| |
Hunting and Fishing in Kansas
|
Clinton State Park
Located just eight miles from the University of Kansas, Clinton
State Park is snuggled among the rolling Osage Questas woodlands
west of Lawrence. The 7,000-acre Clinton Reservoir provides
clear water for boating, fishing, and swimming. Deer, rabbit,
squirrel, quail, and a variety of other wildlife thrive in the
11,000 acres of wildlife area surrounding the lake, including
nesting bald eagles. The park itself comprises about 1,500
acres. From the park, photographers, naturalists, horseback
riders, hikers, and campers all find a pleasant base for their
activities. A nearby marina accommodates the needs of boaters.
While water skiing is an obvious attraction to the area,
cross-country snow skiers also find Clinton State Park an ideal
spot for winter recreation. With 240 electrical hookups, 16 boat
ramp lanes, restrooms and showers, and a marina, Clinton offers
campers and boaters all they could ask for. For information
call: (785)842-8562
Pomona State Park
Unlike the famous California speedway of the same name, Pomona
State Park is a place to relax. The 500-acre park offers 47 full
service, 109 electrical only campsites, and more than 160
primitive campsites, teepee, as well as a marina with boat
rental. For anglers, the 4,000-acre reservoir is noted for great
crappie fishing and giant flathead catfish. In fact, the last
two state record flatheads were taken from this lake. Hunting
and wildlife watching are popular activities on the Corps of
Engineers wildlife area. A swimming beach and bathhouse are
located near one of several picnic areas, and picnic shelters
may be reserved. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are also
provided. During summer, educational programs are offered,
including a Junior Naturalist Program. For information call:
(785)828-4933
Glen Elder State Park
Nestled next to one of the largest and best fishing lakes in the
state, Glen Elder State Park not only offers outstanding outdoor
recreational opportunities for anglers, but swimming, bicycling,
horseshoes, volleyball, softball, boating, and water skiing are
also favorite activities. A marina makes outings on the lake a
simple matter. Equipment for volleyball and horseshoes is
available at the park office. For the lucky angler, a fish
cleaning station is also provided. One of the newest features of
the park is the Waconda Heritage Village, featuring the historic
Hopewell Church, which was moved to the park in late 1994 and
eventually will house restrooms, a storm shelter for campers,
space for an ecological exhibit, and a quaint setting for
weddings, reunions, and other activities. Future proposals for
the area include a full-scale replica of a sacred Indian meeting
place called Waconda Springs. For information call:
(785)545-3345
Hillsdale State Park
One of the newest parks in the state, Hillsdale provides a
much-needed retreat for urban dwellers. Located about 25 miles
southwest of Kansas City, opportunities abound for anglers,
boaters, campers, naturalists, hikers, horseback riders,
photographers, picnickers, and anyone looking for a break from
the bustle of the city. Situated in the transition zone between
tallgrass prairie and mixed hardwood forests, Hillsdale offers a
great diversity of plant and animal life. Migrating shorebirds
and waterfowl use the area as a rest stop. Songbirds, quail,
deer, bobcat, and furbearers all inhabit the area around the
park. Although the park is new and still being developed, a full
complement of facilities is available, including boat ramps,
improved camping areas, shower houses, and picnic shelters. For
information call: (913)783-4507
Eisenhower State Park
Named for Kansas' most famous native son, Eisenhower State Park
lies on the edge of Melvern Reservoir, which offers 6,900
surface acres for boating and fishing. This eastern Flint Hills
park also provides 195 electrical campsites and numerous other
facilities, and a marina nearby. The adjacent Melvern Wildlife
area harbors a variety of wildlife. Hunting is allowed except on
the 1,100 waterfowl refuge, which is open to wildlife viewing
except during the hunting season, when it is closed to all
activity. The park has a swimming beach, horseshoe pits, and
playground equipment, and an interpretive nature trail allows
visitors to take a one-half-mile self-guided walk. A 22-mile
horseback trail follows the south side of the lake. In the
summer, a variety of entertainment and educational programs take
place, including a Junior Naturalist Program. For information
call: (785)528-4102
|
|
|
|
|
|
