When it’s cold outside, the last thing many of us want to do is go outside into the frigid air. But do you know what you’re missing? Winter in Kansas is a beautiful time. Our gorgeous state parks, all covered in snow, make the Sunflower State look like an absolute winter wonderland. These wonderful wintertime scenes are nothing short of enchanting, and you’ll want to get out there and enjoy them. No matter how low the mercury is on the thermometer, these state parks to visit in Kansas are at their most beautiful in the wintertime. Bundle up and happy exploring!

1. Cedar Bluff State Park: 32001 KS-147, Ellis, KS 67637
Cedar Bluff State Park- Bluffton Area, 32001 KS-147, Ellis, KS 67637, USA
Cedar Bluff State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook
Cedar Bluff State Park has more than a few campsites, but we don't know that winter in Kansas is the best time to enjoy them. After all, the ground gets quite cold. That doesn't mean that it's not a great time to stop by for a day visit. You can walk around this winter wonderland and enjoy the beauty of the 850-acre park. The icy trees and faded colors in the sky are a perfect winter scene for a brisk hike that will really get your blood flowing.
2. El Dorado State Park: 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA
Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - El Dorado State Park Facebook
El Dorado has got all sorts of wildlife roaming the area, particularly in the winter. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a family of deer, or even a coyote, if you're lucky. Crunching through the snow on the beautiful hiking trails is one of the best parts about exploring state parks in the winter. This park has over 4,000 acres, so there's a lot of room to explore.
3. Lake Scott State Park: 101 W Scott Lake Dr, Scott City, KS 67871
Lake Scott State Park, Beaver, KS 67871, USA
Friends of Lake Scott State Park Facebook
Lake Scott State Park has a ton of cool rock faces, which make it quite popular with photographers. We feel like it's most amazing in the wintertime, when the lake is frozen and everything is covered in snow. Of course, you can still enjoy the hiking trails and many historical sites around the park no matter what time of year it is!

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4. Tuttle Creek State Park: 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502
Tuttle Creek State Park, River Pond Road, Manhattan, KS, USA
Kansas Wildlife Parks & Tourism - Tuttle Creek State Park Facebook
Tuttle Creek is one of the best state parks to visit in Kansas. It's got some of the greatest sunsets in the state right along the stunning lakeside. You won't believe how magical the sun looks reflecting off the ice here. No matter how cold it is outside, a walk around this lake is romantic and exciting.
5. Kanopolis Lake State Park: 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464
Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
This place has some amazing hiking trails and caves, but have you ever been there right after it snows? The red rocks look so much brighter in the pristine winter scenery! Be careful, though... the trails get a little hard to hike if it's too slippery and icy.
6. Cross Timbers State Park: 144 KS-105, Toronto, KS 66777
Cross Timbers State Park, Kansas 105, Toronto, KS, USA
Cross Timbers State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook
Cross Timbers State Park is another one of our great parks that features a stunning lake. It's lined with trees that turn the whole area into a postcard-worthy wintry scene when they're covered in snow.
7. Clinton State Park: 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049
798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049
Clinton State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Facebook
This amazing state park is filled with beauty any time of year. When snow's still on the ground, don't forget to come check it out! There might not be tons of snow here, but a light dusting is all that you need to make for a beautiful scene.

New to winter in Kansas? You should definitely check out this handy guide that includes some tips about how it works here.

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Things To Do Outside In Kansas

Lisa Sammons | January 12, 2022

What are some more of the best parks in Kansas?

Did you know there are 28 state parks in Kansas? That's not even counting our many wonderful municipal parks! We feel like Milford State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the state.

What are some good hiking trails in Kansas?

Looking for great winter hikes in Kansas? There are plenty out there to explore! Check out this list we've compiled. There are plenty that are even more beautiful when covered in snow.

What is winter in Kansas like?

Winter in Kansas is generally mild compared to some other states, but we do at times have drastic temperature extremes. We've also had quite a few instances with extreme snowfall. For example, in 2011, we were hit with a horrific blizzard that resulted in record snowfall.

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