konza prairie research natural area

Wonderful vista, terrain, natural colors, historic homestead. 3 hikes available, 2 mile, 4 mile and 6 mile.

Three different length hiking trails, very well maintained. The vistas are fantastic and give you the sense that the land has never been plowed. This land never has! Take a camera and don't be at all surprised if you see deer and wild turkeys.

Beautiful hiking trails in good preserved authentic prairie.The hiking trails have three different loops (2.5 miles, 4.4 miles or 6.0 miles) and are not too difficult to walk. There is a $2 contribution to maintain the trails. Have been there on a Sunday afternoon, several other people were visiting and hiking and it still was a beautiful experience in a beautiful and peaceful place.

Great view, quiet place with a great view of what the place would have looked like back in the day before the plow and the farmers.

Although it isn't really located near anything else, it is off of I 70 & a well done nature trail. It does not cost anything but asks for a small donation for the trail's upkeep.

We spent about 2.5 hours hiking the trail at the Konza Prairie. The trail is well marked and there are very clear signs along the way. It is a fairly strenuous trail because you climb up a steep hill. It's worth it because the views from the top are fantastic. It really gives you a sense of what the prairie must have looked like centuries ago. It can get very windy at the top of the hill. We went midday, so we didn't see much wildlife. I would guess that early morning and dusk are good times to see more animals. We did see some birds, lots of grasshoppers and pollinators on the wildflowers, and some beautiful butterflies. Be advised that dogs aren't allowed on the trails. There's only one bathroom near the end of the trail (although there's a shortcut to it right near the beginning). It's a composting toilet. I didn't use it, so can't comment.

great place to visit hiked with my son and cub scouts had great experience. great place to take photo if your into outside landscape thing or just great place to get out and get fresh air enjoy the breeze.

My sister and I recently decided to visit the Konza Prairie after attending a family graduation event. It was a hugely pleasant surprise to find wide, well-maintained hiking trails. We loved the Homestead Trail, and ended up walking the entire hiking circuit. It's challenging with its inclines and it's a long hike but we both absolutely loved it! Take water; there is none available on the trail. Take lip balm; the heat and wind of Kansas can be merciless. Wear boots if you plan to leave the trails; otherwise sneakers will suffice. Next time I'll pack a granola bar or a lightweight snack simply because you can spend a lot of time getting lost in the vistas. We went in mid-May just before the wildflowers fully bloomed, though we saw at least a dozen varieties in various stages of trying to open! I hope I can get back in the next couple of weeks to view the flowers.

This was a special treat my traveling companion surprised me with while we were in Kansas. And how lucky were we to see Kansas as it was before white settlers ruined it for farming and settling. Walking along the unpaved tracks we could really feel a sense of yesteryear, with natural and tranquil vistas all around us. The only sound was of buzzing insects, tweeting birds and the wind. We did not see any other humans during our time there..which was about 2+ hours.There were different levels of walking ..some slightly steep hills., some rocky paths, some flatter trails. Easygoing for an average fit person with good walking gear. Take water with you too!!! Besides the glorious tall grasses, we saw small wooded glades and rolling prairie hills, small rocky outcrops, little creeks. There was even a herd of bison way off in the distance. Where you park your car before commencing your adventure, take a free map that will help you identify various places, markers and things of interest. You can also contribute a donation here.Don't miss this. It is so special and really good for the soul.There is a fairly primitive toilet if needed on the trail..blends into the environment. I used it, it was not too bad and organic!!!!

I visited the Konza Preserve with a friend hoping to see a vestige of the tall grass prarie that once covered the mid-west, what I got was a trip back in time to pre-European Kansas. We took the Nature trail and did not see another living soul. At times, when looking out from the higher points, it was as if the modern world had vanished and the only thing disturbing the prarie grasses was the wind. There is a box with an informative map at the car park, take one with you as it helps interpret different markers along the way and pointed out things I would never have known or noticed. You'll need walking shoes on and should carry some water. The Konza Preserve is a beautiful place and I am beyond glad that I took the time to visit. If you have the chance make sure you do the same.

Don't miss this opportunity to see virgin tallgrass prairie. It's hard to believe that this land has never seen a plow or farm. We went in October, when the air was cool, and fall colors were showing. The best part of our visit was the fact that we did not meet anyone on the trails. We walked all 3 trails, the Nature Trail, Kings Creek, and Godwin Hill loops. Such a beautiful, peaceful place. Highly recomended.

I've lived in the area all my live, went to school at K-State even, and never heard of this wonderful hiking area! I took the Kings loop and then the Homestead Trail when I got the homestead. This is a wonderful area and I will definitely be back. Allow plenty of time because it's awe-inspiring to sit at the top of those hills and just look around while catching your breath. Trails are a mix of tractor tracks, dirt, screenings, and rock so wear shoes that will get you over them all. On the nature trail there are two really inclined climbs - like a level 7 and it's a great workout! The south portion is in the valley and better for a run on your return. By the homestead there are composting toilets which are a blessing by that time. :)Very well maintained. There's a pipe to put in the $2 fee and please do so!

Regardless of the 2 hour drive, I have come here many times. I always leave feeling renewed and content. The beautiful views, abundant wildlife, and quiet will bring me back as long as I live within a day's drive.

Visited with my wife and teenage son while in the area for a college visit at K-State. The hike brochure explains about the flint hills prairie very well. quite and not crowed at all during our mid-morning visit on a weekday.

This trail out on the prairie gives you a great feel for the Flint Hills. You will experience wooded areas and open prairie with an expansive view from the top of some of the hills. Be aware that climbing the hills and coming back down on the pea gravel trails can be a challenge for those in poor health or who are not sure footed. If walking the trails in the summer, it is a good idea to arrive early in the morning before the temperature on the prairie gets up into the 90's. A knowledgeable, friendly volunteer was on the trail to answer questions.