National Park Service

Viewing the new waysides at the Bottomland Trail

Trail Access

The Bottomland Trail is fully wheelchair accessible with trailhead kiosk, five interpretive waysides, comfort station, picnic area, benches, and two varying length trails of 3/4 or 1/2 mile. Handicap parking is available close to the trailhead. Trail is open daylight hours year-round. A brochure is available at the trailhead to assist you as you travel the trail.

Travel south of historic ranch headquarters area on K-177 for two miles, turning left (east) onto the gravel country road adjacent to St. Anthony's cemetery. Travel gravel road for 1/3 mile. Watch for trail sign on the north (left) side of the road.

Bus Tours

The preserve offers prairie bus tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. during summer months (May through October). The bus is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, but terrain is a typical prairie environment. Bus tours are sometimes canceled due to lightning. A minimum of two passengers is required for all bus tours. Call ahead for availability.

House Tours

The 1881 historic limestone ranch house is accessible for wheelchairs through a removable ramp at the back porch of the house. The lower portion of the house is not wheelchair accessible, however a photo album is available showing the interior lower portion of the home. Follow the link below to view the interior of the buildings.

Virtual Tour Page

Historic Limestone Barn

During summer months, the main floor of the limestone barn is used as the visitor contact station. This level is wheelchair accessible via built-in ramps.  There is limited access to the barn during winter months. A photo album is available in the house showing the lower and upper levels of the barn. The barn is open for regular viewing from May through October, with limited viewing available from November through April. Follow the link below to view the interior of the buildings.

Virtual Tour Page

Historic One-room Schoolhouse

On weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in May, June, September, and October the Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse is open for viewing from noon until 4 p.m. and is staffed by volunteers. The schoolhouse is accessible via removable ramps. Please call ahead for assistance. Follow the link below to view the interior of the buildings.

Virtual Tour Page

Audio Visual Program

A 10 minute site orientation video is available in the barn (May - October) and on the back porch of the main ranch house (November - April). Presentation is closed captioned for the hearing impaired. A script is also available upon request.

Parking at the Preserve

Handicap parking is available west of the historic limestone barn. Please follow signs through the parking lot and up the driveway beyond the barn. Parking is perpendicular to the wooden post and chain barrier.

Restroom Facilities

Restroom facilities at the historic ranch headquarters area are somewhat primitive, but offer a unisex wheelchair accessible port-a-john. The Bottomland Trail offers a flushable comfort station equipped for wheelchairs.