Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

How to Get There

From Tulsa, OK (70 mi): Take US-75 N to OK-20 W in Skiatook, continue west to OK-99 N in Hominy, then follow signs north to Pawhuska and continue on county roads to the preserve entrance.

Overview

The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie on Earth, encompassing over 39,000 acres in northeastern Oklahoma. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, this vast landscape is home to more than 2,500 free-ranging bison, over 700 plant species, and hundreds of bird and mammal species. Visitors can explore the preserve via a 15-mile bison loop drive, scenic turnouts, and several hiking trails that traverse prairie and crosstimbers forest. The preserve also features a historic bunkhouse and visitor center, offering insights into the region’s ecological and cultural history.

Established in 1989 on the former Barnard Ranch, the preserve uses a patch-burn grazing model to maintain prairie health and biodiversity. Seasonal highlights include booming prairie chickens in spring, vibrant wildflowers in early summer, and towering grasses in autumn. The preserve also protects the historic cabin of Osage author John Joseph Mathews, offering monthly tours from May through October. With no entrance fee and open access from dawn to dusk, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a sanctuary for wildlife and a living tribute to America’s prairie heritage.

Things to Do

Experience North America's Largest Protected Tallgrass Prairie

The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve protects nearly 40,000 acres of native tallgrass prairie in northeastern Oklahoma. Visitors can experience a landscape that closely resembles the vast grasslands that once covered millions of acres across the Great Plains, complete with sweeping vistas, native wildflowers, and diverse wildlife.

See the Free-Roaming Bison Herd

One of the preserve's most popular attractions is its herd of more than 2,000 free-roaming American bison. Visitors can often observe these iconic animals grazing across the prairie while learning about their role in maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems.

Enjoy Wildlife Viewing and Prairie Photography

The preserve provides outstanding opportunities to observe grassland birds, deer, coyotes, butterflies, and native plant communities. Seasonal wildflower blooms and expansive prairie landscapes make it one of Oklahoma's premier destinations for photography and nature observation.

Top Trails

Bison Viewing Trail

Length: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This trail provides visitors with opportunities to experience native prairie habitats and observe bison and other wildlife while learning about grassland conservation and restoration efforts within the preserve.

Tallgrass Prairie Nature Trail

Length: Approximately 2.0 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This scenic trail traverses native prairie landscapes featuring tall grasses, seasonal wildflowers, and panoramic views. Interpretive opportunities along the route highlight the ecology, history, and importance of North America's remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems.

Sources: The Nature Conservancy official Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve information, including prairie conservation, bison management, wildlife viewing opportunities, visitor resources, and natural history. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/tallgrass-prairie-preserve/ Additional preserve and visitor information verified through Oklahoma tourism and Tallgrass Prairie Preserve educational resources. https://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.3511

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution