It sure is a great time right now to be out in nature! Secluded and no man-made structure in sight for miles. Just you and the beautiful rolling prairie. Take a scenic drive through the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma. It is the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie in the world (39,650 acres) and admission is free!
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the original tallgrass region of The Great Plains and is on what used to be the Osage Reservation. This protected land gives a view of what the USA was like centuries ago, when there was an abundance of wildlife, plant species, and human population was scarce. You may see the beautiful giant herbivore, the American Bison, while driving through the 15 miles of dirt/gravel road through the Bison Unit, especially in May. It is amazing to see them roam around freely in their native surroundings.
The complete drive around the whole preserve is approximately 50 miles. In the middle of the preserve, just outside the bison unit, you can find the preserve headquarters and gift shop. A great opportunity to leave your name in the guestbook and to find out more about the Preserve. There you will also find an original 1920 ranch bunkhouse with public restrooms. (Note: there is no restaurant inside the preserve, so make sure to bring food & drinks and have plenty of gas in the tank when you visit)
Outside the bison unit there are a few other things to explore. There is a 2-mile hiking trail, picnic locations, a self-guided nature trail, and a few scenic turnouts. The preserve supports hundreds of plant species and more than 200 bird species. Plus wildlife such as white-tailed deer, armadillos, badgers, and more. Of course the bison is the highlight. To find out the latest updates on the preserve, visit their Facebook page.
To complete the experience visit the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum in Pawhuska and learn more about Osage County's world champion cowboys and legendary ranches.
Until the next departure!
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Immerse yourself in nature in the Great Plains region of Oklahoma.
