Journey Through the Tallgrass: Experience ‘Stepping into the Prairie’ at FHDC

The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) is set to unveil its latest temporary exhibit, Stepping into the Prairie, on November 16, 2024. This innovative installation promises to immerse visitors in the enchanting world of the tallgrass prairie through cutting-edge interactive video technology.

A Digital Exploration of the Prairie

Designed as a modern-day “digital field guide,” Stepping into the Prairie condenses the four seasons of the prairie ecosystem into an engaging ten-minute experience. Guests are invited to witness the vibrant flora and fauna that characterize this unique landscape, providing a glimpse into the changing prairie throughout the year.

Visitors will find themselves engaged in a variety of interactive features, such as:

• Interacting with a digitally rendered tallgrass prairie that transforms with day and night cycles.
• Jumping and waving their hands to see how plants and animals respond to their movements, fostering a dynamic connection with nature.
• Experiencing the thrill of stepping across a virtual field, where every footstep generates the visual effect of a prairie fire.
• Following animal tracks to observe wildlife scurrying through the grass, enhancing awareness of local biodiversity.
• Assisting a dung beetle to find its burrow through guided movement.
• Engaging creativity by designing their own prairie creatures in the “Paint the Prairie” interactive.

“The Stepping into the Prairie exhibit is a true original, combining the latest in immersive exhibit technology with the timeless qualities of the tallgrass prairie. Every visitor, young and old, will see the Flint Hills in a whole new light after they see this digital prairie transform before their very eyes.” – Stephen Bridenstine, Interim Director of FHDC

Funding the Vision

The creation of Stepping into the Prairie was made possible through a collaborative funding effort involving Kansas Tourism and the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation. Securing a Tourism Attraction Sub-Grant for Kansas (TASK) from Kansas Tourism, the FHDC received $200,000 in funding towards the project. Complementing this grant, the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation matched this amount, culminating in a total project cost of $400,000.

“Stepping into the Prairie is the latest investment by the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation in the guest experience at the Discovery Center. We couldn’t be more excited about this new immersive teaching tool that will inspire all who experience it to grow in their love and appreciation for our beloved Flint Hills.” – Jack Lindquist, President of FHDC Foundation

A Gift to Nature Lovers

The funding for the TASK program stems from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) under their Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation state grants. Among a select group of just eight Kansas sites, the FHDC stands out as a destination dedicated to educational experiences that engage and inspire individuals about local ecosystems.

Stepping into the Prairie invites all to partake in its interactive journey through the heart of the Flint Hills from November 16, 2024, through May 18, 2025. This stimulating experience is an investment in local culture, education, and environmental awareness, promising to delight attendees of all ages.

An artful representation of the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.

The exhibit not only emphasizes the ecological importance of the prairie but also encourages a deeper understanding of the environmental issues facing such ecosystems today. As we step into this digital representation, we are reminded of the beauty and fragility of the natural world surrounding us. To explore this stunning new exhibit and deepen your appreciation for the Flint Hills, plan your visit to the Flint Hills Discovery Center today.

For more information about the FHDC and its exhibits, head to the Flint Hills Discovery Center website.