List of Kansas state parks facts for kids

Kansas is home to many amazing state parks, which are special places protected by the state government. These parks offer a chance to explore nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and learn about the environment. They are managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, making sure these beautiful areas are kept safe and fun for everyone.

Discovering Kansas State Parks

Kansas has many beautiful state parks. These parks are perfect for outdoor adventures. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, or just enjoy nature. Each park has its own unique features.

What are State Parks?

State parks are areas of natural beauty or historical importance. The state government protects them. They are open to the public for recreation and education. These parks help keep Kansas's natural places safe.

Fun Things to Do at State Parks

There are lots of activities you can do at Kansas state parks.

• Camping: Many parks have campsites for tents and RVs. It's a great way to spend a night under the stars.
• Hiking: Explore miles of trails. You can see different plants and animals.
• Fishing and Boating: Most parks are located near lakes or rivers. This makes them perfect for water sports.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and other animals. Remember to observe them from a distance.
• Picnics: Enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends.

A List of Kansas State Parks

Here is a list of some of the state parks in Kansas. Each park offers something special for visitors.

Park name	County or counties	Size	Elevation	Established	Image	Notes
							Cedar Bluff State Park	Trego	850 acres (344.0 ha)	2,185 ft (666 m)	1962		Known for its cool limestone bluffs.
Cheney State Park	Kingman, Reno	1,913 acres (774.2 ha)	1,450 ft (442 m)	1964		Great for sailing and fishing on Cheney Reservoir.
Clinton State Park	Douglas	1,500 acres (607.0 ha)	889 ft (271 m)	1975		Close to the city of Lawrence. It has a large lake.
Crawford State Park	Crawford	500 acres (202.3 ha)	994 ft (303 m)	1930s		One of the older state parks in Kansas.
Cross Timbers State Park	Woodson	1,075 acres (435.0 ha)	889 ft (271 m)			Features unique "cross timbers" forests.
Eisenhower State Park	Osage	1,785 acres (722.4 ha)	1,083 ft (330 m)			Named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
El Dorado State Park	Butler	4,500 acres (1,821.1 ha)	1,352 ft (412 m)			One of the largest state parks in Kansas.
Elk City State Park	Montgomery	857 acres (347 ha)	833 ft (254 m)			Offers trails and a scenic lake.
Fall River State Park	Greenwood	980 acres (396.6 ha)	955 ft (291 m)			Located along the Fall River.
Waconda Lake (Glen Elder Reservoir)	Mitchell, Osborne		1,456 ft (444 m)	1964		A popular spot for fishing and boating.
Hillsdale State Park	Miami		928 ft (283 m)	1994		A newer park with a large lake.
Kaw River State Park	Shawnee	76 acres (30.8 ha)		2010		A smaller park along the Kansas River.
Kanopolis State Park	Ellsworth	25,000+ acres	1,506 ft (459 m)	1948		Kansas's first state park. It has cool sandstone formations.
Lovewell State Park	Jewell	1,160 acres (469.4 ha)	1,601 ft (488 m)	1967		Located near the Nebraska border.
Meade State Park	Meade	803 acres (325.0 ha)	2,474 ft (754 m)	1927		One of the oldest parks, known for its spring-fed lake.
Milford Lake	Geary, Clay, Dickinson	33,000+ acres	1,148 ft (350 m)			The largest lake in Kansas.
Mushroom Rock State Park	Ellsworth	5 acres (2.0 ha)	488 m (1,601 ft)	1965		Famous for its unique mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Perry State Park	Jefferson		971 ft (296 m)	1968		A popular park for boating and fishing.
Pomona State Park	Osage	490 acres (198.3 ha)	1,024 ft ( 312 m)	1963		Offers a peaceful setting for camping.
Prairie Dog State Park	Norton	1,150 acres (465 ha)	2,352 ft (717 m)	1964		Originally called Norton Park. You might see prairie dogs here!
Prairie Spirit Trail State Park						A long trail for biking and walking.
Sand Hills State Park	Reno	1,123 acres (454 ha)	1,550 ft (472 m)	1974		Features unique sand dunes and grasslands.
Lake Scott State Park	Scott	1,280 acres (518 ha)	2,831 ft (863 m)	1928		Known for its beautiful lake and historical sites.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park	Logan	330 acres (130 ha)		2018		A newer park with amazing chalk rock formations.
Tuttle Creek Lake	Pottawatomie, Riley, Marshall	1,200 acres				A large lake with many recreational areas.
Webster State Park	Rooks	880 acres (356 ha)	1,932 ft (589 m)	1965		Located by Webster Reservoir.
Wilson State Park	Russell	945 acres (382 ha)	1,591 ft (485 m)	1966		Often called one of the most beautiful parks in Kansas.

See also

• List of U.S. national parks
• Big Basin Prairie Preserve