Enjoy some of the best birding in the Midwest! Located in the Missouri Coteau of the Central Flyway, our ranch hosts a mix of grasslands, wetlands and native prairie. Over 15 waterfowl species and a mix of shorebird species complement hundreds of upland and native grassland species. We are fortunate to be located in a prime birding area on the edge of the Coteau - and just minutes away from numerous state and federal wildlife areas open to the public, including the 30,000 acre Lonetree State Wildlife Area. We welcome beginning birders, advanced birders, wildlife photographers and prairie enthusiasts -- there's something for everyone.

Make Prairie Smoke Ranch Your Spring Birding Destination!

We've all enjoyed the occasional morning birdsong chorus in our backyards. But when your backyard is the Missouri Coteau be prepared for an avian orchestra. Hear the burble of Sharptailed Grouse mixed with the prehistoric cries of Sandhill Cranes and hundreds of waterfowl and shorebirds, each claiming their own piece of the prairie for all to hear. Everyone should experience a prairie dawn at least once in their lives -- on a real prairie shaped and etched by wind, rain squalls and sun over centuries.

Yes, the birds are here, but we also have everything else you need to make your spring birding adventure memorable -- a complete four-bedroom house with full kitchen, laundry and all the amenities is at your disposal during your stay. Spend a long weekend or better yet an entire week and reconnect with the prairie and its native residents. Armed with a lunch, beverages and some high quality optics, head out for a full day of birding then head back for a hearty meal and gather around the woodstove or campfire to compare notes from the day and update your Life List.