39,000-acre expanse was purchased from private ownership in 1989 and is now managed by the Nature Conservancy to be enjoyed as a scenic drive.

This scenic route on public county roads takes visitors through the heart of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and through adjacent private ranches. Starting and ending in Pawhuska, the complete drive is approximately 50 miles, and takes about two hours at a leisurely pace with time for stopping.

The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma is the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on Earth, spanning 39,000 acres. The tallgrass prairie is a complex environment harboring a rich diversity of plants and animals. The current 39,000-acre expanse was purchased from private ownership in 1989 and is now managed by the Nature Conservancy to be enjoyed as a scenic drive.

This scenic route on public county roads takes visitors through the heart of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and through adjacent private ranches. Starting and ending in Pawhuska, the complete drive is approximately 50 miles, and takes about two hours at a leisurely pace with time for stopping.

The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a haven for watchable wildlife.  The diversity of grassland and forest is home to over 300 species of birds. Other wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, beavers, woodchucks, badgers, coyotes, and more. But the stars of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve are the free ranging bison who were reintroduced to the area once it became a preserve.  The 2,700 American bison are now part of one of the largest herds in the country.  The iconic buffalo can often be photographed and observed from the road.

Drive the 15 miles of road through the bison unit and visit the preserve headquarters and gift shop. There are four scenic turnouts, picnic locations, a self-guided nature trail, a newly added two mile hiking trail, and a historic 1920 ranch bunkhouse. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.