The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff are conducting a prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.
Learn more about prescribed burn today, through midday. The main entry road will be closed from the entry point near Highway 163 to 96th Street. 96th Street, the gravel road that enters the bison enclosure, will remain open.
To enter the refuge, head south on 109th Street and turn right onto 96th Street. To reach the vistor center, turn left onto the main entry road and follow it until you reach the visitor center. Another option from Highway 163 is to turn onto 129th Street, heading south, then turn left at 96th Street which travels through the bison enclosure. To get to the visitor center, turn right once you reach the paved main entrance road and follow it to the end.
Today, the refuge protects 6,000 acres of wildlife habitat and provides visitors, students, researchers and local landowners with educational, recreational and volunteer opportunities to learn about and enjoy their native tallgrass prairie heritage.
Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. At Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can participate in a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational and education opportunities to experience their native tallgrass prairie heritage. The visitor center offers hands on educational exhibits, a 15 minute award winning educational film and indoor and outdoor eating areas. Outdoor activities include 5 walking trails, a 4.5 mile bike trail and a 5 mile auto tour. Additionally, visitors and students can participate in scheduled programs, special events and get involved with volunteer projects.
Location and Contact Information
Our Organization
Our Species
Although many species call Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge home, a few are particularly important to the refuge. Learn more about what we’re doing to conserve bison, elk and grassland birds.