Elk City State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk City State Park |
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A trail bridge in Elk City State Park
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 Elk City State Park
Location in Kansas
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| Location | Montgomery, Kansas, United States |
| Area | 857 acres (347 ha) |
| Elevation | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Established | 1967 |
| Governing body | Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism |
Elk City State Park is a fun state park located in Montgomery County, Kansas, United States. It's found just west of a town called Independence. This park is a great place to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
The park covers about 857 acres (347 hectares) of land. Right next to it is the large Elk City Reservoir, which is a lake covering about 4,500 acres (1,800 hectares). There's also a huge Elk City Wildlife Area nearby, spanning about 12,000 acres (49 km²). These areas offer many chances to see animals and enjoy the outdoors.
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Discover Elk City State Park
Elk City State Park was created in 1967. It is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. This park is a wonderful spot for families and friends to spend time in nature. You can go fishing, hiking, and even spot some amazing wildlife.
Fishing Fun at Elk City Lake
The Elk City Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing. It's home to many different kinds of fish. If you enjoy fishing, you might catch:
Wildlife Watching in the Park
The Elk City Wildlife Area is a fantastic place to see animals in their natural home. Many different creatures live here. Keep your eyes open for:
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkey
- Bobwhite quail
- Cottontail rabbits
- Gray squirrels
- Prairie chicken
- Beaver
- Raccoon
- Bobcat
- Coyote
- Gray fox
- Opossum
- Mink
- Muskrat
Explore the Trails
Elk City State Park has a well-known system of trails. These paths let you explore the park's beautiful plants and animals. There are trails for all kinds of hikers:
- Green Thumb Nature Trail: This trail is about one mile long. It's a loop that starts at the Timber Road campground. You'll get amazing views of the lake from here.
- Table Mound Hiking Trail: This trail is about 2.75 miles (4.4 km) long. It runs north along the east side of the lake. It leads to a scenic spot at the dam.
- Post Oak Nature Trail: Found at the dam overlook, this trail is about 2/3 of a mile long. It's a short and sweet walk.
- South Squaw Multipurpose Trail: This trail is paved and easy to use for everyone. It's about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long.
- Elk River Hiking Trail: This longer trail is about 15 miles (24 km) long. It starts near the dam and follows the Elk River. It ends near the U.S. Route 160 bridge. It's a great choice for a longer adventure.
