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Tallgrass Prairie To Host Nighttime Lantern Tours

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Compiled From NPS releases

Published Date

November 8, 2024

Cowboys working hot metal to make quick repairs/Terri Lewis

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, outside Strong City, Kansas, is excited to open reservations for the Candlelight Tour happening on Saturday, November 23, 2024. This unique event is free, but spots fill quickly, so be sure to reserve by calling the visitor center at 620-273-8494 ext 270.

Guided walking tours will take groups of 15 along lantern-lit paths through the historic ranch area. Tours depart every 15 minutes, starting at 6:00 p.m., with each lasting about an hour. The final tour begins at 8:45 p.m. Paths are gravel and grass with steps in and out of buildings. Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled time, dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes, and check in at the visitor center. You’re welcome to bring a flashlight (aim it at the ground) but note that flash photography is not allowed.

Costumed interpreters will bring the past to life through scenes depicting life on the ranch during the Great Depression of 1933. You'll experience the struggles and resilience of people facing food and financial hardships during this historic era.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, by the way, is a partnership between the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy.

1884 Fox Creek School / Patrick Emerson - Flickr

If you do plan to visit, note that from November 18, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve visitor center and bookstore will close on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, the historic ranch buildings will remain open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Self-guided trail maps, brochures, and passport stamps can be found in the visitor center breezeway, and a 10-minute orientation film is available in the historic barn. Regular daily hours for the visitor center and bookstore will resume on April 1, 2025.

The preserve’s 40 miles of prairie trails are open 24/7, with trail maps at kiosks in the ranch area. A self-guided cell phone tour is accessible through information posted at kiosks and waysides, and audio files can be downloaded from www.nps.gov/tapr. Interpretive panels throughout the historic site enhance your experience at the preserve.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/tapr, email [email protected], or check out the preserve's Facebook page. You can also learn about The Nature Conservancy in Kansas at www.nature.org/Kansas or on their Facebook page.

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