As I looked about me I felt that the grass was the country, as the water is the sea. The red of the grass made all the great prairie the colour of wine-stains, or of certain seaweeds when they are first washed up. And there was so much motion in it; the whole country seemed, somehow, to be running.—My Ántonia
The Willa Cather Memorial Prairie is a botanical treasure consisting of 612 acres of never-been-plowed native prairie, located five miles south of Red Cloud on Hwy. 281. The Cather Foundation is working to return this land to its 19th century conditions, a time before the encroachment of man and foreign plant species.
The Willa Cather Memorial Prairie is open to pedestrians year-round, with nearly two miles of trails to explore. Our unbroken horizons provide excellent sunrises and sunsets, and the prairie is an excellent grassland birding site. Photography is welcome. Please observe a few simple park rules:
- Absolutely no smoking, fires, or open flame
- No hunting
- No overnight camping
- Please leash pets for their safety
- Please use pedestrian gates only
- Please pack out trash
- Respect others by limiting noise and artificial light
PLEASE NOTE: This site does not offer restroom facilities, water for human consumption, or storm shelter in case of severe weather. Please plan ahead, watch the skies, and stay safe while you visit!