Oklahoma Tallgrass Prairie

[BethG]

OK...so I have to admit that I lived in Tulsa, OK for 18 years - about 1 1/2 hours from the Tallgrass Prairie and I've been there exactly one time - with a group of cub scouts. So...when I go back to visit my parents this weekend we're making the trip to Pawhuska to see it again - with my 7D!

Here's my question. The park closes at 4:00 so there won't be any sunset photos inside the gates. Has anyone made the trip that can give me some pointers on where to take picutures near the park? The last time I was there the bison herd had only been in place for a few years and there were somewhere around 300. I believe there are now close to 2000 (yes...I was there quite a while ago) I'm really hoping to come back with some great photos and would sure like to find a nice place to perch my tripod!

Thanks!

Beth

[lfmerrell]

From the Nature Conservancy page on Tallgrass - The preserve is open every day from dawn to dusk. Public facilities are near the ranger station.
Address: Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
15316 County Road 4201, Pawhuska, OK 74056-2099
(918) 287-3623 ‎

Ok, been there several times from Plano. Guess you are coming 35 to Ponca City to Pawhuska.
Plug there for Bad Brads BBQ - Pawhuska
Plug for Pop's in Arcadia. POPS: Home , five miles off I-35 east on old Rte 66, just North of OKC Good break the monotony stop.
IMG_0880 2 by Capisce, on Flickr


Get to the park by following the in town signs. Sole road is on the west side of the preserve. Maps indicate you can exit via the North entrance. Nope that is just a maze of dirt ranch roads leading to more ranch roads some of which are padlocked plus smell like a stock yard in summer.
There is a long road leading past ranch entrances before the south gate.

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Oklahoma solitary tree by Capisce, on Flickr

There are I believe now three herds of bison which are free ranging and you happen upon. The Preserve uses cattle guards at entrances.
Serious note, The pristine entrance signs at the Pawhuska entrance
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Oklahoma by Capisce, on Flickr
contrast

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Oklahoma by Capisce, on Flickr with those at the north entrance which indicate favorite calibers of fire arms in use.

Bison have the right of way.
Bison J-walkers, Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Oklahoma by Capisce, on Flickr

Tallgrass, Pawhuska, Ok
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve | The Nature Conservancy

[princer7]

I may have to stop up there next month. What time does the preserve open?

[lfmerrell]

Originally Posted by princer7

I may have to stop up there next month. What time does the preserve open?

The Conservancy web page says dawn til dusk. To be safe I'd give the Pawhuska office a call.

[BethG]

Originally Posted by lfmerrell

The Conservancy web page says dawn til dusk. To be safe I'd give the Pawhuska office a call.

I'm glad you posted that link because the Oklahoma travel site I looked at said the park is open from 9:00 to 4:00...bet that's the visitor's center and not the preserve itself! At least now I don't have to worry about finding a place outside to take sunset photos!

[lfmerrell]

On my first Tallgrass Preserve visit shis bison was acting as the road guard about a third of the way in. He did not leave the road for at least a half hour and out waited me. I backed over a small heard and then turned and left.
He seemed to have stolen a line from Monty Python's Black Knight, "None shall pass". Only he could and would prevail.


Bison Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Oklahoma by Capisce, on Flickr

This sign is serious.

Signs Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Oklahoma by Capisce, on Flickr

lfm

[BethG]

Well...on MY first visit....not a one was around to be seen! Bummer!

[lfmerrell]

Originally Posted by BethG

Well...on MY first visit....not a one was around to be seen! Bummer!

One herd tends to hang around Mr Rangers office/home, like in the driveway. I have some photos of them some where.

[BethG]

Well....I was there and they were not...good excuse to go back again and get some more Bad Brad's BBQ!

[Fireball]

You mean you didn't visit the Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond) while in Pawhuska? She's made that town famous. Been on many early shows and even had a throwdown with Bobby Flay last Thanksgiving (in which she won). She's a hilarious writer, fantastic cook, great photographer, etc. Check out her website.

The Pioneer Woman | Ree Drummond

[miffed67]

The Pioneer Woman lives in OK? I LOVE that blog, she's GREAT!

[Fireball]

Yep, Pawhuska, Oklahoma! I've been reading her blog for a year or so. She's hilarious and her giveaways are amazing!

[BethG]

My Mom said she's getting her own show on the Food Network. Guessing the Bobby Flay challenge was some sort of test show.

[lfmerrell]

The Downtown Historic District - Pawhuska, Oklahoma
The historic district in Pawhuska is comprised of 98 buildings, 86 of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These two and three-story brick structures, along with a five-story triangle building, provide an impressive tribute to days gone by.

Back to Top | More on Pawhuska, Oklahoma
North Central Oklahoma Wild West Territory - Tour of Architecture

I must return to Tallgrass but instead add/do a photo safari of Pawhuska

[Fireball]

Pawhuska looks like an interesting place to visit. Thanks for sharing that Lewis. Never knew all that existed.