It is located approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south of Manhattan, Kansas and its southern boundary parallels Interstate 70.

Average annual precipitation (32.9 in, 835 mm) is sufficient to support woodland or savanna vegetation; consequently, drought, fire and grazing are important in maintaining this grassland.

The site was established to provide a natural laboratory for the study of ecological patterns and processes in native tallgrass prairie ecosystems.

Key natural processes that regulate and sustain the tallgrass prairie are periodic fire, ungulate grazing, and a variable continental climate.

[11] Research has shown that reintroducing bison has long-term benefits as their presence makes the land more biodiverse and resilient to drought.

[3] Members of the public are allowed onto portions of the Konza Prairie through three loop hiking trails (approximately 2.6, 4.5, and 6 miles).