7 Lesser-Known State Parks In Kansas That Will Absolutely Amaze You
Does exploring Kansas ever get old? It doesn’t matter if you’ve had the same park in your backyard for your entire life, the best state parks to visit in Kansas still provide great adventure even on the hundredth visit. No matter what time of year you visit, these seven lesser-known state parks in Kansas are great additions to your bucket list. They’re just amazing as their more popular counterparts, and best of all, you’re likely to find fewer crowds and more tranquility at them! Check them out:
1. Fall River State Park - 144 Highway 105, Toronto, KS, 66777
Located snugly between the Cross Timbers region and a lot of grassland, this state park is the perfect mix of both types of environment. Take a canoe along Fall River, or explore some of the 980 acres on six hiking trails instead. There's nothing like encountering native wildlife from afar instead of staying tucked away at home. This oasis is one of the best parks in Kansas and we feel it deserves way more attention.
2. Eisenhower State Park - 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS, 66523
Eisenhower State Park, 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS 66523, USA
Just look at that gorgeous lake! Eisenhower State Park offers about 1,785 acres of camping areas and some of the best hiking trails in Kansas. Some of the trails are even accessible by horses if you're a rider. There's a swimming beach, a volleyball area, disc golf, and plenty of other warm weather activities to participate in here. What more could you need? The park is conveniently located close to both Topeka and Emporia. There's so much to do here!
3. Lovewell State Park - 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS, 66970
Lovewell State Park, 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS 66970, USA
Lovewell is a state park where camping, fishing, and wildlife activities abound. There's plenty of shade, as well as hookups for campers if you'd rather not rough it out in a tent. Find more information on the park's Facebook page.
4. Prairie Dog State Park - 13037 KS-261, Norton, KS, 67654
This beautiful state park offers cabins as well as camping areas, and plenty to do around the park. There are two 19th-century buildings preserved here. There's also a 1.4-mile hiking trail to help you explore the wildlife area. It's a smaller park, but that doesn't mean there's not plenty here to love. One of the main attractions here is the prairie dogs that the park is named for. They're such cute little critters!
5. Sand Hills State Park - 4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS, 67502
Sand Hills State Park, 4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA
Sand Hills State Park covers 1,123 acres of natural grounds. It's an excellent spot for hiking and horseback riding. However, you can also enjoy wildflower walks and plain ol' relaxation at one of their camping areas. This is definitely one of the best state parks to visit in Kansas!
At this park, there are more than 12,000 acres of park and wildlife area, all ready for you to explore. The large reservoir is surrounded by plenty of original timber, and offers boating and fishing all through the warm months. There are also about 32 miles of marked equestrian trails, as well as regular hiking trails for you to explore while you're here. Find out more at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' website .
7. Pomona State Park - 22900 KS-368, Vassar, KS, 66543
Pomona State Park, 22900 KS-368, Vassar, KS 66543, USA
Another smaller park, this 490-acre area on the shore of the reservoir is a great spot for a camping trip. There's plenty of shade to sit underneath, and it's always nice to stay at the lake where you can get up early and cast a line for some fish. You may know this park by its former name, Vassar.
Got any more state parks to visit in Kansas? Share them in the comments, we always love travel suggestions!
Address: Hillsdale State Park, Richland, KS 66071, USA
Address: Eisenhower State Park, 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS 66523, USA
Address: Fall River State Park, Fall River, KS 67047, USA
Address: Lovewell State Park, 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS 66970, USA
Address: Pomona State Park, 22900 KS-368, Vassar, KS 66543, USA
Address: Sand Hills State Park, 4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA
Address: Prairie Dog State Park, Norton, KS 67654, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things To Do Outside In Kansas
January 18, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more of the best parks in Kansas?
There are so many fantastic parks in Kansas just waiting to be explored. Check out these ten state parks. They’ve got a variety of outdoor activities, like fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, plus many offer overnight accommodations!
What are some more things to do outside in Kansas?
What are some of the best hiking trails in Kansas?
No matter your skill level, there are plenty of great hiking trails in Kansas. Check out this bucket list of 11 of our favorite hikes in Kansas. There’s no place like Kansas, that’s for sure.
Address: Hillsdale State Park, Richland, KS 66071, USA
Address: Eisenhower State Park, 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS 66523, USA
Address: Fall River State Park, Fall River, KS 67047, USA
Address: Lovewell State Park, 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS 66970, USA
Address: Pomona State Park, 22900 KS-368, Vassar, KS 66543, USA
Address: Sand Hills State Park, 4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA
Address: Prairie Dog State Park, Norton, KS 67654, USA
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Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during her time here in the Sunflower State, mostly in the south central area. Clarisa is a stay-at-home mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, and has been writing anything and everything since she's held a pencil, though Kansas and fantasy novels take up most of her time.
