From Cottonwood in Strong City, ¾ mile west on U.S. 50, then 2¼ miles north on K-177. This National Park Service preserve protects and interprets the nationally significant—and vanishing—tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Choose from a variety of self-guided tours, or check the schedule at the visitor center for an informative bus tour through the prairie. The buildings of Stephen Jones’ 1881 Spring Hill Ranch (NRHP) are open during the summer and include the massive three-story limestone barn and the majestic ranch headquarters. Also on the preserve is the one-room Lower Fox Creek School (NRHP), a lonesome stone schoolhouse that stands at the turnaround point of the Southwind Nature Trail, one of several hiking trails on the preserve. For tours, call 620.273.8494. Trails open 24 hours. Visitor center: May-October daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; November-April daily 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (8 Wonders of Kansas)