Northwest Kansas enjoys some of the crown jewels in the Kansas State Park System, including two of the country’s top bass fishing lakes — KEITH SEBELIUS RESERVOIR and WILSON RESERVOIR.
In Trego County, south of Interstate 70, the park consists of two areas, BLUFFTON and PAGE CREEK, on the 4,000-acre CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR. Anglers are drawn to the excellent fishing. High sandstone bluffs provide a stunning rustic setting. With 156 utility sites, 267 primitive camping sites, and 6 cabins, the park suits nearly any taste. Choose from lots of recreational opportunities including PA’S POND, a fishing hole for children and the disabled. Almost 9,000 acres in CEDAR BLUFF WILDLIFEAREA offer bountiful opportunities for hunters and wildlife watchers. Admire wildlife along the 5-mile AGAVE RIDGE TRAIL and read the historic travelers names carved into THRESHING MACHINE CANYON.
In Logan County, west of highway 83, these badlands in western Kansas are the ancient Niobrara Chalk formations left from when an inland sea covered Kansas territory. The soft limestone outcroppings are home to wildlife from bats and ferruginous hawks to snakes, toads and lizards, and plants found nowhere else in the world. Take the ¼-mile or the 1 ¼-mile hike and stop at the informational kiosks and overlooks offering amazing views into the badlands. Hikes into the formations are available. Tour schedule is available at Kansas Outdoor Events / KDWP Info / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com).
In Trego County, south of Interstate 70, the park consists of two areas, BLUFFTON and PAGE CREEK, on the 4,000-acre CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR. Anglers are drawn to the excellent fishing. High sandstone bluffs provide a stunning rustic setting. With 156 utility sites, 267 primitive camping sites, and 6 cabins, the park suits nearly any taste. Choose from lots of recreational opportunities including PA’S POND, a fishing hole for children and the disabled. Almost 9,000 acres in CEDAR BLUFF WILDLIFE AREA offer bountiful opportunities for hunters and wildlife watchers. Admire wildlife along the 5-mile AGAVE RIDGE TRAIL and read the historic travelers names carved into THRESHING MACHINE CANYON.
In Norton County, off highway 261, Prairie Dog State Park occupies 1,150 acres along Keith Sebelius Reservoir. The park is known for its prairie dog town with an estimated 300 prairie dogs. Fish for largemouth bass, wipers, crappie, channel catfish and saugeye. The park has a marina and boat access. On-site is also an archery range, a 1.4-mile PRAIRIE DOG NATURE TRAIL, and an 1890s ADOBE HOUSE. There are utility and primitive campsites. The adjacent NORTON WILDLIFE AREA offers 6,400 acres of good hunting prospects for pheasant, waterfowl and rabbits, deer and furbearers.
In Rooks County, off highway 24 In the Solomon River Valley’s Chalk Hills, Webster State Park occupies two tracts, OLDTOWN and GOOSE FLAT, totaling 880 acres.Webster is among Kansas’ top fishing spots. Campers choose from 36 fully-equippedcampsites or more than 100 primitive sites. Other amenities include showers, an amphitheater, baseball diamond, playground, archery range, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a three-mile COYOTE NATURE TRAIL. The WEBSTER WILDLIFE AREA covers 8,018 acres featuring white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, and more.
In Rooks County, off highway 24 In the Solomon River Valley’s Chalk Hills, Webster State Park occupies two tracts, OLDTOWN and GOOSE FLAT, totaling 880 acres. Webster is among Kansas’ top fishing spots. Campers choose from 36 fully-equippedcampsites or more than 100 primitive sites. Other amenities include showers, an amphitheater, baseball diamond, playground, archery range, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a three-mile COYOTE NATURE TRAIL. The WEBSTER WILDLIFE AREA covers 8,018 acres featuring white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, and more.
In Russell County, north of Interstate 70, the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park’s 945 acresconsist of two areas, HELL CREEK and OTOE, south of the 9,000-acre Wilson Reservoir. The reservoir is a stopover for many migratory birds. The park has three campgrounds, SYLVAN PARK, MINOOKA PARK and LUCAS PARK. Utility and primitive campsites, day-use areas, swimming beach, boating access, marina and trails provide ample services. The 25.5-mile SWITCHGRASS BIKE TRAIL in the Hell Creek area received Kansas’ first “Epic Award” from the International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2012. Hiking trails include the 1-mile accessible CEDAR TRAIL and DAKOTA TRAIL, the 2-mile PRAIRIE FIRE TRAIL, the 3/4-mile BUR OAK NATURE TRAIL and MINOOKA HIKING TRAIL, and 3 1 ⁄2-mile ROCKTOWN HIKING TRAIL. Wilson is famous for striped bass and walleye fishing. The state records for striped bass and walleye were both caught in Wilson. The adjacent 8,096-acre WILSON WILDLIFE AREA holds a waterfowl refuge and offers hunting for waterfowl, deer, turkey and upland birds.
For information about all the Kansas State Parks, visit: Locations / State Parks / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com)
