Perfect for: School groups, homeschool families, nature clubs, and lifelong learners.
Seasonal experiences
Special & Seasonal Tours
See the prairie in every season – from frosty winter mornings to glowing summer sunsets. Special and seasonal tours give you new ways to experience bison, elk, and the Smoky Hills all year long.
Family outings & holiday traditions
Church, school & community groups
Why they’re different
What Makes These Tours “Special”?
Special & Seasonal Tours go beyond our standard public tram rides with unique themes, limited dates, and different times of day.
- Unique themes and seasonal experiences.
- Limited dates and specific departure times.
- Smaller groups on some tours.
- Extra time for photos and questions.
- Chances to see different wildlife behavior throughout the year.
Guided by People Who Love the Prairie
All tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share stories about the bison, elk, prairie plants, and the history of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
Every season brings something new—winter coats on the bison, spring wildflowers, summer skies, and the sounds of the fall elk rut.
Winter on the Prairie
Enjoy the quiet beauty of the prairie in winter with cozy, enclosed tram rides and a classic Kansas Christmas feel.
Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie
Step aboard our enclosed winter tram and celebrate a classic, small-town Kansas Christmas on the prairie.
- 45-minute winter tram tour through the bison and elk herd.
- Enclosed tram with windows for warmth and comfort.
- Stories about Christmas on the prairie and local history.
- Great photo opportunities of bison and elk in their winter coats.
Perfect for: Families, church groups, youth groups, and anyone wanting a festive, faith-friendly holiday outing.
Spring & Early Summer Tours
Offered on select dates – check the Tour Calendar for current schedule. Watch the prairie wake up after winter and see new life all around you.
Prairie Awakening – Spring Wildlife Tours
See fresh green grasses, early wildflowers, and more active wildlife as temperatures begin to warm.
- Fresh green grasses and early wildflowers.
- More active wildlife in comfortable spring weather.
- Educational commentary about prairie renewal and plant life.
Wildflower & Birds of the Prairie Tours
On select dates, we slow down and focus on the smaller details of the prairie.
- Identification of common wildflowers and grasses.
- Opportunities to spot and listen for prairie birds.
- Slower-paced tram experience with more stops for photos.
Perfect for: Families, church groups, youth groups, and anyone wanting a festive, faith-friendly holiday outing.
Summer Sunrise & Sunset Tours
See the Smoky Hills at their most dramatic, when the light is soft and the sky stretches in every direction.
Sunrise on the Prairie
Start the day with cool air, soft light, and grazing bison as the sun rises over native grasslands.
- Early-morning departure on limited dates.
- Beautiful sunrise views over the prairie.
- Increased chances of seeing active wildlife before the heat of the day.
Sunset & Golden Hour Tours
Ideal for photographers and anyone who loves a Kansas sky at day’s end.
- Golden-hour lighting for unforgettable photos.
- Long prairie views as the sun drops behind the hills.
- Peaceful, slower-paced tour with time for pictures.
Fall Rut & Color Tours
Autumn brings some of the most memorable sounds and sights at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
Elk Rut Tours
Listen and look for elk during rutting season as they become more vocal and active.
- Chance to hear elk bugling.
- Learn about elk behavior during the fall rut.
- Crisp fall air and changing prairie colors.
Fall Colors on the Prairie
The prairie has its own autumn palette, even without thick forests.
- Turning grasses in rich golds and reds.
- Clear skies and cooler temperatures.
- Great time of year for families, seniors, and group outings.
Fall Rut & Color Tours
Autumn brings some of the most memorable sounds and sights at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
Photography Tours
Bring your camera and capture the prairie at its best with more time to find the perfect shot.
- Longer stops geared toward photographers.
- Focus on composition, lighting, and wildlife behavior.
- Limited seating for more space and flexibility.
School & Youth Group Field Trips
Hands-on learning in a real Kansas prairie classroom, tailored to your students’ ages and interests.
- Age-appropriate interpretive talks.
- Focus on Kansas history, prairie ecosystems, and conservation.
- Options to combine tram tours with time at McPherson State Fishing Lake.
Church, Family & Community Groups
Make Maxwell the backdrop for your next get-together with flexible options for private trams.
- Ideal for church groups, reunions, and civic groups.
- Options for private trams on select dates.
- Can be paired with nearby picnic or camp areas.
Plan ahead
What to Know Before You Go
Tour Length & Weather
Most special tours last about 45–60 minutes.
- Tours may be postponed or rescheduled in cases of severe weather or unsafe road conditions.
- In case of changes, we’ll contact you using the information you provided with your reservation.
Accessibility & Children
Our covered tram can accommodate most guests; contact us ahead of time with any accessibility questions.
- Children of all ages are welcome with adult supervision.
- Restrooms and a small gift shop are available on site before and after your tour.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When are seasonal tours announced?
Seasonal events and special tours are added throughout the year. The best place to see what’s coming up is our Tour Calendar or our Events page.
Do I have to take a special tour to see bison and elk?
No. Our regular public tram tours also take you out into the prairie to see bison and elk. Special & Seasonal Tours simply add unique themes, times of day, or holiday experiences.
Can we book a private special tour for our group?
In many cases, yes. Private trams and custom experiences may be available depending on the time of year and guide availability. Contact us with your group size and preferred dates.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. In case of extreme temperatures, ice, storms, or unsafe road conditions, we may delay, reschedule, or cancel a tour and will notify you using your reservation contact information.
Ready to See the Prairie in a Whole New Way?
Explore our Special & Seasonal Tours calendar, reserve your seats, and experience Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in every season.