Anderson Prairie State Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Joe Hoye Park Mickelson Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Anderson Prairie State Preserve is a protected area in Kansas that covers almost 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The preserve is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species. Visitors to Anderson Prairie State Preserve can enjoy hiking and birdwatching, as well as learning about the history and ecology of the prairie.
Some of the key points of interest at Anderson Prairie State Preserve include the numerous wildflowers that bloom throughout the year, as well as the various grasses and shrubs that make up the prairie ecosystem. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species, including the endangered greater prairie-chicken. In addition, the preserve features several historic structures, including a 19th-century schoolhouse and a pioneer cemetery.
One interesting fact about Anderson Prairie State Preserve is that it is one of the few remaining examples of tallgrass prairie in Kansas. This type of ecosystem once covered vast areas of the Great Plains, but has been largely destroyed by agriculture and development.
The best time of year to visit Anderson Prairie State Preserve is from late spring to early fall, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. However, visitors should be aware that the prairie can be hot and dry during the summer months, and may require some preparation and protection from the elements.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Fort. Defiance Campground
|
||
Hale Slough WMA
|
||
Elinor Bedell State Park Campground
|
||
Lutheran Lakeside
|
||
Ingham Lake WMA
|
||
Wolden Recreation Area Campground
|
Joe Hoye Park
Mickelson Park
Fort Defiance State Park
Cheever Lake State Preserve
Miniwakan State Park