Matfield Green, Kansas
The tallgrass prairie, a revered North American landscape, is a sanctuary of unique plant and animal species. Here, expansive seas of grass blend seamlessly with perennial wildflowers. Its hills home to an animal nearly erased from the landscape, the North American Bison. Being amidst the tallgrass prairie is a moving, if not spiritual, experience.
Once covering nearly 170 million acres, less than 1% of this ecosystem remains today. The Flint Hills region, stretching across parts of eastern Kansas and northern Oklahoma, is one of the largest remaining areas dedicated to preserving this unique habitat.
Human stories have been intertwined with the tallgrass prairie for thousands of years. Communities of people like the Pawnee, Wichita, Osage, and Kansa thrived in the grasslands before being forcibly removed. As the original stewards, their practices continue to help heal the land broken by steel and human hands.
To experience the Flint Hills today, travel to Kansas towns like Matfield Green and Cottonwood Falls and visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular year-round.
Where to Stay in or Near Matfield Green
Restored stone homes and artsy cottages make the perfect home base to explore the prairie. Stay in or near Matfield Green to experience the prairie magic and small town community. Our guide includes dinner out on Friday and Saturday.
• Prairieside Cottage (Featured)
• The Prairie Home
• The Lark Inn Guest House
Friday Itinerary
Friday Overview
• Radius Brewing Company
• Check in
5 PM: Radius Brewing Company
On your way into town, stop for a bite and a drink at Radius Brewery in Emporia, Kansas. Cheers!
7 PM: CHECK IN
Check in to your stay, enjoy the sunset, and break out the cards. For an outdoor adventure theme, consider bringing PARKS or reading our other two player board game recommendations.
Saturday Itinerary
Day two starts slows and ends with an 8 mile hike through the prairie. Make sure to bring all your favorite hiking gear. With minimal shade, hiking in the morning or evening is ideal—especially in the summer time. Plus, blue hour really is the most magical time.
Saturday overview
• Brunch
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
• Dinner at Ad Astra
10 AM: Brunch & LEISURE TIME
Start the day slow with brunch. Think brioche french toast with jam, eggs, yogurt with fruit, orange juice, and a cup of coffee. What we love about this featured stay is it has all your kitchen and cute plating needs!
For creatives, it’s a great place to write, sketch, and draw. If you’re staying at the Prairieside Cottage, there’s an artist studio in the backyard, a small study space, and an all glass dining room to choose from.
3 PM: TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE
Located in Strong City, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is supported by the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy. The trails are open 24/7 and feature expansive views of both land and sky.
View our recommended hike on AllTrails for an 8 mile loop starting at the visitor center. You’ll travel through the bison pasture, by a scenic overlook, and a one room schoolhouse built in 1882.
8 PM: DINNER AT AD ASTRA
Located five minutes away from the preserve is Ad Astra Steakhouse. Enjoy a bison burger, crispy brussel sprouts, and live music on the weekend.
10 AM: PrairyArt Path
A project of a local artist and sculpture, hike four miles along the Prairyart Path. Stop to see sculptural works like Timber Arches and High Stakes.