National Preserve · KS

Dogs in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited accessLeash: 6 feet maximum, at all times.

Tallgrass Prairie allows leashed dogs on several named nature trails plus parking, picnic areas, and around the outside of historic buildings.

Leashed pets are allowed year-round on the Fox Creek Trail, Z Bar Spur, Bottomland Nature Trail, and Southwind Nature Trail, plus parking lots, picnic areas, and around the outside of historic buildings.
Photo: NPS · NPS

Where dogs are allowed

Leashed pets are allowed year-round on the Fox Creek Trail, Z Bar Spur, Bottomland Nature Trail, and Southwind Nature Trail, plus parking lots, picnic areas, and around the outside of historic buildings.

Where dogs are banned

Inside park buildings and park vehicles.

Trail by trail

Dogs OKFox Creek TrailOpen to leashed pets year-round.
Dogs OKBottomland Nature TrailOpen to leashed pets year-round.
Dogs OKSouthwind Nature TrailOpen to leashed pets year-round.
Dogs OKTwo Section TrailSeasonal only, when cattle are absent.

Seasonal closures

The Two Section Trail opens to pets only seasonally, usually early fall to early spring, when cattle are not in the pastures.

Leash rule

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
National Park Service
View the official NPS page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Preserve

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve?

Tallgrass Prairie allows leashed dogs on several named nature trails plus parking, picnic areas, and around the outside of historic buildings. Leashed pets are allowed year-round on the Fox Creek Trail, Z Bar Spur, Bottomland Nature Trail, and Southwind Nature Trail, plus parking lots, picnic areas, and around the outside of historic buildings.

What is the leash rule at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve?

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Which trails allow dogs at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve?

Leashed dogs are allowed on: Fox Creek Trail, Bottomland Nature Trail, Southwind Nature Trail, Two Section Trail.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve?

The Two Section Trail opens to pets only seasonally, usually early fall to early spring, when cattle are not in the pastures.

Are service animals allowed at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.