The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska, Oklahoma is the largest protected prairie in the world. It encompasses a massive 39,000 acres. Around 2,500 bison roam free on this beautiful grassland.
The main attraction of the preserve is driving on the dirt roads while admiring the views and keeping an eye out for bison. While there is no guarantee that you will see bison, we have been lucky enough to see them every time our family has visited the preserve.
Ultimate Guide to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska, Oklahoma
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The preserve is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. This non-profit organization does work in the United States and around the world to protect lands and waters.
The east side of the preserve has a visitor center with a gift shop and hiking trails. There are plenty of signs to direct you to the visitor center. Shaded picnic tables nearby make for a great lunch stop.
More Hiking Trails in Northeast Oklahoma
Drive the Bison Loop
The 15-mile-long bison loop is on the west side of the preserve. The road is not well-marked with signs until you get closer to it. We completely missed this part of the preserve the first time we went. (If you go to the visitor center first, make sure you go straight out of the visitor center. If you turn right, it will take you out of the preserve.)
You need to follow the signs to Foraker until you see the signs for Bison Loop. At one point, you go out of the preserve and onto a ranch with cattle. Keep driving; you will return to the preserve. I don’t know if we just got lucky, but we saw close to 500 bison right on the road! It was such a beautiful sight to see so many bison thriving in their natural habitat.
Hiking the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Trails
There are three trails in the tallgrass prairie preserve in Pawhuska. They are all located in the same area.
Bison are kept out of this area, so you are free to explore the trails without any unexpected visitors. There is a small grass/gravel parking lot on the way to the visitor center that you can park at for the trails.
A little gazebo has information about the trails, wildlife, and plants that you might encounter. There is also an Online Trail Guide that gives information about the trails as well as the wildlife and plant life that you may see. Cellular service can be limited. Download the guide to your phone in advance.
Bottomland Trail is the shortest of the three at about half a mile long. It is an easy walk that loops by Sand Creek and through the flat portion of this area. It is well-maintained and easy to follow. There are portions of shade along the way.
There are bugs everywhere since this is a designed pollinator habitat. Make sure you take your bug spray. If you want only to do this trail, you can continue around back to the parking area.
If you want a longer hike, you can go right when you see the sign to get onto Study Trail. Taking this trail will make your total hike about a mile. This trail leads you up in elevation into the woods.
There are a few benches along the way that you can stop at to rest. It was a little muddy, but there are flat rocks in the low spots to use as stepping stones.
Once you get through the woods, you rise into the prairie portion. There is not as much shade in this section. I recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen if you are doing this trail in the summer.
You continue through the prairie area and go back down in elevation to get back to the parking area. It took us about an hour with two three-year-olds.
If you want an even longer hike, you can add the Prairie Earth Trail to this hike. The trail is a two-mile loop off of the Study Trail. There is a bison statue and a sign for the trail.
We did not attempt this trail with the kids, but the website says that it “covers rough terrain with steep hills”.
Things to Know Before Your Visit
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Hours
The preserve is open every day from dawn to dusk. The visitor center is open from March through December 15th from 10 am-4 pm.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Cost
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is completely free.
Where is the Tallgrass Prairie Located?
The Tallgrass Prairie is located north of Pawhuska. The address 15316 Co Rd 4201, Pawhuska, OK 74056 can be used for GPS.
What is Prohibited at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve?
Hunting, fishing, camping, dogs, and off-roading are all prohibited at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Roads
The roads in the preserve are gravel. They are well-maintained and should be drivable with just about any vehicle. However, be aware that your car will be covered with dust by the time you are done.
Cell Service at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
We did not have cell service during our visit. You might want to download or screenshot the trail information and map before you go.
Annual Fall Roundup
Every fall, the bison are rounded up to be checked and receive any necessary care. The pens are located north of the visitor center. This means that you will not see any bison along the roads during this time.
Best Time to Visit the Tallgrass Prairie
The preserve in Pawhuska is a year-round destination. Spring brings wildflowers and bison calves in abundance. The tall grasses last throughout the summer and into fall.
Even though you won’t see bison in October and part of November, fall and winter are prime times to spot other wildlife, like hawks, eagles, coyotes, and more.
What is the Closest Town to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve?
The Tallgrass Prairie is closest to Pawhuska. However, Pawhuska does not have many accommodation options. Stay in Bartlesville, only 35 miles away, for a larger selection of hotels.
What Else Is There to Do Near the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve?
If you are looking for other attractions in the area, Pawhuska is the closest town and has a number of places to check out during your visit. Outdoor activities include hiking at Osage Hills State Park, walking across the Swinging Bridge, and taking a dip at Blue Stem Falls.
Experience what all of the hype is about at the Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Enjoy a coffee at Treats Coffee Shop and do some shopping at the downtown shops.
Explore cultural attractions like the Osage Nation Museum, Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum, and Osage County Historical Society Museum for a glimpse into local history and culture.
A little further away is Bartlesville. Explore attractions like Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, Price Tower Arts Center, and Frank Phillips Home. Learn about the oil industry’s impact at the Bartlesville Area History Museum and the Nellie Johnstone No. 1.
Final Thoughts on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska is a fascinating and crucial ecosystem worth exploring. With its diversity of flora and fauna, rich history, and conservation efforts, there’s much to learn and appreciate in this unique landscape.
Come visit this hidden gem in Pawhuska and discover the beauty and importance of the tallgrass prairie firsthand.
