Tallgrass prairie ecosystem at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
Education

Learning on the Kansas Prairie

In the middle of a living prairie, surrounded by bison, elk, and open sky — education that connects students, families, and groups to wildlife and conservation.

Programs

Four ways to learn.

01

School Programs

Curriculum-connected field trips with hands-on learning for students of all ages.

02

Group Experiences

Private tours for clubs, churches, scouts, teams, and community organizations.

03

Wildlife Exhibits

Indoor and outdoor displays on prairie life, bison history, and conservation.

04

Educational Resources

Downloadable guides, worksheets, and materials for teachers and group leaders.

Field Trips

Science comes alive.

Field trips that bring science to life — right in the middle of 2,560 acres of native tallgrass prairie.

  • Guided tram tours through bison & elk habitats
  • Hands-on natural history learning
  • Age-appropriate lessons K–12
  • Staff interaction opportunities
  • Year-round availability by reservation
Group Experiences

Built around your group.

A private prairie experience designed around your group's interests — for community groups, seniors, scouts, churches, and corporate teams.

  • Private tram tours
  • Guided walks and wildlife viewing
  • Prairie ecology & conservation talks
  • Custom topics tailored to your group
  • Add-ons: picnic shelter, photo time

Exhibits

Discover the prairie up close.

01

Prairie Ecosystem Display

Walk through the layers of a living tallgrass prairie — soil, roots, grasses, and the wildlife they support.

02

American Bison History

From tens of millions to near extinction and back. The story of the Great Plains’ most iconic animal.

03

Elk of Kansas Exhibit

How Rocky Mountain Elk returned to the Kansas prairie and what their presence means for the ecosystem.

04

Wildlife Management & Conservation

The science behind managed grazing, controlled burns, and habitat restoration at Maxwell.

Resources

Tools for teachers & leaders.

Free downloadable materials to prepare your students or group before visiting, and to continue learning after your trip.

Printable lesson plans

Wildlife fact sheets

Prairie ecosystem diagrams

Storytelling & conservation timelines

Student prep guides

Ready to plan your educational visit?

We're here to help you schedule school trips, group tours, or learning experiences on the Kansas prairie.