"The scenery of the prairie is striking and never fails to cause an exclamation of surprise... the flowers are beautiful; the absence of shade and... profusion of light produce a gaiety which animates the beholder."

Judge James Hall, ca. 1839

NPS Photo

Big bluestem and Indian grass dominate the vast open spaces of the restored prairie.

The National Park Service reconstructed a tallgrass prairie in 1971 to represent the vast grassland that once covered 85 percent of Iowa. Site managers planted five species of grasses on land that had been farm field for more than a century.

Over the years, managers have used many techniques to continue the reconstruction process. Prescribed fire has become the primary tool for prairie management. The result today is a colorful array of flowers mixed with the green, purple, and golden hues of native grasses.

Three trails loop the visitor through this 81-acre sea of tall grasses and spectacular flowering forbs. One can imagine the pioneers crossing over land where mothers feared they could lose their small children in the 6 to 12 foot tall maze of grasses.

Related Documents and Publications

The Tallgrass Prairie Trail Map (PDF file, 1.68 MB) helps visitors to explore the prairie and experience the area’s natural heritage. The Visitor Center has an exhibit about prairies and an interpretive garden with examples of tallgrass prairie plants (PDF file, 1.11 MB).