Cross Timbers State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cross Timbers State Park |
|
|---|---|
Cross Timbers State Park, March 2018
|
|
 Cross Timbers State Park
Location in Kansas
|
|
| Location | Woodson County, Kansas, Kansas, United States |
| Area | 1,075 acres (4.35 km2) |
| Elevation | 889 ft (271 m) |
| Governing body | Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism |
Cross Timbers State Park is a fun state park located in Woodson County, Kansas, United States. You can find it just south of the town of Toronto.
This park is a great place to explore nature. It sits among the rolling hills of the Verdigris River valley in southeast Kansas. The park covers about 1,075 acres (435 hectares). This area was known as the Cross Timbers region by early pioneers. It's also right next to the 4,600-acre (1,862-hectare) Toronto Wildlife Area. Plus, you can easily get to the 2,800-acre (1,133-hectare) Toronto Lake from the park.
Contents
Discover Cross Timbers State Park
Cross Timbers State Park is a special place where different types of land meet. It has forests, open grasslands, and hills covered in oak trees.
A Look at the Landscape
The park is in a beautiful river valley. The flat areas near the river are called flood plains. These are surrounded by grassy areas known as prairie. You'll also see hills with scattered oak trees, which are part of an oak savanna. This mix of habitats makes the park very diverse.
History of the Land
Long ago, this area was a favorite spot for Native Americans to hunt and camp. The Osage Nation especially used these lands. They found plenty of animals and resources here.
What Animals Live Here?
Cross Timbers State Park is home to many different animals. You might spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and raccoons. There are also smaller animals like quail, squirrels, rabbits, and doves. If you enjoy watching birds, you'll love the rich variety of songbirds that live in the park. It's a great place for wildlife observers and photographers.
Fun Activities at the Park
There are many exciting things to do at Cross Timbers State Park.
Fishing Adventures
The river in the park is a fantastic place for fishing. You can try to catch many different kinds of fish. Some common fish include white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. You might also find black bass, bluegill, and other types of sunfish. It's a great way to spend a relaxing day by the water.
Exploring and Observing
Besides fishing, you can explore the park's trails. You can hike through the different landscapes, from the forests to the prairies. It's a perfect spot to observe nature. Keep an eye out for the various birds and animals that call the park home. Remember to bring your camera if you like taking pictures of wildlife!
