Upland Sandpiper, Henslow’s and LeConte’s Sparrow, Northern Harrier, and Short-eared Owl 

As late as 2000, about 40 Greater Prairie-Chickens were resident and viewed on the lek at Golden Prairie. With the extirpation of that population, birding visits to the site have been few and have produced fewer reports. Birders are missing some great opportunities here.

The original 320 acres were saved by MPF between 1970 and 1975, and was declared a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in May 1975. To the west of the original site, 480 acres are cooperatively managed by the neighboring landowner, thus comprising 1,100 acres managed as unit. Management activities include controlled burns, haying and seed harvest.

There are both natural and restored unglaciated prairie tracts, two natural springs and two man-made ponds. About 250 plant species have been identified here. There are two gravel parking areas.