Iliff Commons preserves native prairie near Topeka

Iliff Commons and Trail, Topeka, Kansas

This private prairie park is open to the public.

Trail Iliff Commons

Overview
Iliff Commons, in the Flint Hills, is a private park opened to the public northeast of Topeka, Kan. The Iliff family makes the 80 acres available dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. Owners are gradually returning the property to its native tallgrass prairie state. It’s open to walking, running, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. The hilly terrain is part forest, part prairie. The area rises about 150 feet above the Kaw River Valley and the Topeka skyline is visible in the distance. This remote location includes deer, wild turkey, fox, bobcat, and others. You are also likely to see red-tailed hawks and bald eagles.

• Drive Time It’s about one hour from Downtown Kansas City.

• Length The outer loop of the trail is about 1.5 miles long. However, there are numerous spurs and side trails that can expand the length of your walk.

• Address and location
  The area is located on a gravel road at NE 31st St, Topeka, KS 66617. A gravel parking lot is available.

• Conditions This is a natural surface trail, but it’s well maintained. In wet or thawing weather, it will be muddy and slippery. We include a map below and you can also find it on the AllTrails app. However, the park is not huge and it’s unlikely you’ll get lost.

• Kid friendly? Kids who can walk will enjoy this trail. It’s not stroller-friendly. There are a few attractions for children, including a log cabin, treehouse and swing. In addition, unique folk art objects are located throughout the park on the trail.

• How busy? This is a moderately-trafficked trail.

• Pets Yes, on a leash, unless stated otherwise..

• Official website Iliff Commons