American Bison, Elk & the Living Prairie
Get close to native Kansas wildlife and one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies. See how bison, elk, and prairie plants all work together to keep this landscape alive.
Guided tram tours available year-round
Photography, education & group experiences
Today on the Prairie
- American Bison herd roaming native grassland
- Elk moving across hills and tree lines
- Prairie birds, pollinators, and wildflowers in season
Did you know?
Less than 4% of native tallgrass prairie remains in North America. Maxwell helps protect a rare piece of that original landscape.
Wildlife Highlights
Learn about the animals and ecosystems that define Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
American Bison
The American Bison is the symbol of the Great Plains. At Maxwell, you’ll see one of the few remaining herds that still roam native prairie land.
- Largest land mammal in North America
- Can weigh up to 2,000 lbs and run up to 35 mph
- Lives around 15–20 years
- Shapes the prairie through grazing and movement
Watch the herd graze, move together, and interact in a natural setting.
Rocky Mountain Elk
Elk once roamed across Kansas. Today, they’re a treasured part of the refuge and a favorite sight for visitors.
- One of the largest members of the deer family
- Bulls can weigh 700–1,000 lbs
- Known for their bugling calls in the fall
- Antlers can grow an inch a day in summer
Elk graze and move differently than bison, adding to prairie diversity.
Prairie Ecosystem
The prairie is more than grass. It’s a living web of plants, animals, insects, and soil that supports everything on the refuge.
- Native tallgrass and mixed-grass prairie
- Over 100 plant species across the seasons
- Grassland birds, reptiles, small mammals, and pollinators
- Shifting colors and blooms throughout the year
This landscape shows what the Great Plains looked like before settlement.
Conservation Efforts
Preservation is at the heart of what we do. Maxwell protects both the wildlife and the land they depend on.
- Managed grazing by bison and elk
- Habitat restoration and native grass management
- Controlled burns to support plant diversity
- Wildlife health monitoring and research support
- Education programs for schools, groups, and families
Our goal: keep the prairie healthy for generations to come.
Long-Term Prairie Protection
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is committed to protecting native prairie, caring for the animals that live here, and inviting visitors to see why this landscape matters. Every tour, program, and donation helps keep this living ecosystem intact.
- Support science-based management for bison, elk, and prairie habitat.
- Offer hands-on education that inspires future conservationists.
- Partner with local and state organizations to protect native wildlife.
Plan your visit, join a tram tour, or become a member to be part of the conservation story.