Disclaimer: This post was done in partnership with Friends of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. All opinions are mine and photos are mine.
The dust kicked up behind the car’s tires as we made our final approach to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (2565 Pueblo Rd) in Gypsum, Kansas. Male elk rested on a hill silhouetted in the distance. An adult bison grazed in the foreground.
Our adventure at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge’s Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie was going to be the perfect outing.
ABOUT MAXWELL WILDLIFE REFUGE
John Gault Maxwell, who immigrated from Scotland 1859, became a farmer grain dealer in McPherson County. He was enamored by the Kansas prairie and devoted to preserving it and the native wildlife.
After his death, he willed $75,000 to purchase land that is used by Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, a non-profit organization, to be used for educational purposes. Located on the Kansas Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, the refuge opened in 1951 with ten buffalo and six elk. Now, it flourishes with up to 250 animals each spring.
The contributions of Kansas Department of Wildlife, volunteers, and supporters make Maxwell Wildlife Refuge what it is today, one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A VISIT
For those who love nature, there is no better place to spend the holiday or anytime of year than Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie is an opportunity for people of all ages to take a tram tour to view bison and elk before returning to the visitor’s center for cookies, cider, and hot chocolate.
The visitor’s center also serves as an education opportunity to learn about early settlers on the land and all types of wildlife from coyotes to large game that roam the region.
GET UP CLOSE WITH WILDLIFE
During Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie, we boarded a tram covered in windows and took a 45-minute tour of the prairie to view wildlife. Santa and Mrs. Claus waived goodbye as visitors boarded two trams of about 20 people each.
Keeping warm with a lap blanket, we listened to volunteer tour guide, Les, inform us about native grasses and wildlife.
He was a fantastic tour guide provide our group with extensive information about animal behavior as our tram followed the path of a feeder truck depositing pellets for the bison to eat.
We watched as the bison excitedly sought out food within feet of our tram. Stopping periodically, we took photos of the bison as they grazed, took dust baths, and communicated with their young. Calves ran to catch up with their mothers who kept a safe distance from dominant males.
Our tram tour meandered through the prairie before making a u-turn to return to its starting point. Fortunately, we were able to see bison for most of the trip.
PRO TIP: You more likely to see elk from the tram tour if you reserve a seat on the first tram of the day. Once they feed, they roam to distant area of the prairie.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
After the tour, tram passengers headed indoors to warm up and excitedly grabbed complimentary warm drinks and snacks. To the children’s delight, Santa and Mrs. Claus asked them to gather at their feet for storytime.
The looks on the kids’ faces was precious as each one became captivated by the narrative.
Parents snapped photos and chatted amongst themselves between bites of cupcakes and cookies. Afterward, Santa gifted a holiday-themed goodie bag to each child.
My take-home gift? I purchased postcards featuring photography taken by volunteers. Elk stood statuesque at sunset. Bison graze on prairie grasses under illuminated Kansas clouds.
I couldn’t resist taking my photo with Santa, who was eager to meet me. Perhaps I was the only adult who snapped a photo with the jolly ol’ guy? I felt like a kid again hoping for his approval and excited to tell him my Christmas wish.
TOUR CALENDAR & SPECIAL EVENTS
Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie, which occurs four times every December, is one of many events at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
You can also reserve a seat on a public tram tour on the weekends or take a guided trail ride. Adventurers who attend Mountain Man Rendezvous during fall learn from reenactors what it was like to explore and trap on the land in the early 1800s. The refuge also hosts school groups for educational tours.
If you visit during the spring, you’ll see a multitude of newly-born calves and fields of Kansas wildflowers. View the refuge’s calendar of events.
Battlehill RV Park provides fully equipped campsites in the area and nearby McPherson State Fishing Lake is a popular spot for anglers.
SCHEDULING A PRIVATE TOUR
Small group tours of the refuge via a suburban are available if scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. The duration of the tour depends on the chosen activities.
UPCOMING PLANS AT THE REFUGE
A section of land with a trail system is under development allowing visitors a unique perspective of the area. Stay tuned for announcements via Maxwell Wildlife Refuge’s Facebook page or via its blog.
FINAL THOUGHTS
My time at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge was one I’ll never forget because it connected me with the Kansas prairie in a way I’ve never experienced before. I suspect you’ll feel the same after your visit.
A family-friendly activity, Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie is the ideal way to celebrate the season.
When visiting Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, consider exploring nearby towns to grab a meal and see the sites.
Use my travel guides, Must-Visit Places in McPherson, Kansas for a Day Trip and 10 Outdoor Activities That Make Lindsborg, Kansas Unique as inspiration for a day trip.
The seaside restaurant is known for its extensive menu of rum drinks and fresh seafood, which have received rave reviews. It was incredibly windy, so we dined indoors near a window. The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to review the menu with us and give her recommendations.
We knew we were in the right place. I ordered a cucumber mojito and a seared tuna appetizer. Tossed in peanut vinaigrette, the chilled rice noodles, veggies, and herbs paired nicely with the seared tuna. It was a large meal for one diner, yet perfect for sharing for two people. The mussels appetizer was tasty but wasn’t nearly as large a portion.
If you can, visit Doc Ford’s near St. Pete’s Pier. It’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The deck seating area is a choice spot for snapping a photo with Tampa Bay in the background
We hopped on a free shuttle from the gateway to Pier Teak, a rooftop bar serving cocktails and beer. The view of the city’s skyline was in the background as sailboats and yachts sat docked near shore. We admired the city’s architecture noting a contrast between modern skyscrapers and Art Deco, brightly painted buildings.
Level 2 of the St. Pete Pier is the Driftwood Cafe. It is quaint in size and offers vast views of the bay in a cozy setting. We found ourselves inside Pier Gear & Gifts on Level 1. After purchasing new sunglasses, we headed outside to the fishing deck.
If you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the option to catch fresh seafood and clean it on-site. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells last-minute fishing supplies if you find yourself in need.
Further down the pier’s walkway, we discovered the Family Park with a splash pad nearby. Families stood in line for ice cream at a nearby creamery. The weather might have been windy, but the sun was shining, and everyone was enjoying themselves.
Whether relaxing in an Adirondack chair in the shade under a canopy of palm trees or watching children play on the beach, you’ll find more than enough to do on a good weather day. Adults can peruse the Marketplace to shop from local vendors, while art enthusiasts can seek out 
I particularly appreciated “Morning Stars,” a mosaic mural of geometric shapes created by artist Xenobia Bailey. As I walked back and forth, it appeared as if the shapes took their own movement.
A visit to St. Pete isn’t complete without spending time at the pier. Parking at St. Pete Pier requires payment, but it’s inexpensive. Once you park, make a note of the parking space number and walk to a payment kiosk to deposit $4 for two hours. It’s a small price for access to pristine beaches and the pier’s grounds.
We stopped by 
Known for serving craft beer, mead, and cider, Green Bench’s slogan is “It’s more than beer. It’s community.” If you’re unsure what to order, they’re happy to pour you a sample or two. The menu is constantly changing. The staff goes out of their way to make patrons feel right at home.
Several group members ordered the Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mayo, and mojo served on crusty bread. The sandwich’s flavor was no joke. I could’ve easily eaten another one. Latin pop music played over the stereo. It was a festive experience.
Pro Tip: When visiting Bodega, order at the window on the sidewalk. They will give you a number to take to the table, and servers will run your food. View the menu 
I settled for the Fish & Chips, which arrived at our table piping hot. The Garlic Steamed Middle Neck Clams didn’t last long either. Other good-looking menu items included Mahi Mahi Tacos and the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll.
I chose the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs served with fresh fruit and toast. Our family seemed just as happy with their menu selections ranging from chocolate chip pancakes for the kids to omelets and breakfast skillet meals. The server was a pro at managing a bustling restaurant, ringing orders, and attending to our needs. The restaurant experience was 5 stars.
Highlights of the world-class aquarium include listening to animal handlers as they feed turtles, fish, and dolphins. Also serving as an animal hospital, many exhibits showcase information on the walls about each animal in captivity and their rehabilitation story.
We took the aquarium at our own pace rather than booking an animal experience session. However, if you’d like to get an up-close look at what it is to care for dolphins or have a photo moment with one, you can book a hands-on Animal Care Experience 
Pro Tip: If you arrive in your vehicle, you can go ahead and park in the nearby parking garage. Ticketing is on the third level near the entrance. We parked in the neighborhood and walked to the aquarium’s third level to purchase admission. You can plan your visit and get directions to the aquarium 
A popular destination for anglers, you can fish from the pier if you pay for admission. It’s the spot to see dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and other fish like grouper and snapper. 
Pro Tip: Parking at Pier 60 requires depositing money at a pay station. Be prepared to deposit $4 per hour at nearby lots. A downtown-to-beach trolley runs every 30 minutes Monday-Thursday, and every 15 minutes Friday-Sunday.
Popular with tourists and locals, the restaurant is known for its fresh gulf grouper dishes, fish tacos, and Boom Boom Shrimp Bites. I opted for a House Salad with Blackened Mahi. The Stuffed Flounder and Clam Chowder were other menu items that caught my eye for a future visit.
Pro Tip: To get a sneak peek of the restaurant’s upper deck view, check out their live web cam 
For travelers in search of indoor exercise options, the hotel features a pool and fitness center. Loungers will appreciate the outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. If you’re in search of a quick bite to eat, The Bistro has food to go plus Starbucks drinks.
The hotel had the amenities I needed as a writer like high-speed WiFi and a spacious lobby with a business center to get work done. Its modern amenities, friendly staff, and quiet quarters made my stay worthwhile. When in Junction City, I know you’ll be pleased with your accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott.
It’s a place where soldiers get combat-ready and train to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Many of the town’s residents are soldiers and it’s common to see men and women in uniform enjoying civilian life out and about in town. So, it makes perfect sense that the town recognizes past and present soldiers at many of its attractions.
