official
k a n s a s
guide
outdoors 2013
Find your Outdoor Destination
11
Byways
in Kansas
see
Camping
kansas department of wildlife, parks and tourism
T
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
This Kansas. This isis Kansas. Kansas is a sportsman’s paradise. We have more diversity
in the entire state as well as the quail season, which was
in our hunting than most other states in the country, great
formerly 11 days. Today the state also offers hunting
fishing opportunities and numerous other activities that
seasons of prairie chicken, turkey, deer and antelope.
make Kansas a four-season destination. Adding to the hunting opportunities, over 1 million acres The land and habitat of Kansas east to west and north
of public access Walk-In Hunting Areas (WIHA), private
to south add to the state’s outdoor wonder. Our natural
land and numerous privately controlled shooting areas
diversity in landscape, altitude and weather is a great base
are available.
from which to build—and we have built. In the last 65 years we have added or built 104 public wildlife areas, 40 state
Fishing in Kansas is plentiful in our federal reservoirs
fishing lakes, 25 state parks, 24 federal reservoirs and
and state lakes and community fishing lakes because of
233 community lakes. We have created Prairie Spirit Trail,
the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s
Kaw River State Park and numerous equestrian, walking
four hatcheries and fish management programs. Private
and bike trails throughout our state and community parks.
landowners have also enrolled ponds in the walk-in fish program across the state.
If you can’t find something fun to do in the Kansas outdoors, you are not looking very hard. Recently the Kansas River
Traditionally hunting, fishing and water recreation have
was designated a National River Trail, only the second one
been the popular attractions among Kansas’ outdoor
in the nation. The Flint Hills/Tallgrass Prairie is gaining
recreation, but times are changing. Hiking, biking,
attention nationally and offers a unique experience of our
paddling, birding and even extreme sports are drawing
natural resources and our state’s heritage.
visitors to Kansas.
Hunting is a given in Kansas, but it has not always been
Diverse types of recreation need a diverse landscape and
that way.
opportunity—which are found in Kansas.
Sixty-five years ago pheasant season ran from October 30
Sincerely,
to November 3 in 47 counties. Now it runs three months
Robin Jennison, KDWPT Secretary
3
in this issue
2013
15 Four Seasons of Fishing With an abundance of fish and gorgeous scenery, Kansas is home to more than 24 Federal reservoirs, 40 state fishing lakes, over 200 community lakes, and more than 10,000 miles of streams and rivers. Words by Elizabeth Peterson
18
Game on
d e p a r t m e n t s
Kansas Outdoors
f e a t u r e s
to do 06 | Kansas’ Byways
See a varied and exceptional Kansas on the road Words by Patsy Terrell
water 10 | The Water’s Wave
You don’t need to hit the coast for thrilling aquatic adventures Words by Sarah Hawbaker
Kansas offers some of the best hunting in the nation
camp
Words by David Zumbaugh
11 | Kansas Under the Stars
Words by Amy Bickel
The Sunflower State is unexpectedly rich in regional outdoor adventures.
29
trails 12 | Take A Hike!
32 Hospitality for hunters
hit the hills See the Flint Hills Nature Trail from bike, horseback or foot
Hunker down at one of Kansas’ lodges offering education, supplies and amenities
Words by Kimberly Winter Stern
Words by Carolyn Kaberline
Sam Brownback Governor
Robin Jennison
www.sunflowerpub.com Lawrence, Kansas
Design & Production
Katy Ibsen
KDWPT Secretary
Managing Editor
Becky Blake
Shelly Bryant
Director Tourism Division
Richard Smalley
Designer/Art Director
Bert Hull
Marketing Manager
General Manager
Jennifer Haugh
Joanne Morgan
Editor
Advertising Sales
Kansas Outdoors (ISSN 0022-8435) is published by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism 1020 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200 Topeka, KS 66612 (785) 296-3479 TTY Hearing Impaired: (785) 296-3487. Periodical postage paid at Topeka, KS, and at additional mailing offices.
Explore the diverse beauty of the Sunflower State’s many trails Words by Doug Vance
in every issue 03 | Letter 38 | Resource Guide 46 | Map
Please address publication inquiries to: Toll-free: (800) 678-6424 Kansas Outdoors, 1020 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200 Topeka, KS 66612
official
k a n s a s
guide
outdoors 2013
Find your OutdOOr destinatiOn
Camping in Kansas
11
see
Regional Destinations
23
Take a day (and a night) away at one of the state’s many camping getaways
Byways
04
Website: www.ksoutdoors.com Please mail all editorial inquiries to: Kansas Outdoors, 1020 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612 e-mail: ksmagazine@sunflowerpub.com
kansas department of wildlife, parks and tourism
cover photo by
Wilson Lake, Scott Bean
The articles and photographs that appear in Kansas Outdoors may not be broadcast, published or otherwise reproduced without the express written consent of Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism or the appropriate copyright owner. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Additional restrictions may apply.
06
Kansas Outdoors
2013
Kansas’ Byways See a varied and exceptional Kansas on the road
Kansas is host to eight scenic byways and three historic byways highlighting the state’s wonders. Beautiful vistas beckon a stop along the way to fully appreciate the abundant wildlife and rich history of the state. Regardless of the season, there’s something magical to enjoy. Follow in the footsteps of cowboys, soldiers and pioneers
The Western Vistas Historic Byway was
Words by Patsy Terrell
Photographs by Michael C. Snell
the first historic byway in Kansas. The
Western Vistas Historic Byway
102-mile route shares human and natural history. Once covered by a primordial sea, this area is now a shortgrass prairie. The plains are punctuated with buttes and chalk formations that were once the ocean floor. Scott State Park offers ideal fishing opportunities for crappie, catfish and bass. Fossil hunters have been traveling this area since the 1870s, and their finds have contributed significantly to science with previously unknown
Communities Along the Way Oakley, Russell Springs, Scott City, Sharon Springs, Wallace, Winona What to see Fort Wallace Museum – Tour interpretative displays and see the Pond Creek Stagecoach Station, one of the oldest buildings between Leavenworth and Denver. Monument Rocks National Landmark - Large chalk formations, rich in fossils that formed approximately 80 million years ago. Where to Eat Colonial Steakhouse, Oakley
and extinct animals including flying
(785) 672-4720
reptiles and toothed birds. It is one
www.colonialsteakhouse.com
of the premier fossil hunting areas in
Family-style buffet and homemade soups.
the world. Where to Stay The byway also travels through the
The Guesthouse Bed and Breakfast, Scott City
country that gave the “Wild West”
(620) 872-3559
its name. Follow in the footsteps of
www.guesthousebandb.com
Buffalo Bill Cody and explore Fort
Charming 1900 Victorian hideaway with a mystical
Wallace, “the fightin-est Fort in the West.” Battle Canyon is the site of the last conflict between American Indians (the Cheyenne) and United
to do
http://ksbyways.org/western_vistas
who have come before. Pause for a delicious meal or a memorable stay along the way.
States troops.
courtyard area.
http://ksbyways.org/glacial_hills
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
077
Glaciers once covered the northeast corner of Kansas; they left behind a unique landscape of wooded hills, clear streams and fertile farmland that defines the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway. The byway begins in Leavenworth and travels north. Members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition celebrated the first Independence Day of their journey in 1804 near what is now Atchison. Two years later on their return trip they collected the last botanical
Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
specimen of the journey near Leavenworth. The Glacial Hills region includes one of the most famous Pony Express routes as well as Fort Leavenworth, the oldest Army post in continuous existence, west of the Mississippi River. Benedictine Bottoms, Atchison State Fishing Lake and Warnock Lake near Atchison are all ideal locations for viewing wildlife.
Communities Along the Way Atchison, Fort Leavenworth, Highland, Lansing, Leavenworth, Troy, White Cloud What to See
Where to stay Tuck U Inn at Glick Mansion, Atchison
Where to eat The Corner Pharmacy, Leavenworth
(913) 367-9110
(913) 682-1602
www.glickmansion.com
Homemade pie and hand-dipped malts
Featured in Midwest Living, this bed
Four-state Lookout – Overlook shows
and breakfast is Old World elegance
Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa
with modern convenience.
are specialties at this old-fashioned soda fountain.
Kansas byways
Western Vistas Historic Byway Smoky Valley Scenic Byway Post Rock Scenic Byway Prairie Trail Scenic Byway Glacial Hills Scenic Byway Frontier Military Historic Byway Native Stone Scenic Byway Flint Hills National Scenic Byway Kansas Historic Route 66 Byway Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway
historic byways
Scenic Byways
Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
Historic Byways
Frontier Military Historic Byway Mine Creek Battlefield – Learn about one of the largest cavalry battles in the Civil War.
Route 66 Historic Byway 4 Women on the Route, Home of “Tow Tater,” the inspiration for “Mater” in the movie Cars.
Western Vistas Historic Byway The Buffalo Bill Cultural Center offers exhibits on Buffalo Bill and visitor information in this 8,000 square-foot center. Don’t miss the beautiful bronze sculptures.
www.ksbyways.org
to do
For those seeking a byway that reveals history, culture and a unique experience, consider traveling the Frontier Military Historic Byway, Western Vistas Historic Byway or the Route 66 Historic Byway. These three byways highlight parts of Kansas that add to its slice of Americana and the Midwest. By visiting Kansas Byways online you can download itineraries, see photos, learn about highlights and get a map.
08
Kansas Outdoors
2013 The Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway is anchored by two prairie marshes,
Visit www.ksbyways.org to learn about other exciting Byways in Kansas, including:
Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in the north and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in the south. These international treasures are on the central flyway and host millions of migrating birds each year, including waterfowl, shorebirds,
Prairie Trail Scenic Byway Travelers can see elk and bison at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. McPherson State Lake, Kanopolis Lake and Mushroom State Park provide even more opportunities to get up-close to nature.
and even endangered whooping cranes. The diversity of prairie marsh habitat is evident because Cheyenne Bottoms is a fresh-water marsh and Quivira is a salt-water marsh. Both have driving trails and observation areas. Quivira also has walking trails and photo
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway A highlight is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City. Tallgrass is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, with only about 4 percent remaining around the globe. Hiking trails are open 24 hours a day, year-round.
blinds, as well as public hunting and fishing access. The region has been named one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas. The 77-mile byway in central Kansas includes more than 60,000 acres of wetlands. The area is home to 23 species of mammals, 19 species of reptiles and nine species of amphibians. Wheat fields dot the landscape
Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway Sights include ancient floodplains, buttes, canyons, mesas and sinkholes. Sometimes referred to as the Red Hills, in honor of the red shale and sandstone formations, the rugged landscape includes beautiful vistas, plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities and two scenic overlooks offering panoramic views.
formed by ancient and ongoing geological movement as travelers pass through seven rural communities. Communities Along the Way Claflin, Ellinwood, Great Bend, Hoisington, Hudson, St. John, Stafford What to see Kansas Wetlands Education Center tells the
Native Stone Scenic Byway The flint rock embedded in the limestone inspired the area’s name, and the beautiful grasslands draw people back to the area. The 48 miles of the Native Stone Scenic Byway goes through much of this natural beauty.
story of Cheyenne Bottoms, the wetlands and its wildlife. A nature trail and a handicap accessible boardwalk through the woods are available. The visitor center is a great resource for information on hiking, biking, camping, boating, fishing and more. Central Kansas Raptor Rehab Education Facility in Great Bend allows people to
to do
Smoky valley Scenic Byway The Smoky Valley Scenic Byway takes travelers through 60 miles of west-central Kansas. The Smoky Hills earned their name because they appear hazy at sunrise and sunset. Unique for its division between two distinct kinds of prairie, the area also boasts wildflowers such as sage, coneflowers and yucca mix with native grasses.
observe the rehabilitation of these birds. The Nature Conservancy Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve in Hoisington
http://ksbyways.org/wetlands_and_wildlife
Post Rock Scenic Byway Six miles of the byway is adjacent to the Wilson Lake recreational area. Scenic turnoffs overlook the dam and give views of the lake and valley beyond. Trails, picnic areas and campgrounds are also available.
Where to Eat Curtis Café, Stafford (620) 234-5644 Famous for homemade pie and puzzles that line the wall. Where to Stay The Henderson House Inn and Retreat Center, Stafford (620) 234-6936 www.hendersonbandb.com This is an assortment of four country homes and a historic church, offering opportunity for large and small groups; there are 18 rooms with private baths.
Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway
The land of wide-open spaces and friendly faces, of beautiful sunsets and star-filled nights.
Sherman County Convention & Visitors Bureau
cvb@goodlandnet.com www.visitgoodland.com 785-890-3515 or 888-824-4222
Goodland is a unique High Plains community that you will want to become acquainted with.
10
Kansas Outdoors
2013
The water’s wave
You don’t need to hit the coast for thrilling aquatic adventures Getting out and exploring the aquatic activities across the state can be fun for all ages. From families with young children to college students and retirees, Kansas’ lakes, reservoirs and rivers can provide hours of fun and relief from those hot, summer days. Some activities, such as canoeing and kayaking, can also be enjoyed during offseason months.
Ninnescah Sailing Association at Cheney State Park
Kansas Rivers
The Ninnescah Sailing Association
as adventurous as you want it to
west of Wichita offers sailing
be. But be careful, most of the
lessons, sail boat rides, racing and
streams and rivers in Kansas are
more. The Junior Sailing program
privately owned, which means
offers young sailors a chance to
permission is needed by the
learn, compete and have fun.
landowner.
Venturing out onto a Kansas river or stream can be as relaxing or
www.ninnescah.org Locations: On the water:
Public rivers include the Kansas,
Cheney Reservoir is known as
Arkansas and Missouri. Kansas
one of the premier locations in
River, or the Kaw as it’s commonly
the U.S. for sailing, kite-boarding
known, begins near Junction City
and windsurfing, being ranked
and flows 173 miles to Kansas
one of the 10 windiest lakes by
City. Here it meets up with the
Windsurfing Magazine. For this
Missouri River, which makes up
reason, regattas are held nearly
the northeast border of our state.
every weekend.
The Arkansas River, which is the sixth-longest river in the world,
Where to eat:
enters the state through Hamilton
Hank is Wiser Brewery in Cheney.
County in the west and flows east
Family-owned and operated, the
and then south, exiting the state
brewpub offers a delicious menu
through Cowley County.
and seven house beers. (316) 542-0113,
On the water:
www.hankiswiserbrewery.com
Float trips, canoeing and kayaking
Noteworthy:
rivers, with access points scattered
If you head out to Lake Scott
Open Thursday through Sunday,
throughout. For those seeking
the third weekend of August
KC Watersports in Paola
a challenge and a few thrills,
you can take a break from the
offers lessons, training camps,
whitewater kayaking is an excellent
water and enjoy the Lake Scott
competitions and just plain fun at
choice, with rapids ranging from
The Lake Scott State Park and
Rod & Run Show at Scott City
the cable wake park.
leisurely to class III and IV.
Wildlife Area near Scott City
Park hosted by the Lake Scott
is made up of natural springs
Car Club. www.facebook.com/
On the water:
River Resources:
lakescottcarclub
The cable wake park’s “cable system
These organizations not only offer
tows up to six wakeboarders, skiers
a wealth of information such as
or kneeboarders at the same time
access points and water conditions,
without the use of a boat,” according
but also offer organized float trips
Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis,
to the KC Watersports website.
and information about renting
as its name suggests, boasts
Riders are able to rent all needed
canoes and kayaks.
building, the Beach House,
tall, limestone bluffs, making
gear onsite and can be of any skill
rents canoes and paddleboats
for a scenic experience.
level. KC Watersports is also adding
* Friends of the Kaw
an area specifically for stand-up
www.kansasriver.org
Lake Scott State Park and Wildlife Area Western Kansas has some of the most enjoyable waters.
nestled among weathered bluffs and canyons—creating an oasis among the western plains. On the water: A privately operated concessions
Cedar Bluff Reservoir
in season, which are perfect On the water:
paddle boarding.
* Arkansas River Coalition
camp and fish but also desire
Here, boaters tend to gather
www.kcwatersports.com
www.arkriver.org
to take the kids out onto the
in the Page Creek area of the
Association
water
Words by Sarah Hawbaker
for families who may come to
* Kansas Canoe and Kayak
water. Other than fishing
reservoir where the crowds
boats, these rentable canoes
are thinner. This area, which
Visit Hillsdale Bank Bar B.Q. for
is less developed than the
award-winning barbeque served
* Kansas Whitewater
watercraft allowed on the water,
Bluffton Area, is also popular
out of a historic State Bank
Association
making it a great family-friendly
with jet skiers.
building. Open Friday-Sunday,
www.kansaswhitewater.org
and paddleboats are the only
environment.
Where to eat:
www.kansascanoe.org
March-November. (913) 783-4333,
* Wichita Area Paddlers
www.hillsdalebankbarbq.com
www.wichitapaddler.com
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism along with the U.S. Corps of
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism - www.ksoutdoors.com
Engineers are committed to the safe use of Kansas’ rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Travel Kansas - www.TravelKS.com
Make the most of your water sports by being familiar with lake and reservoir polices.
Photographs: TravelKS.com (2)
are available on all three of these
KC Watersports
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
11
Kansas under the stars Get in the know
John Redmond, Marion and Council Grove reservoirs are operated entirely by the U.S. Corps
Take a day (and a night) away at one of the state’s many camping getaways
nearly all of the 40 state fishing lakes offer free primitive camping. Highlights among Kansas’ camping include Chase State Fishing Lake in the scenic Flint Hills, which offers free primitive campsites
of Engineers, and all have electrical hookups.
around the 109-acre lake in Chase County.
Fees vary at private parks and city-managed areas.
Meanwhile, in western Kansas, Clark State
Utility campsite fees at state parks vary
Fishing Lake in the western part of the state
depending on number of hookups. Visitors also
emerges amid a terrain of flat crop fields
must have a daily or annual motor vehicle permit,
and pastures. The fishing lake offers several
which varies with the season.
places for primitive camping in the Bluff Creek Canyon. Primitive campsites at McPherson State Fishing
Most primitive campsites have vaulted toilets
Lake, which sits in the middle of 2,254 acres
but no showers or electrical hookups.
of rolling native prairie in the Smoky Hills of
Camping at a state park or Corps of Engineers-
McPherson County, is also a wildlife refuge that
operated area includes family showers and
is home to nearly 200 head of buffalo (but are
flush toilets.
separated from campers).
Daily campsite permits are $8 during the prime Outdoor enthusiasts looking to camp can even
season—April 1 through September 30. During the off-season permits are $7 at most state parks.
At home in an RV
access camping along the state’s three public
It seems more travelers are untethering
waterways—the Missouri, Arkansas and the
themselves from stationary living to seek
Kansas rivers.
adventure with the flexibility to change locations
Cabin fever
About half of the state park cabins are
whenever they desire aboard an RV. Kansas
accessible to those with disabilities.
has 25 state parks that offer camping—all with
With more than 90 cabins in 19 state parks
Rental rates vary depending on the location,
electrical hookups and most within a walking
across Kansas, visitors can find abundant
season and cabin type.
distance of a lake or stream.
opportunities for relaxing outdoor experiences at state park cabins.
To reserve a cabin or for rental rates, visit
Travel along the legendary Route 66, or on one
www.reserve.ksoutdoors.com
of Kansas’ Byways, strap the bikes on back or
Modern cabins range in style and design;
throw in the hiking boots and explore various
basic sleeper cabins are more rustic with
trails at nearby state parks.
only minimum amenities. The deluxe cabins
Kansas State Parks Passport
feature full kitchens with dishes, pots and pans,
New in 2013, you can purchase a Kansas State Parks Passport in conjunction with your
Almost every region of the state has camping
microwaves, stoves, refrigerators and table
Kansas motor vehicle registration or renewal.
areas with utilities, whether it is a private
and chairs. Deluxe cabins also have separate
The passport will cost $15 (with a possible $.50
campground or a state-operated park. Kanopolis
bedrooms and bathrooms with showers.
transaction fee), which is $10 less than the
State Park, launched in 1959 and the oldest state park in Kansas, has 133 utility hook-ups,
Besides food and beverage, the only thing
including 44 with both electricity and water;
a visitor needs when lodging at a cabin is
except the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park.
as well as utility sites offered on U.S. Corps of
bedding, pillows and toiletries. Cabins don’t
Engineers-managed property.
have televisions, and there are no internet or telephone hookups.
For more information contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, State
Pitch a tent Pitching a tent in the great outdoors, cooking
Cabins are ideal for family vacations with
over a campfire and crawling into a sleeping
space and affordability. Most cabins can
Park Fees
bag for a night under the stars has become a
sleep four to six adults, while others can
www.ksoutdoors.com/Park-Fees
treasured pastime in Kansas. Conveniently,
sleep up to 10 adults.
Park Division (620) 672-5911
Words by Amy Bickel
KDWPT annual park vehicle permit. The passport grants access to all state parks
camp
12
Kansas Outdoors
2013
take a hike! Explore the diverse beauty of the Sunflower State’s many trails Veteran hikers who have explored the wildly diverse and scenic multiuse Kansas trails for their nature walks continue to be amazed at the array of panoramic rewards available when venturing deep into the woods. It might be a rocky path of earth that bends along the slopes of a steep incline, leading to miles of dense growth that provides hidden homes for furry creatures. It also could be a sunlit clearing near the muddy banks of a lazy creek under a canopy of vintage trees that have a heritage dating back to the early 1800s, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark hiked into a territory that would later be known as Kansas. “Hiking Kansas trails reveals dramatic variations in terrain, flora and wildlife that can be found across the state,” says Mike Goodwin of the Kansas Trails Council.
Photographs Clockwise from left: Harland J. Schuster, Scott Bean, Harland J. Schuster
“We are fortunate in Kansas to have trails that explore Ozark-like oak forests in the southeast, the prairie grasses of the Flint Hills, the loamy soils and lush vegetation of river side trails and bluffs overlooking our many lakes.” There are over 2,000 miles of trails spread across Kansas, and a variety of them offer meaningful hiking experiences, each promising their own unique challenges and scenic rewards.
trails
Words by Doug Vance
Kansas Outdoors asked veteran hikers to describe some of Kansas’ unique hikes.
Essential equipment for a successful hike
Comfortable hiking boots with good support and traction
Comfortable, but thick wool socks
Sunscreen and a hat
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
13
Suggested Hiking Trails Online Resources www.TravelKS.com www.kansastrailscouncil.org www.goPLAYkansas.com www.trailsofkansas.com www.slackpacker.com www.trails.com www.ksoutdoors.com
Perry Lake Hiking Trail
Elk City Lake, Elk River Trail
Pawnee Prairie Nature Trail
The scenic Perry Lake Hiking Trail, which unfurls
The trail offers a rewarding 15-mile hike that
Located in Wichita’s Pawnee Prairie Park, the city’s
to points near the lake, provides a wide spectrum
launches north of the west end of the Elk River dam
largest park, this trail provides 4.75 miles of exploring
of terrain along its 29-mile path. The degree of
and ends at U.S. Highway 160 near the small town
opportunities along Cowskin Creek and through
difficulty goes from challenging to easy. Depending
of Elk City. The eastern half of the trail provides
native and restored prairies and riparian woodlands.
on the time of the year, hikers might see deer,
scenic lake overlooks while winding along the base
One mile of the marked trail is paved, and the rest is
turkey, waterfowl, reptiles, small mammals and an
of rock bluffs and down through sheer rock canyons
unpaved. Sightings of deer and turkey are common
occasional Bald Eagle.
covered in mosses, wildflowers and lichens. The
with an occasional fox or coyote also among the
www.ksoutdoors.com/Perry-State-Park
western sections of the trail curve along the Elk
creatures that roam the woodland area.
River as the terrain becomes flatter.
Prairie Spirit Rail Trail
www.ksoutdoors.com/Elk-City-State-Park
honorable mention
The always-changing and colorful landscape that
Clinton Lake North Shore Trails Lawrence www.ksoutdoors.com/Clinton-State-Park Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve strong city www.nps.gov/tapr/index.htm
Ruth Nixon Trail, Big Hill Reservoir
forms this calming 51-mile hiking adventure links
Located five miles east of Cherryvale, the Ruth Nixon
Richmond, Scipio, Garnett, Welda, Colony, Carlyle and
Trail offers a mixture of terrain, which winds through
Iola. The adjacent terrain serves as home for white-
heavily wooded habitat and provides opportunities
tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, wild turkeys and quail.
for up-close viewing of native vegetation and wildlife.
www.ksoutdoors.com/Prairie-Spirit-Trail
together the communities of Ottawa, Princeton,
The trails trace along the western shore of the lake and Chinquapin oaks. Armadillos, woodchucks, red
Gary L. Haller Trail, Mill Creek Streamway Park
and gray foxes and bobcats are found in this area.
Hiking options also are available in urban locations
through woodlands of impressive post, blackjack, red
such as Johnson County. The Gary L. Haller Trail is
Cedar Bluff State Park Ellis www.ksoutdoors.com/Cedar-Bluff-State-Park scott state park, Lake Scott Scott city www.ksoutdoors.com/Scott-State-Park
Horsethief Canyon TrailS, Kanopolis State Park
a 10-foot-wide, multiuse paved trail that winds
Kanopolis State Park in eastern Ellsworth County
linking numerous neighborhoods. The 15-mile trail
offers 31 miles of trails, and two sections of the
meanders along the stream, in woodlands, near
trail system are referred to as the Horsethief
wetlands and open grasslands. The steep portion
Canyon Trails. Hikers can spend an entire day
of the path is not for everyone, so there is a
navigating their way along uneven and intriguing
lowland bypass that is accessible to all. At the
terrain that loops through ancient forests with
crest of the Oakridge Hills there are scenic vistas
towering trees and wetland areas while winding in
of the valley and surrounding community, a place
and out of rocky canyons.
not to be missed in the fall to witness an
www.ksoutdoors.com/Kanopolis-State-Park
abundance of color.
through portions of Shawnee, Lenexa and Olathe,
Trail analysis provided by: Mike Goodwin, Kansas Trails Council; Jim Mason, Naturalist, Great Plains Nature Center, Wichita Parks and Recreation; Sid Stevenson, Kansas State University
Snacks that provide energy and are easy to carry
A first-aid kit with Band-Aids, headache remedy, insect repellent and blister pads
Depending on the time of year, weather and climate variations along a trail, dress in layers, which allows the removal/ addition of clothing to adjust for temperature changes.
A good attitude and sense of adventure! A light rain jacket or poncho
trails
Plenty of water. For convenience, a pack that holds the internal water bladder will save you from having to stop and take out water bottles
Kansas Outdoor Trails by Julie M. Cirlincuina
A GreAt MArketinG tool for your Business
vol 68 issue 4
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to advertise contact Sunflower Publishing peop sunpubads@sunflowerpub.com | 888.497.8668 l
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TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
15
Best Bait Shops Across Kansas
Bait Hut | Topeka Family-owned with an extensive line of gear. www.baithut.net (782) 232-7400 Baxter’s Bait & Tackle | Stockton Nominated as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Commerce, known as “Little Cabela’s.” (785) 425-6321
Seasons of Fishing State waters afford year-round o p p ort un it ie s f or an gle rs
Chapman Creek Outdoors Chapman Fishing tackle for the serious angler. www.chapmancreek.com, (785) 922-6630 K&K Fly Fisher’s Supply Overland Park Your source for the best fly fishing equipment, advice, schools and travel. www.kkflyfisher.com (913) 341-8118 Knotheads Sylvan Grove Offering a good variety of live and artificial baits, fishing, boating and camping supplies. (785) 658-2166 Little Bait Shop Cawker City “Tom has worms … at The Little Bait Shop!” (785) 781-4246
The waters of Kansas are an angler’s dream. With an abundance of fish and gorgeous scenery, Kansas is home to more than 24 Federal reservoirs, 40 state fishing lakes, over 200 community lakes, and more than 10,000 miles of streams and rivers. From the crappie and walleye spawn in the spring, to chumming for catfish in the dog days of summer, to the trout season in early fall through winter, Kansas gives you a never-ending opportunity to keep a fishing rod on hand. words by Elizabeth Peterson
photograph by Harland J. Schuster
Lovewell Marina & Grill | Webber Offering bait shop, fish and tackle, and a well-stocked convenience store. www.lovewellmarina.com (785) 753-4351 Zeiner’s Bass Shop | Wichita Almost 60 years in business, your year ‘round fishing store. www.zeiners.com (316) 265-5551
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Kansas Outdoors
2013
fall/winter
White bass fishing tends to get another boost in early autumn and late fall. As temperatures drop, the bass tend to follow the lake’s forage to shallower waters. They can be found in much the same places they frequent in the spring. Once an angler discovers an active school of fish, they’ll be kept entertained for hours. Trout season, which runs fall through spring, is quickly gaining in popularity. Kansas stocks over 30 locations across the state, including the Kanopolis seep stream area. Extensive bank and habitat improvements have created
seasons on Kansas’ waters. The walleye and crappie spawns start the season off, bringing
Summer tends to bring a slower pace to
summer
spring
Springtime proves to be one of the favorite
abundant numbers of fishers to the lakes. Kirwin
Kansas waters. Most lakes still offer average fishing, although the fish will move to deeper and cooler water as the temperatures rise.
one of the most favorable trout spots in all of the state and was once home to the state record brown trout. Willow Lake at Tuttle Creek
Reservoir, Glen Elder and Cedar Bluffs are also well-known for quality trout populations. The
and Glen Elder reservoirs in the northwest, along with Webster Lake, are the quintessential waters
Anglers can find particularly good warm water
Mined Land Wildlife Area No. 30 is a hot spot
to enjoy the spring spawn.
in Milford Lake. Besides a varied population of
of stocked trout, designed specifically for year-
fish, including smallmouth bass, walleye, blue
round cultivation of quality fish.
Jason Probst, co-author of the Complete Guide
cats and wipers, it features good fishing access
to Kansas Fishing, says, “If I’m fishing for spring
and family-friendly opportunities. Many anglers
With so many bodies of water to choose from, and
crappie, there’s no place I’d rather be than Glen
enjoy easy fishing this time of year, though, and
such a diverse population of fish, Kansas fishing
Elder.” As the fish move to shallow waters, the
choose to favor some of the smaller lakes with
waters have something for everyone.
spawn makes for ideal fishing for both shore
sunfish and bluegill populations.
and boating anglers.
Catfishing takes center stage in the height
Blaine Baxter, owner of Baxter’s Bait & Tackle
of the summer, and they can be found in
shop in Stockton, confirms that Kirwin and Glen
almost every body of water in Kansas. Milford
Elder lakes are “the best in the state as far as
Lake is well-known for its channel and blue
quality and quantity” of crappie fishing.
catfish populations, while Kanopolis and John Redmond Reservoir also rate high on the list.
Youth Fishing Clinics Various lakes and reservoirs across Kansas
Most of the centrally located reservoirs also provide exceptional spring fishing
Kansas has gone to great lengths to maintain
host fishing clinics for children of all ages.
opportunities. Marion Reservoir is specifically
catfishing opportunities. With the Urban Fishing
Typical classes include education in water
noted as ideal spawning grounds for white
Program, the state helps keep 77 different lakes
conservation, fishing etiquette, water safety
bass, often found upstream in the Cottonwood
stocked with a variety of catfish, sunfish and
and fishing techniques. Some clinics even
Area. Additionally, southeast Kansas offers no
wipers. Usually sometime between June and
include Fishing Derbys and plenty of prizes.
shortage of a variety of fish, notably big bass,
August, Kansas opens a season specifically for
and provides excellent fishing year-round.
hand-fishing flatheads. Elk City Reservoir, the Kaw
For more information, or to find a clinic, visit
River and the Marais des Cygnes River in the east
www.ksoutdoors.com.
atlas
Kansas Fishing
are all known for their record-setting flatheads.
The Kansas Fishing Atlas is an annual
Stream Habitats), are easily identified
focused amenities and policies are easy
publication produced by the Kansas
by bright red numerals in the atlas. It
to discover and explore.
Department of Wildlife, Parks and
also differentiates the waters that are
Tourism. Kansas offers a diverse
regulated by community, state and
The Kansas Fishing Atlas is available to
range of reservoirs, lakes and miles
federal agencies. While it does list some
the public, at no charge, at most Kansas
of streams and rivers, so the fishing
general guidelines, it’s best to consult
Department of Wildlife, Parks and
atlas was created as an easy-to-use
the 2012 Fishing Regulations Summary
Tourism offices and licensed vendors.
directory of places to fish, access
for more detailed information.
It’s also available for download online at www.ksoutdoors.com.
points and the basic guidelines and regulations on the listed waters.
With a focus on families and youth
The state leases private land across
in the outdoors, the state has made a
Additional
Kansas to give fishing enthusiasts more
special point to identify Family Friendly
information found at
access to Kansas waters. These lands,
Facilities. With the use of a small blue
www.TravelKS.com/
called F.I.S.H. (Fishing Impoundment and
bobber symbol, the lakes with family-
Fishing.
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
some of Kansas’ most popular fishing lakes
Crappie
1 2
Walleye
11 4
white bass
12
13
trout
10
5
9 3
channel catfish
6
flathead catfish
7
14
8
bluegill 1 | Kirwin Reservoir
4 | Milford Lake
7 | Elk City Lake
10 | Kaw River
13 | Scott State Park
Crappie
Walleye and crappie
2 | Glen Elder State Park
Walleye and crappie
3 | Marion Reservoir
White bass
Smallmouth bass, walleye, channel and blue catfish & wipers
5 | Kanopolis Lake Channel & blue catfish
6 | John Redmond Reservoir
Flathead catfish
Flathead catfish
8 | Mined Land Wildlife Area
11 | Tuttle Creek Reservoir
14 | Meade State Park
Trout
Trout
Bluegill
9 | Marais des Cygnes River
12 | Cedar Bluffs Reservoir
Trout
Flathead catfish
Channel & blue catfish
Winfield Convention and Tourism • VisitWinfield.com Marion County • GrowMarionCounty.com El Dorado Convention and Visitors Bureau • 360ElDorado.com Marshall County Tourism • MarshallCoKs.com Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau • VisitManhattanks.org Go Wichita • GoWichita.com Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau • EmporiaKsChamber.org Abilene & Herington • DkCoKs.org Chase County Tourism • ChaseCountyChamber.org
Experience the Flint Hills www.kansasflinthills.travel
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Kansas Outdoors
2013
Game on Kansas offers some of the best hunting in the nation words by David Zumbaugh
Photograph: Scott Bean
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f
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
For decades, Kansas has ranked at the top of the list for quality upland hunting of pheasants, greater and lesser prairie chickens and both bobwhite and blue quail— not to mention big game hunts for whitetail and mule deer, antelope and even elk. A growing population of wild turkeys offers a thrilling challenge for hunters in diverse habitats. Kansas also boasts a famous legacy of world-class waterfowl hunting with venues from vast prairie marshes to big water reservoirs and even river flowages at freeze-up time in December. Needless to say, Kansas has become a hunter’s paradise that is among some of the best hunting in the nation. Legacy Benton Boyd is proud to carry on a family tradition of waterfowling—a passion passed down to him from his father. Boyd began hunting at the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, one of four federal refuges in Kansas, but has much experience at Tuttle Creek and Perry reservoirs, two of Kansas’ 24 “big water” lakes. “I just love jump-shooting ducks on small ponds early in the season,” Boyd says. Opportunities to hunt geese and ducks are available on the Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas rivers, mostly via boat access. Cheyenne Bottoms and the associated Wetlands Education Center near Great Bend is a true mecca for waterfowl hunters. Hundreds of thousands of migratory fowl from the Central Flyway pass through this area in autumn, creating a spectacle for sportsmen and bird watchers alike.
Bird hunter A bird hunter to his soul, David McNeal has taken long walks behind keen-nosed dogs for decades on Fort Riley and the vicinity. This military installation offers more than 75,000 acres of public access to hunters. “I have encountered as many as seven coveys of quail a day in recent years, and pheasants and greater prairie chickens can be found as well,” says McNeal. A certified hunter’s education instructor, McNeal often mentors youth and soldiers on upland hunting tips as well as off Fort Riley. There is also a managed herd of elk on the post with hunting permits awarded via drawing. The best pheasant populations are in
Check the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website for an atlas of Walk-In Hunting Areas (WIHA). Additional hunting information found at www.TravelKS/hunting.
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Kansas Outdoors
2013
Meet the Eastern Beagle Club
the western half of the state with seasonal variations in local populations. Numerous small towns such as Beloit have welcomed generations of bird hunters, with quaint motels, cafés and accommodating residents.
Big Game If you are looking to hunt big game, Kansas is home to giant-racked deer and antelope. Mule deer can be found in the west, but whitetails are common throughout the state. Although Bill Whitworth works in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Since he was a kid, Brian Spini has been around beagle hounds. He currently breeds, trains and runs his dogs in field trials.
in North Dakota, he has traveled to Kansas to hunt deer for 15 years. “I got hooked on bow hunting while attending Fort Hays State University,
“I can tell by their bark if a dog is running a bunny or is really ‘lying’ to me,” says Spini.
and dragging my old boots through
Each beagle has a unique sound and can be identified at great distances by its tone and volume. Spini has people come from all over the U.S. to hunt rabbits with his beagles on Kansas soil.
over 150 inches. The 100,000-acre
Even though the rabbit season is open year round, the most exciting pursuits happen when a powdery snow blankets the ground. Under such conditions, scenting probabilities for the beagles are optimized, and hunters can better see the furry brown flashes more easily against the white background, improving the chances for a pot of stew.
Kansas dirt each year restores that passion,” says Whitworth. He has harvested several animals scoring
It’s no longer a secret, trophy big game hunts for whitetail and mule deer, antelope and even elk are possible in the Sunflower state. Cimarron National Grassland sports a
In addition to the popular species listed, small game and predator
huntable population of antelope, but
hunting is popular as well with plentiful numbers of doves, squirrels,
they can be found in other areas of the
rabbits, coyotes, foxes and bobcats.
high plains, too. If you are searching for a place to pursue your favorite game species,
Turkey
Kansas offers unparalleled and diverse hunting opportunities with
Both Rio Grande and eastern wild
liberal seasons, generous bag limits and abundant access. Including
turkeys were re-introduced in Kansas
the Wildlife Management Areas, federal properties and the Walk-In
and are flourishing throughout the state.
Hunting Areas (WIHA), Kansas offers more than 1 million acres of land on which to wear out a pair of hunting boots.
“Missouri used to be the closest place
Spini makes a pilgrimage to Glen Elder Wildlife Management Area every year to run his beagles. He says that within the 13,200 acres open for public hunting, there is a significant amount of choice “edge habitat” that ensures lots of practice for his hounds and some fine shooting for his group. Eastern Beagle Club is located in Hillsdale; it is an AKC Beagle Field trial club. http://easternkansasbeagleclub. blogspot.com/
to hunt turkeys for us Kansans, but now we have great opportunities to pursue them right at home,” says Gene Hallett. He has taken many long-beards near Lawrence and in recent years has made trips to south-central Kansas to bag a Rio. He claims a certified “trophy certificate” for one of his birds based on an index of measurements.
Photographs clockwise from left: Shutterstock, David Zumbaugh, Harland J. Schuster, Bill Fales, Tina Schmidt
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TravelKS.com
For the adventurous the Sunflower State is unexpectedly rich in far more ways than mythological characterization or tumbleweeds bouncing across the plains.
Kansas Outdoors
ages m i e r z, whe e a slice O f o e Land only provid h t o t me ys ty. Welco and cowbo eping beau e le of catt f Kansas’ sw o
Vast oceans of tallgrass prairie, chalky monoliths, marshy wetlands and thick woodlands are all part of the unique landscape that comprises the heartland of Kansas. To better understand Kansas’ landscape, geologists have divided the state into various physiographic regions; the Eastern Wooded Hills, Flint Hills, Central Prairie and the Western High Plains. Here’s a look at these regions and some highlights from their outdoor enticements. - Gloria Gale
Photograph by Harland J. Schuster
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Kansas Outdoors
2013 Historic roots
Words by Amy Conkling
Step back to the Old Black West and tour historic Nicodemus. Historian Angela Bates, who owns and operates the Nicodemus Livery Company & Wagon Tours, gives tours of the Nicodemus National Historic Site and Landmark District.
Programs and tours are both educational and entertaining as they follow the town of Nicodemus—the only remaining black town west of the Mississippi, says Bates.
“We cover the history of the town and township, as well as the AfricanAmerican experience in the west, to include first-person characterizations of buffalo soldiers, cowboys, politicians,
women, entrepreneurs and more,” she says.
Horse-drawn wagon tours, historic townsite tours, teacher study tours,
living history presentations, youth day/half-day camps, adult day trip tours, women and girl programs, outdoor theater programs, historic homestead tours and cemetery tours are all available. Bus and group tours encouraged. www.discoverhillcity.com
K
ansas’ beautiful Western High Plains Region may attract thousands of hunters, but its unique mixture of widespread plains and rolling hills boast more than quail, turkey and pheasants.
Splish Splash & Famous 10-Mile Road Race
Lake Atwood is a beautiful 43-acre lake at the north end of Atwood that is
encircled by a lighted walking path, old cottonwood trees, and shaded campsite and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy walking, fishing, canoeing and lounging, and they can feed the several species of water fowl in the lake.
Perhaps the highlight of Lake Atwood is a dry-land activity, the Lake
Big Basin Prairie Preserve
Atwood 10-Miler held each July, the oldest road race in Kansas since 1972
and a top-10 road race in the United States. This USATF-certified race is a
Just 15 miles south of Minneola is the Big Basin, a natural sinkhole of 100
feet that some think was created thousands of years ago by dissolving salts. Here
hard-surface course, including eight laps around the lake. Competition is open
the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism maintains 1,818 acres of
to both individuals and teams.
unique landscape.
www.lakeatwoodtenmile.com, www.atwoodkansas.com
Located off of Highway 283, wind through about a mile of the basin before climbing to the rim, which has nearly vertical walls. The Big Basin entrance is found at the bottom of the basin and is home to a free-roaming buffalo herd. Visitors are urged to follow the unimproved road to St. Jacob’s Well, but use caution when exiting their vehicles as the buffalo are unpredictable. Web: www.minneolakansas.com/att_preserve.html Butterfield Trail Bunkhouse
This rustic WaKeeney retreat captivates outdoors enthusiasts of any kind—
nature lovers, history buffs, hunters and fishers. Located in Trego County on the Butterfield Overland Despatch Trail near the Smoky Hill River & Scenic Byway, visitors can walk in the footsteps of the pioneers who were westward bound making their way from Fort Leavenworth to Denver.
“Our bunkhouse sits in the middle of a pasture and is fairly plain and simple,”
says Donna Deines, who, with her husband, William, own and operate the Butterfield Trail Bunkhouse. “Our visitors are usually looking for something other than a motel, and what they find when they get here is solitude, beautiful sunrises, sunsets and stars you can see at night.”
Families and groups will enjoy this beautiful getaway with hiking opportunities
to discover shark and fish fossils, spring wildflowers that are at their blooming peak in May and June, a picnic on the prairie, fishing and boating at nearby Cedar Bluff State Park and—of course—the pheasant, deer, quail and wild turkey hunting that Trego County is known for. www.butterfieldtrailbunkhouse.com Words by Cecilia Harris
Photographs Clockwise from left: Audrey Hoehne, Courtesy of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, TravelKS.com, Bruce Hogle, TravelKS.com (2)
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TravelKS.com
he sights and sounds found in the Central Prairie yield amazing adventures, whether you are an active outdoors type or a tourist simply desiring to get back to nature.
Kansas Outdoors
Janel Kirn Pieschl, president of the Rock City Inc. Board of Directors,
says this is the only place in the world where there are so many sandstone concretions in such a small area (as they are referred to by geologists) of such enormous size; boulders range from 10 to 27 feet in diameter.
Little Yellowstone of Kansas
wonder,” Pieschl says. “Visitors can touch and climb the concretions.” With
Saddle up to discover the “Little Yellowstone of Kansas,” the name Walt Gove, of
“We love to have people come out to explore and share our natural
the Goverland Stage Stop, gave the canyons, valleys, mesas and oak tree forests found
names such as Turtle, Giant’s Easy Chair, The Mummy, Bathtub and Earth in
at Kanopolis State Park in Ellsworth County.
a Saucer, the boulders also harbor unexpected surprises.
“Most people from other states or other countries think Kansas is just flat, flat,
“Ground squirrels and lizards live among the rocks; this is an
flat, but when they ride this part of Kansas they find out that it’s not,” he says.
opportunity to experience wildlife up close and personal,” she says. Ferns
and mosses spread in the crevices and on the sides of the boulders and
There’s ample opportunity for hiking and mountain biking as well as horseback
riding on the park’s over 27 miles of trails, including the 1½-mile-long Buffalo Tracks
wildflowers in and around the boulders.
Canyon Nature Trail along Bison Creek to a rugged box canyon where Plains tribes
once trapped bison. On your trek, depending on the time of day, you just might spot
trails that total 1.3 miles,” she says. “The wildflowers are just beautiful in
deer, turkey, bobcats, prairie dogs, coyote, hawks, blue birds, orioles and cranes.
the spring.”
www.washburn.edu/cas/art/cyoho/archive/KStravel/rockcity
“We get lots of migratory birds here, so you never know what you’re going to
“In another part of the park, there are three interconnecting nature
see,” Gove says.
Not up for a horseback ride? Climb aboard the Goverland stagecoach or
Yeehaw!
covered wagon during the summer season.
www.goverlandstagestop.com
to watch at the Kansas Championship Ranch Rodeo in Medicine Lodge,
More realistic than a professional rodeo, there’s plenty of action
sanctioned by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association, in late September. Rock On
The Ranch Rodeo offers insight into daily life on the ranch as teams of
cowboys, representing their ranches, compete in events.
For those big and little kids who love to climb on rocks, Rock City just south of
Minneapolis might just appear to be paradise. More than 200 gigantic boulders stand
in three clusters in an area about the size of two football fields.
the events have three or four guys who work together to accomplish what
“This is a team competition,” says Kaye Kuhn, rodeo secretary. “All of
they have to do.”
In the team penning competition, the cowboys sort specific heads of
cattle from a herd, then pen them, much like they do on the ranch. Branding involves roping the calves and taking them to teammates who brand them with gypsum found in the area instead of a hot iron, according to Kuhn.
A crowd-pleaser is the wild cow-milking contest in which the cow is
roped and one cowboy tries to squirt her milk into a bottle. And yes, there’s also bronc riding, ranch-style, of course, with a regular working saddle. Pick up some western décor, a cowboy hat or a saddle at the Cowboy Trappings and Trade Show here the same weekend. www.peacetreaty.org/rodeo.htm Flyaway
Schedule a stop at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center
overlooking Cheyenne Bottoms in Barton County, the largest inland freshwater marsh in the country, to gain a better understanding of the wetlands and wildlife in the area. Immerse yourself in displays that explain the importance of the wetlands where up to 600,000 shorebirds, such as long-billed dowitchers and Baird’s sandpipers, might converge in the spring migration and an additional 200,000 arrive in autumn in typical years. Watch mallards tending their young or great blue herons stalking prey from the center’s observation point overlooking the mitigation marsh.
Educational presentations, from wildlife photography to birding
basics, are conducted throughout the year at the Education Center that in the spring of odd-numbered years offers Wings ’N Wetlands, a weekend of guided tours and workshops for beginning to experienced birders. Participants bird at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge as well as other areas.
Also a bird watcher’s paradise, Quivira and Cheyenne Bottoms
support federally protected species, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, whooping crane, least tern and piping plover. Look for shorebirds in the spring, herons and egrets in the summer, ducks and geese in the fall, and white-tailed deer in the winter. http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu
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Kansas Outdoors
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Words by Kimberly Winter Stern
O
ften called “The Grassroots of America,” the Flint Hills has trails, parks and rides that traverse valleys and hilltops, challenging and dispelling the notion that Kansas is flat and empty. Outdoor enthusiasts have long known—and respected—the bounty that the Flint Hills offers modern-day explorers. Big, bold vistas give way to magical carpets of wildflowers and waving prairie grasses; wildlife and birds wander the prairie; history speaks quietly through ancient stone fences. on horseback
A popular place to saddle up for guided rides (or hikes) in the Flint Hills: Ride
the Flint Hills near Beaumont operates on 10,000 acres of ranchland owned by the historic Ferrell and Squier ranches. www.ridetheflinthills.com Also popular among the Flint Hills is Flying W Ranch. From cattle drives to overnight stays, this ranch outfit is a must-see destination. www.flinthillsflyingw.com explore eldorado Bike or walk the 6.3-mile El Dorado Bike Trail that runs from East Park to a
Named as one of America’s Top 100 Day Hikes by Backpacker magazine,
wooded trail area below El Dorado Lake Dam. Parking is available at both ends of
hikers can choose from two-, four- or six-mile loops in this scenic area outside
this family-friendly trail and off 12th Street in El Dorado. www.visiteldoradoks.com
Manhattan. www.konza.ksu.edu
Kick up some dust at the Frontier Western Celebration in El Dorado. From the
Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, a few miles southeast of Manhattan,
Ranch Rodeo to children’s events, this is your hat-tippin’ Flint Hills event.
encompasses 59 acres that are among the most scenic of the northern Flint
www.frontierwesterncelebration.com
Hills region. It includes one of the state’s best-kept secrets: the Deep Creek
Waterfall. At certain times of the year canoeing and kayaking are allowed, and
A stunning 12-mile scenic ride that takes cyclists from Carnahan Creek
Road to Kansas Highway 13. Another biking opportunity is from Shannon Creek
there are hikes alongside the stream on unmarked trails. (785) 539-9999
Road to Spring Creek road—20 miles of well-graveled backcountry roads with great Kansas highland views and access to wildlife areas at the north end of Tuttle Creek
discovery
Reservoir. www.olsburgks.com
Modern-day Kansans play a vital stewardship role in the preservation of
the diverse Flint Hills. The Flint Hills Discovery Center located in downtown manhattan delights
Manhattan—itself a collaboration of community—is an informal learning center
that explores in-depth the science and history of Kansas’s magnificent ancient
Four miles of mountain bike and hiking trail that run along rocky ridges with
scenic overviews is nestled in Fancy Creek campground within the Tuttle Creek
ecosystem. The center, which opened in April 2012, houses permanent and
state park. The Fancy Creek trail winds through a dense cedar forest into native Flint
temporary exhibits and immersive experiences such as “Tallgrass Prairie: Tides
Hills grassland.
of Time,” a multimedia presentation that tells the Flint Hills story. Open 363
www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/State-Parks/Locations/Tuttle-Creek
days a year, the Flint Hills Discovery Center is meant to be a personal resource
for understanding, appreciating and enjoying the Tallgrass Prairie.
Also enjoy the six-mile Konza Prairie hiking trail that winds through lowland
forest and climbs over ancient limestone ledges into the native Flint Hills tallgrass.
www.flinthillsdiscovery.org
K
ansas’ Eastern Wooded Hills are amazingly diverse, featuring the northeastern glaciated region with deposits of quartzite boulders giving way to the gently rolling escarpments of the Osage Questes. Finally, at the extreme southeastern tip of the state, lies the rocky sandstone outcropping of the Chautauqua Hills.
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
Assisted with a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant from the
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Killion developed the notfor-profit park and opened to the public in 2003 with an all-volunteer staff. The park is open weekends only, year-round for four-wheel drive, UTV, side-by-side vehicles, bikers and hikers.
“You have to have your own vehicle, and even though we are not-for-
profit, we do charge a minimal fee, $15 for four-wheel drive, $5 for hike/bike,” says Killion.
Westward Ho! Atchison’s Riverfront Park, the historic site of Lewis and Clark
Over 60 miles of shared trails, beginner to advanced, encompass the
park. Since the maximum speed in the park is 5 miles per
Pavilion and Veterans’ Memorial, both with interpretive signage, hosts
hour, bikers and hikers can share a trail with four-
a children’s playground and picnic grounds, walking path with scenic
wheel-drive vehicles. www.ksrockspark.com
views to the river and boat ramp. “After visiting Riverfront Park, the 10-mile hiking/biking path connecting Independence and Fourth of July 1804 creeks is a great way to explore this historic riverfront and Glacial Hills scenic byway. The trailhead includes a recreated Kanza Indian lodge built by volunteers from the community. The entire area is a delightful way to spend time exploring in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark expedition,” says Jacque Pregont, Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce president. Atchison Warnock Lake is located four miles south of Riverfront Park and is great for casting a line at catfish, crappie and largemouth bass. www.atchisonkansas.net Mother Nature’s paradise
Overland Park, Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, is one of the best-kept
secrets in the metropolitan Kansas City area—a natural playground tucked into the
Words by Gloria Gale
rolling wooded hills of south Johnson County. The 300-acre botanical development is dedicated to environmental education and the appreciation of nature. Considerable effort is given to gardens intertwined within eight ecosystems and six gardens.
Nearly 5 miles of hiking trails on paved and unpaved paths, observational birding
Photographs Clockwise from left: Tim Sigle, Eric Benjamin, Del Ruff, Katy Ibsen, TravelKS.com, Michael C. Snell
hut, Native American medicine wheel, lake and interpretive center are surrounded by vaulting limestone bluffs, shaded creek beds and dense woods. The entire site is clearly marked with information about the flora and fauna. Also capturing attention are the whitetail deer, box turtles, coyote, rabbit, fox and numerous species of birds.
“This is a year-round destination. In addition to the gardens, our roster of classes
includes ta’i chi, flower photography, bird chat and Native American flute instruction,” says supervisor Karen Kerkhoff. She adds that if you love the outdoors, the arboretum has
‘Mother Road’ beckons
prairie, hiking trails and waterfall.
Springs located in the last southeast county before Oklahoma. As part of the
“We invite everyone to visit since we’re constantly improving the grounds and
adding features,” says Kerkhoff. www.opkansas.org
Route 66 is the nostalgic roadway that slices right through Baxter
Ozark Plateau, the area is mostly grazing land punctuated with rolling hills.
Now the draw for the small Cherokee County town is 13.6 miles of the
Deep space
original Route 66 “Mother Road.” Among the attractions on the route is the Marsh
Arch Bridge, the restored Phillips 66 Station Visitors’ Center in Baxter Springs and
Powell Observatory in Lewis Young Park, Louisburg, is a huge draw for stargazers
of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City. “Here’s where people can really delve
the Galena Visitors’ Center, which features the old truck which was the inspiration
into the mysteries of the universe,” says Marcia Young, an amateur astronomer with
for the character of “Mater” in the Cars movie.
her husband, David. It boasts a fleet of telescopes that includes a 30-foot Ruisinger
telescope, the largest in the four-state region, and 16-foot and 12.5-foot telescopes.
self-guided Civil War tour with 12 stops including Fort Blair, the Baxter Springs
Massacre, the National Cemetery Plot and extensive Civil War exhibits at the
Powell Observatory is available for public viewing, private member use and for
Secure a free brochure at the Baxter Springs Heritage Center for a
ongoing research projects. The Star Bright Saturday Night programs (May-October)
Heritage Center. www.baxtersprings.us
are open to the public and begin at dusk with a presentation on astronomical topics
Claythorne Lodge, 25 miles northwest of Baxter Springs, is a premier sport
followed by a tour of the Observatory. www.askc.org
clay shooting range. Sam and Frieda Lancaster started the venture in 1991 when they bought an old farm. Today the “farm” is an internationally recognized resort
Rock and Roll
offering skeet, trap and wobble trap, gun safety, fishing and hunting.
A slight detour off the beaten path is Mapleton, a population of 84 where off-
“We believe you will find that our courses are among the most beautiful
road enthusiasts will find Kansas Rocks Recreation Park.
and exciting in the nation,” says Frieda. As a member of the National Sporting
Clays Association the lodge has hosted a number of prestigious NSCA-
“This area was an excellent location to build my dream. I figured there were
many people who loved to experience the fun of four-wheel drive vehicles, so in 1997
sanctioned shoots. In 2003, Claythorne was the site of the World FITASC
I began searching for land. Finally, I found 220 acres of heavily wooded valleys and
Championship welcoming 24 countries and more than 1,000 competitors.
steep rocky hills—perfect terrain for an off-road experience,” says founder David Killion.
www.claythornelodge.com
27
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
Destined for the front of a “wish-you-were-here” postcard, the Flint Hills Nature Trail is the country’s seventh-longest Rails-to-Trails path, stretching across seven Kansas counties and dozens of communities from Osawatomie to Herington. It’s a must-traverse destination for families and individuals who love the outdoors but also have an appreciation for the land’s quiet, subtle magic. Storied past
With the assistance of Kansans who cherish
To understand the magnitude of this relatively
the land, The Flint Hills Nature Trail is the result
new (and still unfolding) Kansas recreation
of a refurbished train route established in the
destination, a quick Flint Hills history lesson is
1870s and rail-banked in the mid-1990s. It’s
in order.
a picturesque and serene journey for hikers, runners, bicyclists and horseback riders, smack
Intrepid explorer Zebulon Pike put the majestic
in the middle of the fabled prairie deemed one
Tallgrass Prairie on the map in 1806 when he
of Kansas’ many assets.
discovered the region during an ambitious expedition to the Southwest. Later the Flint
Trail beginnings
Hills served as a supply hub for wagons
Truth is, you can’t improve on nature, which
traversing the Santa Fe Trail between 1821
Doug Walker recognized. The former president
and the early 1870s. Railroad tracks were built
of the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy, Walker,
along an extensive swath of the Flint Hills in
along with a determined band of volunteers,
the late 1800s to deliver coal and goods farther
began gifting back the land once used by the
west to a burgeoning civilization. And a mere
Missouri Pacific Railroad.
250 millions of years before that, the Flint Hills were created during the Permian Period,
In 1996, the Kansas Horseman Foundation
covered by a shallow sea.
began the arduous task of tracing a recreational trail on rail-banked land threading
Now regarded as one of the world’s last
through the Flint Hills. The foundation became
surviving Tallgrass Prairie ecosystems, the
the nonprofit Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy
Flint Hills still captivates visitors with fields of
Inc. in 2001 and strengthened its resolve to
waving grass, plants, flowers, wildlife, fossils
trail development. The Union Pacific Railroad
and technicolor big-sky sunsets.
contracted with a salvage company to remove
Photograph: Eric Benjamin
hit the
hills See the Flint Hills Nature Trail from bike, horseback or foot words by Kimberly Winter Stern
29
Kansas Outdoors
2013
Gear Up for happy trails Packing for a day or a long weekend spent exploring the Flint Hills Nature Trail doesn’t require any heavy lifting—just the essentials to help you get the most out of this spectacular nature-bound experience. Leave the iPod at home—you’ll want to listen for the sounds of the prairie.
Journal. Pack a small notebook for jotting down the sights and sounds of the Flint Hills Nature Trail.
Camera. Photo opportunities abound on the Flint Hills Nature Trail—whether you snap images with a sophisticated camera or on your iPhone to share instantly, you’ll want to capture the scenery.
Snacks. Stash some protein bars, fresh fruit or trail mix in a backpack to munch along the way.
Water. Fill a CamelBak that you can strap on your back with water or pack an old-fashioned canteen. If you use bottled water, take care not to litter.
Binoculars. The trail is chockfull of wildlife and birds and varies based on the season. Take along a pair of high-powered binoculars to spy wild turkey, a Northern bobwhite or eagles or fluttering butterflies. Check out www.fws.gov for a listing of bird species common to the Flint Hills. And be alert for fossils embedded in the ground that were deposited millions of years ago.
Attire. This all depends on your intended trail activity. If biking, wear comfortable shorts and shoes and wear a helmet. If walking/hiking, wear sturdy shoes. And if horseback riding … well, you probably have that figured out already.
Sunscreen/insect repellent. Especially important during the spring and summer months.
Photographs: Jason Dailey (2)
30
TravelKS.com miles of timber tracks and rusty iron so the project could
“This truly is a natural for Kansas,” says Walker. “There aren’t
move forward.
many places in the country with all the pieces necessary for a true rail-trail experience.”
In addition to many volunteer hours spent removing brush
Kansas Outdoors
Ride the Rails
and debris from the path, more than $800,000 has been
All aboard
raised through private donations and grants over the
Today the Flint Hills Nature Trail has seven divisions, each
For a state without any
past decade. Along with considerable sweat equity, the
with a volunteer supervisor who oversees construction and
rail-trails until 1996,
conservancy has produced a breathtaking work in progress.
maintenance of a portion of the trail. It connects with the
today Kansas is full
Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail and the Landon Nature Trail; it also
of opportunities to
Linking legacy
forms a component of the American Discovery Trail, the
enjoy multi-use paths
The 38-mile Landon Nature Trail was the conservancy’s
nation’s first coast-to-coast trail.
for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Rail-
inaugural endeavor. Stretching from Topeka to Pomona Lake, the trail is the only one in the United States that
From the trail’s vantage point, Walker enjoys unparalleled
trails, including the
connects and crosses two historic national trails—the Santa
observations of changing seasons in the Flint Hills—and the
Flint Hills Nature Trail,
Fe Trail and the Oregon Trail.
unique Kansas elements. “I especially love winter when the
Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail
trees are bare,” he says. “For example, on parts of the trail in
and Landon Nature
Walker was inspired to get involved in the Flint Hills Nature
the east that follow the Marais des Cygnes River there are
Trail, beckon you to
Trail one day in 2005 while riding the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail
bluffs and rocks on one side and the river on the other. It’s
enjoy Kansas’ natural landscape. For more
Imagine the Flint Hills Nature Trail as a patchwork quilt that stitches together diverse scenery, including sweeping vistas of unbroken countryside, abundant indigenous fauna and flora, lush farmland, rushing creeks and burbling streams and canopies of ancient oak, sycamore and hickory trees.
information on these and other planned recreation trails throughout the state, visit www.kansascyclist.com.
Blue River Rail Trail: Marysville Connects to the Homestead Trail in Nebraska. When
with his daughter. The former Kansas state legislator served
spectacular, too, what you see in the distance during that
complete, it will be a
in the Senate District of the 51-mile state-owned and
barren time of year.”
68-mile rail-trail from Marysville to Lincoln. It’s
maintained trail in Ottawa—becoming a strong supporter as The trail is still under development; sections are completed
a lovely trail affording
incrementally as the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy receives
river views, wildlife
Walker closely followed the success of Missouri’s Katy
donations and volunteer assistance. Walker assures an
sightings and the sound
Trail and similar projects in Iowa and Nebraska, knowing
uncluttered, almost spiritual, experience on the 60-plus
of songbirds. Two
chunks of rail-banked Kansas trails were beginning to rise
miles currently open for use.
bridges and a small
it moved through stages of completion.
covered bridge are
like a phoenix. He saw significant economic and tourism potential in the trails and began connecting with other
“It’s indescribable to participate in the Flint Hills this way,”
advocates. The Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy’s mission
says Walker. “People who walk or bike the trail or explore it
is to have the Flint Hills Nature Trail connect population
on horseback are blown away.”
centers and historic Kansas sites and landscapes.
located on the trail.
Shortgrass Prairie Trail: Connects Protection, Ashland and Englewood When complete, this trail will stretch 30 miles.
Sunflower Santa Fe Trail: Connects McPherson to Marion When complete, this trail will run 33 miles.
31
Hospitality hunters Hunker down at one of Kansas’ lodges offering education, supplies and amenities words by
Carolyn Kaberline Photography by
Aaron East
TravelKS.com
Kansas Outdoors
Kansas’ lodges offer a variety of accommodations and amenities to appeal to hunters of all backgrounds and abilities, from the experienced to those on their first hunt. “Today’s typical lodge guest is someone who
recreation area with pool tables, a poker table,
grew up in a rural area hunting game birds on
refrigerator and bar. Satellite television and
land owned by his family or neighbors,” says
wireless internet are offered, and a variety of
Keith Houghton, owner of Ringneck Ranch near
hunting supplies and souvenirs can be found in
Tipton. “This guest may now live in suburbia with
the pro-shop. In addition, the ranch has its own
no access to nearby hunting areas and may
sod airstrip for light aircrafts.
not have the facilities to own and train his own hunting dogs.”
“Operations like ours are great places for kids and dogs to start,” Keith Houghton says
While the typical Kansas lodge hosts many
of young hunters. “We cover all facets; we
in-state hunters during various hunting seasons,
provide a good hunt, outstanding meals and
most also have become destinations for hunters
excellent service.”
from other areas of the country, some from as far away as Alaska and Florida.
For the non-hunters in a group or for those who just want a change of pace, Ringneck
Guiding hunts, providing hunters with the
Ranch also offers opportunities for hiking,
creature comforts of home and creating
fossil hunting, bird watching and biking.
memorable experiences are the goals of many
Equine enthusiasts can also bring their own
hunting lodges across the state. To whet the
horses for riding through the rolling hills.
appetite of hunters of all ages, here is a closer
The ranch and its accommodations are also
look at today’s hunting lodge.
available during the off-season for weddings, family and class reunions and corporate
Ringneck Ranch
retreats. Banquet preparation and catering
Located on land originally homesteaded by
services are also offered.
the Houghton family in 1872, Keith and Debra
www.ringneckranch.net
Houghton have owned and operated the Ringneck Ranch near Tipton as a hunting destination
Barrel Springs Hunt Club
since 1983. Today’s operation includes more
Located near Tribune in western Kansas
than 10,000 acres of native habitat for ringneck
and owned by Shari and David Woelk, Barrel
pheasants, quail and prairie chickens.
Springs Hunt Club was established in 1999. The landscape offers more than 6,000 acres
The ranch offers a professional guide staff and
of pheasant habitat, which includes CRP land,
experienced gun dogs for their hunt packages,
food plots, native weed rows and open plains.
although guests are welcome to bring their own
In addition to the controlled shooting area
canines. The ranch offers several types of on-
of approximately 3,000 acres, the club also
site accommodations of various sizes ranging
maintains a native pheasant hunting area.
from the Houghton House and Carr Creek Lodge, to individual hotel-type rooms.
Although those hunting in the controlled area are guaranteed six shooting opportunities,
Country gourmet meals are served daily, and
Woelk says, “We try to make it like opening
the ranch also offers meeting areas as well as a
weekend at grandpa’s farm.”
OPPOSITE PAGE Scenes from a guided hunt at Ringneck Ranch near Tipton. ABOVE Debra Houghton owns and operates the ranch with her husband Keith.
33
34
Kansas Outdoors
2013 While many hunters prefer hunting in native environments only, controlled hunting areas are becoming increasingly popular in the state.
Controlled
Hunting Areas
“This is the second consecutive year we’ve had poor native game bird populations,” says Keith Houghton of Ringneck Ranch. Much of the problem can be traced to shrinkage of the birds’ natural habitat as well as extensive drought conditions. With increasing hunter days per year, and the ability to accommodate up to multiple hunting parties, many hunting lodge operators find it necessary to liberate game birds on their property. Although the birds are raised under domestic conditions, they act like birds raised in the wild, according to Houghton; giving hunters “an opening day experience every day.” Controlled shooting areas (CSA) are private fee-to-hunt areas licensed by the KDWPT with seasons running from September 1 to March 1. A special license is available for $17.50 for those hunting on Kansas CSAs; while hunter education certification is not required for hunting in these areas, permission of the owner or operator is necessary.
All facilities at Barrel Springs are under one
Ammunition, ice chests and hunting supplies are
roof for the convenience of guests. Those
all available at Barrel Springs; game cleaning
facilities include 24 bedrooms, each with its
and packaging are offered.
own bath, a large common area with big-screen
www.barrelspringshuntclub.com
TV, and a family-style dining area where hearty meals are served. Barrel Springs specializes in
Flint Oak
pheasant hunting.
“I don’t believe you could find a nicer piece of real estate in the United States to build a facility on,” says Jeff Oakes, general manager of Flint Oak hunting lodge. Founded by Ray and Winona
“For many, it’s the camaraderie and working with the dogs that makes the experience memorable.” – Shari Woelk, Barrel Springs Hunt Club
Walton in 1978, the lodge is located on the edge of the Flint Hills in southeast Kansas near Fall River and owned by Tom Devlin and Bob Geist. Catering to both new and experienced hunters, Flint Oak offers facilities that can hold up to 140 guests in air-conditioned rooms ranging
Although the lodge can accommodate hunters of
from “an old-fashioned bunkhouse” to deluxe
all ages, Woelk enjoys seeing young hunters.
accommodations with private baths in each room. Meals are more hotel style with a
“We give them a lot of attention and make sure
breakfast buffet; lunch and dinner consist of
their gun fits properly and that they are dressed
fantastic entrees off a menu with wide choices.
properly. Safety is always our first concern, so we
A cocktail bar is also available. The lodge
want to know the amount of experience they have
maintains a Pro Shop with a variety of hunting
and how they use a gun. We want to make sure
and outdoor merchandise as well as souvenirs.
they become safe hunters,” he says. “We really work
The game room, complete with card tables, pool
to make sure we get birds up in front of them.”
tables and plasma TV, keeps hunters entertained
after the day’s hunt. A heated swimming pool is a treat after a long day of hunting, available May through September. However, the real focus at Flint Oak is hunting on the 5,000-plus acres that is both owned and leased by the lodge. Guided field hunts are conducted using well-trained hunting dogs. Most hunts last for about three hours with hunting
“Your Guides to the Great Outdoors!”
groups divided into a maximum of three hunters each. In addition to hunting upland game birds, driven European-style pheasant shoots are held on one of six different sites, accommodating groups of 6 to 78. Deer, duck, dove and wild turkey hunts also are available. The lodge offers fishing on its 100-acre trophy bass lake. The five-star rated facility offers worldclass shooting sports and clinics, corporate picnics and reunions. The lodge is popular for business meetings and weddings; stalls and paddocks are available for equine enthusiasts who choose to bring their horse to enjoy the ranch.
We Live in Kansas We Know Kansas We Outfit in Kansas Hunt With the Best Resident Outfitters in Kansas
“For many hunters, the experience starts with getting their group together, planning all the activities, checking the catalogs for the latest and greatest ‘toys’ down to buying the right boots,” says Oakes. “We’ve had four generations of hunters in the field at one time. At the end of the day I don’t know who had the biggest smile, the youngest or the oldest—or me from watching them make memories.”
www.flintoak.com
www.kansasoutfittersassociation.com
38
Kansas Outdoors
resource guide
2013
statewide resources Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
Belleville Travel Information Center 702 12th St., Belleville (785) 527-2883
Office of the Secretary 1020 S. Kansas, Room 200, Topeka (785) 296-2281
Colby Visitors Center 350 S. Range No. 10, Colby (785) 460-7643
Pratt Operations Office 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt (620) 672-5911
Concordia Travel Information Center 130 E. Sixth St., Concordia (785) 243-4303
Emporia Research and Survey Office 1830 Merchant, Emporia (620) 342-0658 Kansas City District Office 8304 Hedge Lane Terrace, Shawnee (913) 422-1314 Regional Offices Region 1 Route 2, Hays (785) 628-8614 The northwest quarter of Kansas that includes 26 counties. Region 2 300 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka (785) 273-6740 The northeast quarter of Kansas that includes 20 counties. Region 3 1001 McArtor Drive, Dodge City (620) 227-8609 The southwest quarter of Kansas that includes 28 counties. Region 4 6232 E. 29th St. North, Wichita (316) 683-8069 The south-central region of Kansas that includes 13 counties. Region 5 1500 W. Seventh St., Chanute (620) 431-0380 The southeast quarter of Kansas that includes 18 counties.
travel information centers State-Owned Belle Plaine Travel Information Center 770 N. I-35, Belle Plaine (620) 326-5123 Located on I-35 Kansas Turnpike at Milepost 26. Accessible from both northbound and southbound lanes. Goodland Travel Information Center I-70 East Milepost 7, Goodland (785) 899-6695 Located on I-70 at Milepost 7, accessible from eastbound lanes only. Community TIC Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau 201 N.W. Second, Abilene (785) 263-2231 Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce 200 S. 10th, Atchison (913) 367-2427
Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City (620) 225-8186 Franklin County Visitors Center 2011 E. Logan, Ottawa (785) 242-1411 Garden City Travel Plaza 1265 Solar Ave., Garden City (620) 276-3264 Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau 3007 10th St., Great Bend (620) 792-2750 Greensburg, The Big Well 315 S. Sycamore, Greensburg (620) 723-4102 Kansas Originals Market 233 Highway 232, Wilson (785) 658-2602 Hays CVB 2700 Vine St., Hays (800) 569-4505 Lawrence Visitor Information Center 402 N. 2nd St., Lawrence (785) 856-3040 Liberal Travel Information Center 1 Yellow Brick Road, Liberal (620) 626-017 Lindsborg Travel Information Center 114 N. Main (Covered Kiosk), Lindsborg (785) 227-8687 Oakley, Buffalo Bill Cultural Center 3083 US Hwy 83, Oakley (785) 671-1000 Olathe Mahaffie Stage Coach Stop & Farm Historic Site 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe (913) 971-5111 Topeka 618 S Kansas Ave. A, Topeka Wyldewood Cellars Winery 22936 Grapevine Road, Paxico (785) 636-8466
outdoor associations/clubs Kansas City Outdoor Club Shawnee Mission www.kcoc.info Kansas Outfitters Association 806 W. Second, Holton (866) 294-1947 www.kansasoutfittersassociation.com Prairie Packers Topeka www.prairiepackers.org
Sierra Club, Kansas Chapter Statewide www.kansas.sierraclub.org Women’s Outdoor Recreation Mission www.meetup.com/outdoor-women/
state parks Cedar Bluff State Park 32001 147 Highway, Ellis (785) 726-3212 Includes cabins and campsites Cheney State Park 16000 NE 50th, Cheney (316) 542-3664 Includes cabins and campsites Clinton State Park 798 N. 1415 Road, Lawrence (785) 842-8562 Includes campsites Crawford State Park 1 Lake Road, Farlington (620) 362-3671 Includes cabins and campsites Cross Timbers State Park 144 Hwy 105, Toronto (620) 637-2213 Includes campsites Eisenhower State Park 29810 S. Fairlawn Road, Osage City (785) 528-4102 Includes cabins and campsites El Dorado State Park 618 NE Bluestem Road, El Dorado (316) 321-7180 Includes cabins and campsites Elk City State Park 4825 Squaw Creek Road, Independence (620) 331-6295 Includes campsites Fall River State Park 144 Highway 105, Toronto (620) 637-2213 Includes campsites Glen Elder State Park 2131 180 Road, Glen Elder (785) 545-3345 Includes campsites Hillsdale State Park 26001 W. 255th St., Paola (913) 783-4507 Includes RV camping Kanopolis State Park 200 Horsethief Road, Marquette (785) 546-2565 Includes cabins and campsites Kaw River State Park 300 Southwest Wanamaker Road, Topeka (785) 273-6740 No camping Lovewell State Park 2446 250 Road, Webber (785) 753-4971 Includes cabins and campsites Meade State Park 13051 V Road, Meade (620) 873-2572 Includes camping Milford State Park 3612 State Park Road, Milford (785) 283-3014 Includes cabins and campsites
Mushroom Rock State Park 200 Horsethief Road, Marquette (785) 546-2565 No camping Perry State Park 5441 Westlake Road, Ozawkie (785) 246-3449 Includes cabins and campsites Pomona State Park 22900 S. Highway 368, Vassar (785) 828-4933 Includes cabins and campsites Prairie Dog State Park 13037 State Highway 261, Norton (785) 877-2953 Includes cabins and campsites Prairie Spirit Trail State Park 419 South Oak, Garnett (785) 448-6767 No camping Sand Hills State Park 4207 East 56th, Hutchinson No camping Scott State Park 101 West Scott Lake Drive, Scott City (620) 872-2061 Includes campsites Tuttle Creek State Park 5800 A River Pond Road, Manhattan (785) 539-7941 Includes cabins and campsites Webster State Park 1210 Nine Road, Stockton (785) 425-6775 Includes campsites Wilson State Park No. 3 State Park Road, Sylvan Grove (785) 658-2465 Includes cabins and campsites
hunting: Gun ranges www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/ Services/Education/Shooting-Ranges 3-M Hunting Preserve 1484 NE 60th St., Columbus (620) 389-2888 Air Capital Practical Shooters 7709 SE 48th St., Wichita (316) 322-7846 Ark Valley Gun Club 4500 E. 177th, Valley Center (316) 744-1834 Bakers Dozen Trap Club 1532 S. Cunningham Road, Salina (785) 823-8529 Bass Pro Shop 12051 Bass Pro Drive, Olathe (913) 254-5200 Bluerock Target Park 4500 E. 117th St. N, Wichita (316) 744-8168
Bullet Hole 6201 Robinson St., Overland Park (913) 432-0050 Central Kansas Prairie Shooters 426 W. Douglas, Ellsworth (785) 472-1076 Cheney Lake Shooting Range Cheney Reservoir, Pretty Prairie (620) 459-6922 Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association 15090 E. 69th St., N. Wichita (316) 648-6587 Circle S Ranch Gunworks 3682 189th St., Russell (785) 483-1124 www.circlesranchgunworks.com Coffeyville Sportsmans Club West Turkey Farm Road, Coffeyville (620) 251-3522 Cokeley Farms 7260 126th Road, Delia (785) 771-3817 Covert Creek Lodge 1982 Country 671 Ave., Waldo (888) 942-3245 www.covertlodge.com Dry Creek Sporting Clays 1257 Road 137, Emporia (316) 342-0824 Ellsworth County Sportsmens Club 1015 Stanberry, Ellsworth (785) 472-5403 Falcon Skeet Club 7345 Belinder Ave., Shawnee Mission (816) 884-6695 Fancy Creek Range Tuttle Creek State Park, Randolph (785) 293-5886 Finch Club 534 N. Tallyrand St., Wichita (330) 562-9770 Flint Oak Hunting Resort 2639 Quail River Road, Fall River (316) 658-4401 Friends Of The Fancy Creek Range Tuttle Creek State Park, Randolph (785) 539-7941 Fort Larned Arms Association 604 Anne St., Larned (620) 285-9281 www.flaa.us Game On Gun Range 15945 Lincoln Road, Onaga (785) 889-7136 Gander Mountain 605 S. Wichita St., Wichita (316) 303-9333
Brehmer Homestead Ltd., 2128 625 Ave., Herington (785) 258-2618
Garden City Community College Shooting Club 801 Campus Drive, Garden City (316) 276-7611
Brooke Hunt Club 14064 150 Road, Smith Center (785) 282-6145
Garden City Trap Club 4000 N. Third St., Garden City (620) 275-7849
Brunner Range 701 Sheridan Road, Fort Leavenworth (913) 651-8132
Garnett Gun Club 101 W. Fourth Ave., Garnett (785) 448-3609
resource guide Geary County Fish and Game Association 3922 K-244 SPUR, Junction City (785) 238-TRAP www.gearycofishandgame.org Glen Elder Wildlife Area Range Open to the public 1 mile south of Downs, Downs (785) 545-3345 Godfrey’s Indoor Shooting and Archery Ranges 920 N. Washington St., Junction City (785) 238-0094
TravelKS.com Kuhrt Ranch 2735 Road 75, Edson (785) 899-5306
Plains Gun Club 600 East Park Ave., Plains (620) 563-7865
Lake Garnett Sporting Club 432 E. First Ave., Garnett (785) 448-5803
Prairie Powder Packers 506 West St., Norton (785) 877-2396
Lakin Gun Club 1295 South River Road, Lakin (620) 355-7490
Powder Creek Shooting Park 8601 Monticello Road, Lenexa (913) 422-5063 www.powdercreek.com
LaSada Sporting Clays 3720 183rd St., Russell (785) 483-3758
Goodland Gun Club 722 W. 13th St., Goodland (785) 890-2441
Lenora Firearm Trap Club Highway 9, Lenora (785) 622-4251
Gun Guys, The 412 S. Main St., Ottawa (785) 418-0711
Liberal Gun Club 1210 N. Cain Ave., Liberal (316) 624-5810
Gypsum Valley Sporting Clays 7702 South Niles Road, Gypsum (785) 536-4535 www.gypsumvalleysportingclays.com
Liberal Range Association E. Eighth St., Liberal (620) 624-7140
H & R Waterfowlers 11502 W. 69th Ave., Nickerson (316) 422-3273
Lil’ Toledo Lodge 10600 170 Road, Chanute (800) 955-8560
Hamilton County Bullet & Bow Club Hwy. 27 and Avenue A, Syracuse (316) 384-5511
Locust Point Gun Club 19939 S. Berryton Road, Lyndon (785) 828-3406 www.lpclays.com
Hay Capitol Gun Club Yates Center (316) 625-2773
Lone Tree Gun Club 2961 Florida Road, Elsmore (620) 754-3548
Hays City Sportsmen’s Club 5810 230th Ave., Hays (785) 628-1646
Lynbrooke Sporting Clay 1419 SE 120th, Augusta (316) 775-1715 www.lynbrooke.com
Hollister Wildlife Area Range Fort Scott (620) 449-2539 Husker-Cats-Trap 2420 I St., Belleville (785) 527-3223 Independence Gun Club Independence Municipal Airport Industrial, Independence (316) 331-6529
Marais Des Cygnes Sporting Park 2013 E. 15 St., Ottawa (785) 242-7468 Marksman Rifle & Pistol Club 1201 N. Seventh St., Arkansas City (620) 660-5574 Michael Murphy and Sons 6400 S.W. Hunter Road, Augusta (316) 775-2137
Iron Cloud Hunting Lodge 2634 Iron Road, Clyde (785) 427-2454
Mill Creek Rifle Club 7215 Gardner Road, De Soto (785) 550-6163
Jersey Creek Gun Club RR 2, Osage City (785) 528-4563
Morris Gundogs and Guided Hunts 2104 Browning Road, Manhattan (785) 539-1622
Joplin Rifle & Pistol Club 1112 Van Buren Road, Galena (417) 291-8487 Kansas National Guard Armory Open to the public 720 East Armory Road, Goodland (785) 545-3345 Kansas Trapshooting Association 3432 E. 117th St., N. Sedgwick (316) 215-3278 Kaw Valley Gun Club 3043 NW Button Road, Topeka (785) 233-1616 www.kvgc.com Kinsley Gun Club S. Briggs Street, Kinsley (316) 659-8684 Kiowa Gun Club 369 SW 50 Ave., Great Bend www.kiowagunclub.org
Nicks Archery 20230 W. 119th St., Conway Springs (620) 584-6949 Ogdens Best Gun Range 215 Riley Ave., Ogden (785) 537-4867 Old Fort Sharpshooters 745 S. Clark St., Fort Scott (316) 224-2335 The Outback Park & Public Range 368 Navajo Road, McPherson (620) 489-9407 www.theoutbackpark.com
Quail Valley Sporting Clays & Hunt Club 16501 NW 72nd, Moundridge (316) 345-8367
Show Me Birds Hunting Resort 2400 SE Quaker Road, Baxter Springs (620) 674-8863
Bob’s Creative Taxidermy Salina (785) 822-5905 www.bobscreativetaxidermy.com
Smoky Valley Shooting Sports 2341 14th Ave., Lindsborg (785) 227-4318
Campbells Taxidermy Collin Campbell Salina (785) 827-5820 www.campbellstaxidermy.com
Southwest Kansas Rifle & Pistol Club 1600 E. Eighth, Liberal (620) 624-7140 Spearpoint Ranch 1890 N. 215th Road, Barnard (785) 524-5330
Quivera Gun Club 3232 Airport Road, Salina (785) 827-8149
Special T Hunting Route 3 Box 87, Beloit (785) 529-4081
Ravenwood Lodge 10147 SW 61, Topeka (800) 656-2454
Spillman Creek Lodge 1125 E. Pike Drive, Sylvan Grove (785) 277-3424
Rawlins County Sportsman Association RR 2, Atwood (913) 626-3700
Sporting Club - Fleming 2711 SE 190th St., Atlanta (316) 775-5769
Red Rock Sporting Clay 10855 Broderick Road, Wamego (785) 456-7664
Sportsman’s Acres 5120 W. Highway K244, Junction City (785) 238-8727
Rim Rock Ranch 2254 Antler Road, Longton (620) 642-6402
Spring Creek Outfitters 1001 Russell Ave., WaKeeney (785) 743-5423
Ringneck Ranch 655 Solomon Lane, Tipton (785) 373-4835
Stafford Gun Club W. Morrell St., Stafford (620) 234-5488
Robidoux Sporting Clays 401 Hamilton St., Beattie (785) 353-2573
Tappan Hill B.P.C.R. RR 1, Glasco (785) 568-2355
Rohrers Sporting Clays 1467 Larkinburg Road, Troy (785) 985-2635
The Bullet Hole 6201 Robinson, Overland Park (913) 432-0050
Sand & Sage Rifle & Pistol Club 15550 E. Rockpit Road, Garden City (913) 440-9350
The Outback Park 368 Navajo Road, McPherson (620) 489-9407
Sandhills Guide Service 432-A Commanche Road, Great Bend (620) 792-3274
Towanda Department of Public Safety Range 110 S. Third, Towanda (316) 536-2516
Scandia Trap and Skeet RR 1, Scandia (785) 335-2859
Trails End Shooting Preserve 12803 108 Road, Dodge City (620) 430-0063
Scott County Trap Club 671 E. Road 160, Scott City (316) 872-5718
Tri County Rod & Gun Club 18573 Stillwell Road, Linwood (913) 301-3376
Shady Creek Sporting Clays 1252 N. Oliver, Belle Plaine (316) 210-4334 www.shadycreekclays.com
Tuttle Creek Trap Shooting Park 6365 Tuttle Creek Blvd., Manhattan (785) 539-4409
Shawnee Creek Preserve & Clays 2733 NE Center Star Road, Columbus (620) 674-8563 Shawnee State Fishing Lake Hunter Education Range 300 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka (785) 273-6740
Pawnee Creek 1550 345th Ave., Burdett (620) 285-9000
Shawnee State Lake Shooting Range 8 miles north, 6 miles west of Topeka (785) 582-2834
Pine Ridge Sporting Clays RR 1, Alma (913) 765-3709
She’s a Pistol 5725 Nieman Road, Shawnee (913) 248-3288
Kansas Outdoors
Wild Wings Hunting 704 Oak St., Scott City (620) 872-3348 X-Ring Jr. Shooters 3128 SW Farmstead Road, Benton (913) 845-2244
hunting: taxidermy Back To Nature Taxidermy Hutchinson (620) 669-8487 Becks Whitetail Taxidermy Hillsboro (620) 947-1631 www.beckswhitetailtaxidermy.com
Doyle Creek Taxidermy Peabody (620) 983-2422 www.dctaxidermy.com Second Creation Taxidermy Kansas City (913) 422-3111 www.secondcreation.com Sevenwest Taxidermy Overbrook (785) 630-0166 www.sevenswesttaxidermy.com Sportsman’s Taxidermy Junction City (785) 238-1236 www.sportsmanstaxidermy.com Toms Taxidermy Council Grove (620) 440-1040 www.tombotaxidermy.com Woodward’s Taxidermy Manhattan (785)307-8699 www.woodwardtaxidermy.com
hunting/fishing lodging Abilene Outdoor Adventures 3158 Epic Lane, Abilene (785) 280-2564 www.abileneoutdooradventures.com Acorns Resort 3710 Farnum Creek Road, Milford (785) 463-4000 www.acornsresortkansas.com Arrow B Hunting Lodge 1115 Highway 24, Stockton (785) 425-5030 Ash Creek Upland Game Hunting 269 Pawnee Road, Windom (620) 489-9411 www.ashcreekhunting.com The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn 14910 Bluemound Road, Valley Falls (785) 945-3225 www.thebarnbb.com Barrel Springs Hunt Club 416 Railroad Ave., Horace (620) 376-2701 www.barrelspringshuntclub.com Beaver Creek Ranch and Hunting Lodge R1, Box 37A, Atwood (785) 538-2363 www.beavercreekranch.org Big Hill Lodge 415 S. Liberty, Cherryvale (620) 336-2255, (877) 244-4455 www.bighilllodge.com Blue River Whitetails 416 N. Denver Ave., Hanover (785) 337-2530 www.blueriverwhitetails.com Bluestem Hunting Preserve 2301 N. Hwy 14, Kingman (620) 532-6361 www.bluestemhunting.com
39
ed s ! Ready to Serve You With All of Your Marine Ne Est. 1962
Sport Haven on C
r edar Bluff Reservoi
Bruiser Whitetail 670 Warpole Road, Olsburg (785) 468-3640 www.bruiserwhitetail.com
Doyle Creek Ranch Bunkhouse 510 Main St., Florence (620) 878-4294 http://doylecreekangus.com
Bucks Limited 1703 Belmont, Parsons (620) 423-3994
Eckman Hunting Preserve 988 E. 1800 Road, Baldwin City www.eckmanhuntingpreserve.com (785) 830-0034
Buckshot Inn 117 W. Hwy 36, Smith Center (785) 282-6644 www.buckshotinn.com
31094 Hwy. 147 Ellis, KS 67637 (785) 726-4457
Find us on Facebook
C&W Ranch 4000 S Halstead Road, Smolan (785) 668-2352 www.cwranch.com Camelot Inn 933 N. First, Osborne (785)346-5413 www.discoverosborne.com
MISTY MORNING OUTFITTERS
Endless Hunting Opportunities in Central Kansas Whitetail • Turkey • Waterfowl • Upland Bird
109 South Kansas Haven, KS 67543
620-708-8540 www.mistymorningoutfitters.com
Morris s & guided
gun dog
Flint hills get AWAY ON SITE CABINS
hunts
Wild gAMe Birds, Wild turkeY & deer hunts
Bring your cammo, your blaze orange, and your stamina...it won’t be a walk in the park.
gs.com
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Premium Hunts on Private Land in the Kansas Flint Hills
hArd hunting english setters & lleWellin setters
developed specifically for the foot hunter with natural family disposition.
785-539-1622
www.morrisgundogs.com
CockleBur Creek Hunting Service 1456 O Road, Larned (620) 285-5099 www.cockleburcreek.com The Country Cabins 2534 Kestrel Road, Hiawatha (785) 742-4320
PREMIER HUNTING Pheasant PreDatOr chucKar anteLOPe * Deer *
caLL fOr DetaiLs
416 RAILROAD TRIbune, KS 67879 ph: 620-376-2701 www.bARReLSpRIngShunTcLub.cOm
Flint Hills Adventures 1439 Road 29, Elk City (620) 673-4066 www.flinthillsadventures.com Flint Oak 2639 Quail Road, Fall River (620) 658-4401 www.flintoak.com Flying W Ranch R1, Box 11, Cedar Point (620) 274-4357 www.flinthillsflyingw.com Gasper Farms Hunting 1326 W 160th Drive, Osborne (785) 346-2697 Iron Gate Lodge 12104 Udall Road, Oswego (620) 795-8945 www.irongatelodge.com Kansas Creek Gamebirds 1055 Young Road, Concordia (785) 335-2381 www.kansascreekgamebirds.com
Covert Creek Lodge 1982 Co 671 Ave., Waldo (785) 942-3245 www.covertlodge.com
Kansas Creek Inn 1330 Union Road, Concordia (785) 243-9988 www.kbba.com
Cowboy Way Ranch & Vacations 10075 Shanuk Lane, Westmoreland (785) 844-0457 www.cowboywayranchandvacations.com
Kansas Trophy Whitetail 1537 Indian Road, Morrowville (785) 265-3360 www.kansastrophywhitetails.com
Cressler Creek Log Cabin 1302 North Road 80 East, Hoxie (785) 675-1295 www.cresslercreeklogcabin.com
Kuhrt Ranch Ringneck Resort 2735 Road 75, Edson (785) 899-5306 www.adventurehunting.com
Dairy Barn Lodge RR 1 Box 20, Atwood (785) 626-3743
Lazy D Outfitters 3330 DD Road, Madison (620) 343-4300 www.lazydoutfitters.com
Davis Farm 3127 W. Road, Hill City (785) 421-5478 www.davischarolais.com
Double E Pheasant Ranch 2038 15th St., McPherson (620) 242-5430
* Deer & anteLOPe hunting LimiteD & seLf guiDeD
Farmyard Lodge 1281 Vale Road, Concordia (785) 243-7336
Country Lodgings 4062 O Road, Smith Center (785) 389-6281
Double Arrow C Ranch 1209 P Road, Eureka (620) 583-7271 www.doublearrowc.com
Western Kansas Premier hunting
lodGING
Claythorne Lodge 1329 NW 100 Road, Columbus (620) 597-2568 www.claythorne.com
Don’s Guide Service 308 N. Hobart, Glen Elder (785) 545-3551 www.kansashunting.net
Barrel Springs Hunt Club
a Large cOmmOn area famiLy-styLe Dining area 24 beDrOOms - Private bath
Cecil’s Trails End Hunting 12803 108 Road, Minneola (620) 430-0663 http://hunttrailsend.com
Evergreen Lodge 805 E. Broadway, Jewell (785) 428-3569
Lil’ Toledo Lodge 10600 170th Road, Chanute (620) 244-5668 www.liltoledo.com The Lodge 250 S Main St., Hoisington (620) 653-4771 www.purpleprairie.net Midwest Outfitters 1275 Heritage Road, Washington (785) 325-2577 www.midwestoutfitters com Mickey’s Quality Hunting 829 N Cedar, Stockton (785) 425-7082 www.mikeysoutfitting.com Mom’s House County Hunting Lodge 610 Road 25, Bird City (785) 734-2549
resource guide
TravelKS.com
Morris Gun Dogs & Guided Hunts 2104 Browning Ave., Manhattan (785) 539-1622 www.morrisgundogs.com
Spearpoint Ranch 1890 N. 215th Road, Barnard (785) 524-5330 www.spearpointranch.com
Murphy’s at Stark Main Street, Stark (620) 754-3222 www.murphysatstark.com
Special T Hunting R3 Box 87, Beloit (785) 529-4081 www.specialthunting.com
Pheasant Hunters Paradise 15068 Road 17, Kismet (620) 629-1342 www.swkansaspheasanthunting.com
Spillman Creek Lodge 1125 E. Pike Drive, Sylvan Grove (785) 277-3424
Pheasant Runn Hunting club HC 1 Box 39, Collyer (785) 628-2642 www.pheasantrunn.com Pilgrim Ranch Retreat RR1, Box 53, Cottonwood Falls (620) 344-5991 www.pilgrimranch.com Posusta Lodging 20436 Beatty Road, Lucas (785) 526-7767 Prairie Wings Gamebirds RR1 Box 43, Webber (785) 753-4871 Rancho Milagro Ranch 2316 Hwy 140, Brookville (785) 472-4850 www.ranchomilagrokansas.com Ravenwood Lodge 10147 SW 61st St., Topeka (785) 256-6444 www.ravenwoodlodge.com Rim Rock Ranch 2254 Antler, Longton (620) 642-6402 Ringneck County 2098 Road 80, Goodland (785) 899-5882 Ringneck Ranch 655 Solomon Lane, Tipton (785) 373-4835 www.ringneckranch.net Rooster Palace PO Box 511, 303 Buffalo St., Jewell (785) 428-7272 www.roosterpalace.com Saline River Hunting Lodge & Guide Service 20015 260 Ave., WaKeeney (785) 743-5878 www.salinelodge.com
Sportsmens Lodge 2523 Ave E., Wilson (785) 658-2424 Spring Creek Outfitters 1001 Russell Ave., WaKeeney (785) 743-5423 www.springcreekoutfitters.net Sunflower Inn 102 Clifton St., Clifton (785) 455-3770
The Fin and Feather Lodge 200 E. Kansas, Glen Elder (308) 390-9370 www.thefinandfeatherlodge.com Thunder Valley Trophy Hunts & Lodge 906 - 240th St., Hiawatha (785) 742-2008 www.thundervalleyhunts.com Timber Creek Lodge 1960 W. Seventh Road, Mankato (785) 428-3601 Twin Fork Outfitters 7385 NW 40th St., Penalosa (620) 532-3559 West Lake Inn 259 West Hwy 24, Downs (785) 454-3345 www.downsks.net Wheatland Hunting Lodge 2589 Hwy K-148, Agenda (785) 732-6498
Wolf Creek Outfitters 20050 Mellard Road, Lucas (785) 525-6200 www.lucaskansas.com
fishing: State fishing lakes Region 1 Jewell State Fishing Lake 2131 180 Road, Glen Elder (785) 545-3345 Logan State Fishing Lake 1.5 mile north and 3 miles west of Russell Springs (785) 726-3212
Woodson State Fishing Lake Toronto (620) 637-2748
Ford State Fishing Lake Dodge City (620) 895-6446
Region 1
Goodman State Fishing Lake Ness City (620) 276-8886 Hain State Fishing Lake Spearville (620) 895-6446 Hamilton State Fishing Lake Syracuse (620) 276-8886
Sherman Wildlife Area Located 7 miles south, 2 miles West of Goodland. (785) 726-3212
Hodgeman State Fishing Lake Jetmore (620) 276-8886
Region 2
Brown State Fishing Lake Robinson (913) 367-7811
The Farm House 22035 160 Ave., WaKeeney (785) 769-5351
Finney State Fishing Lake Garden City (620) 276-8886
Sheridan State Fishing Lake Located 12 miles east and ¾ mile north of Hoxie.
T&C Wildlife Hunt Club 2461 Arrowhead Road, Arcadia (620) 638-4300 www.time2hunt.com
Shaps Beaver Creek Ranch 6404 Road 23, Goodland (785) 899-5942 www.shapsranch.com
Solomon Valley Outfitters 110 N. McKnight, Stockton (785) 425-6294
Saline State Fishing Lake North from I-70 exit 249 to Watkins Road, then east 1 mile to Gerard Road, then north ½ mile to entrance. (785) 546-2279
Atchison State Fishing Lake Atchison (913) 367-7811
Whitehouse Hunting Lodge RR 1, WaKeeney (785) 743-2454 www.whitehouselodge.net
Smoky River Rendezvous 115 Belleview, Winona (785) 846-7785 http://smokyriverrend.com
Rooks State Fishing Lake 1140 10 Road, Stockton (785) 425-6775
Swinging G Lodge & Hunts 2155 W. 100th Drive, Osborne (785) 346-2404
Sappa Creek Lodge Route 2, Oberlin (785) 475-3720 www.sappacreeklodge.com
Slate Creek Lodge 411 South West Road, Wellington (620) 717-1655
Ottawa State Fishing Lake Located about 25 miles north of Salina on US-81, and 8 miles east on KS-106. (785) 658-2465 Ext. 3
Douglas State Fishing Lake Baldwin City (913) 845-2665 Geary State Fishing Lake Junction City (785) 461-5402 Leavenworth State Fishing Lake 24421 Parallel Road, Tonganoxie (913) 845-2665 Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake Louisburg (913) 783-4507 Miami State Fishing Lake Fontana (913) 783-4507 Nebo State Fishing Lake Holton (913) 367-7811 Pottawatomie Lake No. 1 and No. 2 State Fishing Lakes Manhattan (785) 539-9999
Kansas Outdoors
Kiowa State Fishing Lake Greensburg (620) 895-6446 Meade State Fishing Lake Meade (620) 227-8609
fishing: reservoirs
Cedar Bluff Reservoir 13 miles south of I-70 Ogallah Interchange (exit 135) on K-147 (785) 726-3212 Glen Elder Reservoir 2131 180 Road, Glen Elder Kanopolis Reservoir 33 miles SW of Salina on K-149 and K141 US, Kanopolis (785) 546-2294 Keith Sebelius Reservoir/Norton Wildlife Area Located at 4 miles west and 1 mile south from Norton Lovewell Reservoir Webber Webster Reservoir 1210 9 Road, Stockton
Scott State Fishing Lake 520 W. Scott Lake Drive, Scott City (620) 872-2061
Wilson Reservoir Sylvan Grove (785) 658-2551
Region 4
Region 2
Black Kettle State Fishing Lake Moundridge (620) 628-4592
Clinton Reservoir 5 miles west of Lawrence
Butler State Fishing Lake Latham (620) 876-5730 Chase State Fishing Lake 1130 Lake Road, Council Grove (620) 767-5900 Cowley State Fishing Lake 20467 U.S. Hwy 166, Dexter (620) 876-5730 Kingman State Fishing Lake 8685 W. Hwy 54, Cunningham (620) 532-3242 McPherson State Fishing Lake 2450 Pueblo Road, Canton (620) 628-4592 Region 5
Hillsdale Reservoir Paola Milford Reservoir 5 miles northwest of Junction City on US-77 Perry Reservoir Perry Tuttle Creek Reservoir Manhattan Region 4 Cheney Reservoir Wichita Council Grove Reservoir 1 mile north of Council Grove El Dorado Reservoir El Dorado
Rocky Ford State Fishing Lake Manhattan (785) 539-9999
Bourbon State Fishing Lake 10 miles south of Moran on Hwy 59 to Elsmore, then east 4 miles (620)-449-2539
Shawnee State Fishing Lake Silver Lake (913) 845-2665
Crawford State Fishing Lake 9 miles north, 1 mile east of Girard (620) 362-3671
Washington State Fishing Lake Washington (785) 461-5402
Lyon State Fishing Lake 2272 Road 250, Reading (620) 699-3372
Region 3
Montgomery State Fishing Lake Independence (620) 331-6820
John Redmond Reservoir ½ mile south and 1 mile west of New Strawn (620) 364-8613
Neosho State Fishing Lake Saint Paul (620) 449-2539
La Cygne Reservoir Southeast of La Cygne (913) 795-2218
Osage State Fishing Lake Carbondale (620) 699-3372
Melvern Reservoir 35 miles south of Topeka on US-75 (785) 549-3318
Wilson State Fishing Lake Buffalo (620) 637-2748
Toronto Reservoir 15 miles southwest of Yates Center, Fall River (620) 583-6783
Barber State Fishing Lake Medicine Lodge (620) 895-6446 Clark State Fishing Lake Kingsdown (620) 227-8609 Concannon State Fishing Lake Garden City (620) 276-8886
Marion Reservoir Hillsboro Region 5 Elk City Reservoir Independence Fall River Reservoir Fall River
41
42
Kansas Outdoors
resource guide
2013
fishing: rivers and streams Region 1 Saline River Low-water dam at Lincoln Saline River Wilson Reservoir Wildlife Area Smoky Hill River Kanopolis Reservoir Wildlife Area Smoky Hill River Salina Solomon River Beloit Solomon River (north fork) Glen Elder Reservoir Wildlife Area Solomon River (south fork) Glen Elder Reservoir Wildlife Area Solomon River Low-water dam at Minneapolis Region 4 Arkansas River Oxford Region 5 Neosho River at Chetopa Dam Chepota *Community Lake resources can be found at http://kdwpt.state. ks.us/news/Fishing/Where-to-Fishin-Kansas
bait shops
B & B Outdoors 315 N. Santa Fe, Chanute (620) 517-0765
Cabela’s 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City (913) 328-0322
Drivey Dock 1495 Hwy 141, Brookville (785) 546-2414
J.K.’s Remark 1310 N. A, Wellington (620) 326-2440
Backwoods Bait & Tackle 174 Hwy 105, Toronto (620) 637-2337
Cabela’s 2427 N. Greenwich Road, Wichita (316) 854-3130 www.cabelas.com
Fast Trax 2115 Ferguson Road, Perry (785) 597-5460
J & B’s 315 East G, Kingman (620) 532-5685
Fat Cat Farms 1600 S. Langley Road, Hutchinson (620) 474-2757
J and J Bait 1748 Indian Road, Fort Scott (620) 547-2444
Fat Cats North 4305 N. Halstead, Hutchinson (620) 200-4186
Jayhawk Marina 26353 Jayhawker Drive, Paola (913) 557-9900 www.jayhawkmarina.com
Bait and Tobacco Shop 1606 E. Iron St., Salina (785) 404-6810 Bait Hut 715 NE U.S. 24 Hwy, Topeka (785) 232-7400 www.baithut.net
Carter’s Pawn 521 W. Madison, Arkansas City (620) 442-2650
Bath, Bark, and Beyond 504 East D., Kingman (620) 491-1787
Cedar Creek Outfitters 317 South Maple, Garnett (785) 448-3781
Baxter’s Bait & Tackle 1209 9 Road, Stockton (785) 425-6321
Chapman Creek Outdoors 2701 North Marshall Ave., Chapman (785) 922-6630 www.chapmancreek.com
Big Mouth Bait and Convenience Store 326 Laurel Canyon, Junction City (785) 238-2193 Bill’s Bait and Tackle 189 20000 Road, Cherryvale (620) 336-2601 Bill’s Outdoor Sports and Bait Farm 835 S. 81, McPherson (620) 241-7130 BJ’s 66 4218 N. US Hwy 77, Junction City (785) 238-5966 Blackwater Marine 4009 Marina Road, Vassar (785) 828-4777 www.lighthousebaymarina.com
77 Bait and Tackle Shop 4312 U.S. Hwy 77 North, Junction City (785) 238-1475
Bluestem 4 Bait 3021 NE Hwy 177, El Dorado (316) 655-2424
6 Green Briar Drive, Mound City (913) 795-2153 998 N. Hwy 54, Fort Scott (913) 795-2153 24/7 503 E. Main, Osawatomie (913) 795-2153 24/7 730 Main St., Mound City (913) 795-2153 24/7 Albers Marine Inc 403 N. Hwy 69, Arma (620) 347-8853 www.albersmarine.com AmAn 955 E. 23rd St., Lawrence (785) 842-1600 Angelo’s Deli and Market 9057 SW Highway 160, Columbus (620) 597-2525
Camp 50 Sporting Goods 303 W. South St., Arma (620) 347-4800
B and Re’s Baits 481 Sun Lane, Herington (785) 258-3909
3 Wiener Dogs Bait & Tackle Shop 324 W. Main St., Cherryvale (620) 891-0194
A Groovy Worm Farm 24-Hour Bait Vending 1803 S. National St., Fort Scott (913) 795-2153
Cadek Bait and Tackle 359 W. 60th St., South Wellington (620) 863-2474
Blue Streak Drilling of KS 7553 222 Road, Winfield (620) 441-8755 Bo’s 1 Stop 1116 W. Fourth, Pittsburg (620) 231-6305 Bob’s Bait/Radiators-R-Us 815 21st, Parsons (620) 423-8144 Brant’s Custom Fishing Rods and More 1223 Carroll St., Saint Paul (620) 249-8952 www.brantscustomfishingrods.com Brown’s Bait and Tackle 1000 S. Payne St., Olathe (913) 764-8675 Brown’s Tackle Shack 1418 No. 4th, Arkansas City (620) 442-1374 Brown Bears Bait 780 KS 14 Hwy, Beloit (785) 738-5001 B Squared Enterprises 4700 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka (785) 862-2776 Bud’s Bait 425 E. 96 Hwy, Mission www.budsbait.com
Cinnamon River Outdoors 403 S. Stafford, Spearville 2500 Central Ave. Dodge (620) 371-6400 Claude Donham 294 SE Bluestem Road, El Dorado (316) 213-8045 Clinton Marina 1329 E. 800 Road, Lawrence (785) 749-3222 www.clintonmarina.com Consigner Emporium 35 Fifth Road, Wilson (785) 658-3830 235 Highway 232, Wilson (785) 658-3830 www.consigneremporium.com Council Grove Marina 1025 Lake Road, Council Grove (620) 767-5924 www.councilgrovemarina.com Country Junction 153 Hwy 54, Toronto (620) 637-2384 Country Pet Supplies 17 S. Pearl St., Paola (913) 294-9071 County Guns and Ammo 123 W. Santa Fe Ave., Burlingame (785) 654-3143 Crystaldolphins 1803 County Road 3950, Coffeyville (620) 251-3545 D and J 200 W. River, Eureka (316) 583-5211 Daras Fast Lane #8 8811 East Highway 24, Manhattan (785) 770-9847 Depot House Bait Shop 212 Ford Road, Kingsdown (620) 255-5413 Derick’s Bait and Tackle 4700 Tuttle Creek Blvd., Manhattan (785) 587-9356 Domans General Store 4961 E. Hwy 268, Vassar (785) 453-2446
Fish n Ponds 6700 SW Topeka Blvd, Building No. 14, Topeka (785) 267-7663 www.fishnponds.com Friends Group Beach House 250 Beach House Drive, Scott City (620) 872-7044 FW Bait Shop 112 E. 2nd St., Halstead (316) 835-2631 Glen’s Bait 923 E. First St., Newton (316) 283-0259 Good Luck Fish Bait and Supplies 1807 24000 Road, Parsons (620) 421-4810
Jo Jo Dee’s Pets 301 Cherokee, Leavenworth (913) 364-6035 K&K Fly Fisher’s Supply 8643 Grant St., Overland Park (913) 341-8118 K & M’s Lake N Dale 25495 Old KC Road, Hillsdale (913) 783-4684 Knotheads at Wilson Lake 132 East Shoreline Road, Sylvan Grove (785) 658-2166 Lake Bound 11149 E. 39th St., Perry (785) 597-5256
Green Service TTS 200 Washington, Fredonia (620) 378-3979
Lake Perry Marina 10770 Perry Park Road, Perry (785) 597-5555 www.lpym.com
Grouse Valley Grill and Grocery 501 Hwy K-15, Dexter (620) 876-5617
Lakeside Convenience 2100A 190 Road, Glen Elder (785) 545-3150
Guns Outback & Bait 323½ N. Sixth St., Fredonia (620) 288-9003 www.gunsoutback.com
Lakeview Bait and Tackle 203 N. Main, New Strawn (620) 364-8354
Haag Inc DBA The Dock 2838 SE 29th St., Topeka (785) 266-8755 Harold’s Bait and Tackle 241 SE First St., Kirwin (785) 543-5048 Hill Billy Inn 301 W. Second St., Kirwin (785) 543-5993 Hilltop Bait Grocery Cafe 153 West Shore Road, Toronto (620) 637-2700 Hodgeman County Outdoors 110 Wash, Jetmore (620) 357-3536 Home Oil Service and Convenience Store 5499 K18 Hwy., Lucas (785) 525-6366 Hooterville Flea Market 12165 S. Topeka Ave., Carbondale (785) 836-7175 Hudson’s Bait Shop No. 1 Office Drive, Marion (620) 382-3240 Hunter’s Bait 9027 NE 12th, Newton (316) 799-2014 Ike’s Mini Mart 2210 Y Road, Webber (785) 753-4041
Lake Wilson Marina No. 4 Park Road, Sylvan Grove (785) 658-2392 L and L Pets 621 Commercial, Emporia (620) 343-3398 Lee’s Bait and Treasures 416 E Grand Ave., Hartford (620) 392-5818 Lincoln Building Supply 1111 N. Fifth, Lincoln (785) 524-4416 Little Bait Shop 1017 Ninth St., Cawker City (785) 781-4246 Little Bear C-Store 301 Main, Neodesha (620) 325-8974 Lovewell Marine and Grill 2400 250 Road, Webber (785) 753-4351 www.lovewellmarina.com Lucky Bait and Tackle 1220 N. Main, El Dorado (316) 321-3443 Lucky Convenience Store 301 E Hwy K-15, Udall (620) 782-3611 Lucky T’s Bait & Tackle 606 N. Cherokee, Girard (620) 724-8790
Lyin’ County Bait Company 28 S. Commercial, Emporia (620) 342-7111
Rand Oil Co 304 S Metcalf, Louisburg (913) 837-2416
M and L Service Center 325 W. Main, Madison (620) 437-2850
Red’s 1641 Oak Ave., Hoxie (785) 675-3327
Mary’s Pet Shop 521 W. Kansas, McPherson (620) 241-6593
Rob-Roy 540 E. 370th St., South Wichita (316) 524-3217
Mass-Stop 1733 Massachusetts St., Lawrence (785) 811-6500
Rock Creek Marina and Resort 6049 West Lake Road, Ozawkie (785) 484-2656
Master Bait & Tackle 501 Union, Council Grove (620) 253-0696
Route 92 Quick Shop & Bait 409 Jefferson St., Oskaloosa (785) 863-2817
Maylayia’s Bait Shop Pratt County Lake, Pratt (620) 594-2435
Santa Fe Market 522 Ames, Baldwin City (785) 594-7466
Maylayia’s Bait Shop 60188 SE 50th Ave., Sawyer (620) 594-2435
Sharp’s Short Stop 118 W. Randolph, Randolph (785) 293-5293
Miller Mart 2301 Wakarusa Drive, Lawrence (785) 749-1666
Shorty’s Lakeside Country Store 15541 NE 50th St., Cheney (316) 542-9924
Minnesota Bait and Fly Co. 1124 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City (913) 371-0343
Snyder’s Marina Corp 9912 South Titan Road, Cheney (316) 542-0163 www.snyderscheneymarina.com
Moline Q Mart 520 E. Third St., Moline (620) 647-3231 Mongo’s Bait Supply 325 S. Goddard Road, Goddard (316) 209-7230 Mr. Reasonables This and That Thrift Store 115 West Pacific, Salina (785) 643-0897
Southside Convenience 703 Vine St., Hays (785) 628-2411 South Side Loaves N Fishes 35003 310 Ave., Ransom (817) 372-1225 Spirit/Boeing Employee Association 4226 S. Gold, Wichita www.beatoday.com
Myers 267 W. Hwy 24, Downs (785) 454-3520
Sport Cache Bait & Tackle 321 Hwy 56, Baldwin City (785) 979-5467
North Shore Bait and Tackle 1201 9 Road, Stockton (785) 425-7072
Sport Haven 31094 Hwy 147, Ellis (785) 726-4457 www.facebook.com/SportHaven
Old Town Trading Post 410 N. Washington, Wichita (316) 440-4870 One Stop Bait and Tackle 760 N. Broadway, Salina (785) 643-6060 www.onestopbaitandtackle.com
Sports Mart 24131 S. US 75 Hwy., Lyndon (785) 828-3293 Steve’s Bait and More 303 Maple, Chetopa (620) 762-1829
Outback Bait & Tackle 128 W. 85th St., Haysville (316) 337-5896
Steve’s Bait and More 2535 K 9000 Road, Oswego (620) 717-8385
P& P Seed & Bait Co 1901 E. 21St., Wichita (316) 265-9930 www.pandpseedandbait.com
Steven Burton 725 East Maple, Columbus (620) 429-3480
Phil’s Bait/Whitehead Taxidermy 225 West Main, Independence (620) 331-7740 Picker’s Paradise 21748 U.S. 75, Holton (785) 364-3500 Plainville Shortstop 603 S Washington, Plainville (785) 434-2312 R and J Bait 1594 S 1300 Road, Council Grove (620) 767-7880
Stevenson Bait Shop 202 South Seventh, Mound (913) 795-2486 Straight Path Archery 110 NE U.S. Highway 24, Topeka www.straightpatharchery.com Sue’s Bait Shop 206 S. Grove, Yates Center (620) 625-2987 Sunset Ventures 25500 Old KC Road, Hillsdale (913) 783-4411 Tackle Shack 112 John Riggins Ave., Centralia (785) 857-3768
Load up on one of Hodgdon’s 30 smokeless powders. Match your gun, your game, the weather you’ve got it bagged.
Phone 913-362-9455 • www.hodgdon.com
Ready. aim. JeRky
T and D Bait Shop 307 E. Penn St., Norton (785) 874-4687 T and O Fish Farm 109 Breezy Hill Drive, Mulberry (620) 764-3691 Ted’s Tackle & Bait 206 N. Main, Benedict (620) 698-2105 The Little Bait Shop 101 79th, Cawker City (785) 781-4246 Trading Post 314 E. Hwy 54, Meade (620) 873-5253 TRI-Corner Bait & Convenience Store 252 Z SO Road, Fall River (620) 658-4606 Tri County Bait and Tackle 203 Russell St., Scott City (316) 285-4928 Turkey Point Bait and Archery/ Barb’s Sports 4818 W. 309th St., Osage (785) 528-4473 Wade’s Bait & Tackle 22157 Valley Road, LaCygne (913) 515-5034 Wards Garden Center 2703 Taylor Ave. Garden City (620) 275-1902 Watersports Bait Shop 500 Cherry St., Dodge City (620) 225-8044
Historical Lecompton Civil War Birthplace Where slavery began to die
Watson Park 3022 McLean Blvd., Wichita (316) 529-9940 Wayne’s Sporting Goods 129 S. Mill, Glen Elder (785) 545-3333 www.waynessportinggoods.com Wayne’s Wholesale Bait 1810 280 Road, Beloit (785) 738-4142 West Side Bait Shop 512 West St., Iola (620) 365-5873
Visit Constitution Hall & Territorial Capital Museum 10-5 pm Wed-Sat • 1-5 pm Sun Tours (785) 887-6148 • www.lecomptonkansas.com
Westside Propane & Convenience 616 W. Wichita, Russell (785) 483-5450 Wormville Bait & Supplies 207 North First St. Hamilton (620) 750-0066 Xpress Fuel 21657 Valley Road, LaCygne (913) 757-3835
k a n s a s
Zeiner’s Bass Shop 737 S. Washington St. No. 6., Wichita (316) 265-5551
outdoors official
guide
2013
Find your OutdOOr destinatiOn
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AbOuT hOw YOuR buSINESS CAN REACh KANSAS
see
Byways
11
Camping
in Kansas
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contact
Sunflower Publishing
sunpubads@sunflowerpub.com | 888.497.8668
trails Biking Central Kansas Mountain Bike Club www.ckmbc.com
Coasters Bicycle Club (Wichita) www.locojoe.com/coasters Earthriders Mountain Bike Club www.earthriders.com Kansas City Bicycle Club www.kcbc.org Kaw Valley Bicycle Club Topeka www.kvbc.org Lawrence Mountain Bike Club www.lawrencemountainbikeclub.org Lawrence Bicycle Club www.lawrencebicycleclub.org Oz Bicycle Club (Wichita) www.ozbikeclub.com Equestrian Kansas Horse Council www.kansashorsecouncil.com Bluestem Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Boulder Bluff Horse Trail El Dorado State Park Trail is a scenic stroll through the Flint Hills along the shoreline of El Dorado Lake. An equestrian campground is available in Boulder Bluff Area 1. Cottonwood Trail At Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Crystal Trail Milford State Park Open year-round Dune Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Eagle Ridge Trail Milford State Park Open year-round Equestrian Trails Perry State Park The trails start and end in Perry State Park, but some of the trail traverses across the COE Rock Creek public-use area. Horse Trail Eisenhower State Park Open year-round Kanopolis Multi-use Trails at Kanopolis State Park Access from Trailheads A,B,C, D Alum Creek Trails These two trails form an 8.3-mile loop across pastures, through canyons, trees and along creeks. There are two minor water crossings. Open February 1-October 31 Horsethief Canyon Trails Two sections of the trail system, referred to as the Horsethief Canyon trails, connect the Rockin’ K Trails to the Prairie Trails. These crossings can be very deep. Prairie Trails Two trails, which are referred to as the Prairie Trails, connect the Horsethief Canyon Trails to the Alum Creek Trails. Open February 1-October 31 Rockin’ K Trails (Access from trailhead A, D) Two 2-mile sections of the trail system are called the Rockin’ K Trails. These are relatively easy trails.
resource guide Pipeline Trail Milford State Park Open year-round Pond Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Prairie Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Randolph Equestrian Trail Tuttle Creek State Park Encompasses a wide variety of terrain offering views of the Flint Hills, the lake and wildlife. Rock Creek Horse Trail Clinton Wildlife Area Horse trail is open seasonally, trailhead is in Rockhaven Park. Saddle Ridge Trails Hillsdale State Park Four different loops of trail systems: NW blue trail, SE red trail, SW red trail and the Outlet loop. Vehicle permits are required for entry. Tallgrass Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Woodland Trail Sand Hills State Park Open year-round Hiking Kansas Trails Council www.kansastrailscouncil.org Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy www.kanzatrails.org
Watersports 100th Meridian Initiative www.100thmeridian.org The 100th Meridian Initiative is a cooperative effort among state, provincial and federal agencies to prevent the westward spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species in North America. Boat US www.boatus.com Boat Owners Association of the United States
TravelKS.com Discover Boating www.discoverboating.com The Discover Boating Program is a service of the recreational boating industry, spearheaded by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, with the goal to “help people become boaters.”
US Coast Guard www.uscg.mil
Friends of the Kaw www.kansasriver.org
United State Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety www.uscgboating.org
Kansas City White Water Club www.kcwc.org Kansas Canoe & Kayak Association www.kansascanoe.org Kansas Whitewater Association www.kansaswhitewater.org National Water Safety Congress www.watersafetycongress.org A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting recreational water safety in the United States, the National Water Safety Congress was organized in 1951 in response-to a growing number of recreation related drownings. The Congress promotes two basic approaches to reduce water recreation fatalities, injuries and property damage— education and enforcement. Pomona Lake Ski Club www.skipomona.com Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating and thereby increase public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving and restoring this nation’s aquatic natural resources. www.rbff.org Safe Boating Council www.safeboatingcouncil.org Shawnee Boat and Ski Club (Topeka) www.shawneeboatandskiclub.com States Organization for Boating Access www.sobaus.org US Army Corps of Engineers www.usace.army.mil
US Coast Guard Auxiliary www.cgaux.org US Power Squadrons www.usps.org
advertisers Barrel Springs Hunt Club 416 Railroad, Tribune (620) 376-2701 www.barrelspringshuntclub.com
Go Wichita 515 S. Main St., Suite 115, Wichita (316) 265-2800 www.gowichita.com Hays CVB 2700 Vine St., Hays (785) 628-8202 www.haysusa.com Hodgdon Powder Company 6430 Vista Drive, Shawnee www.hodgdon.com
The Barn 14910 Bluemound Road, Valley Falls (785) 945-3225 www.thebarnbb.com
KOA Kansas Outfitters Association 806 West Second, Holton www.kansasoutfittersassociation.com
Coffeeyville CVB 807 Walnut, Coffeyville (620) 251-2550 www.coffeyvillechamber.org
Labette County Tourism 506 E. Main St., Parsons (800) 280-6401 www.visitlabette.com
Crawford County CVB 117 W. Fourth St., Pittsburg (800) 879-1112 ww.visitcrawfordcounty.com
Lecompton Historical Society 640 E. Woodson, Lecompton (785) 887-6285 www.lecomptonkansas.com
Dodge City CVB 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City www.visitdodgecity.org
Manhattan CVB 501 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan (785) 776-8829 www.manhattancvb.org
Flint Hills Tourism Coalition PO Box 244, Alma (866) 660-2622 http://kansasflinthills.travel Flint Oak Hunting Lodge 2639 Quail Road, Fall River (620) 658-4401 http://flintoak.com Geary County CVB 823 N. Washington St., Junction City (800) 528-2489 www.junctioncity.org
Norton Chamber 205 S. State St., Norton (785) 877-2501 www.discovernorton.com Pratt Chamber of Commerce 114 N. Main, Pratt (620) 672-5501 www.prattkansas.org QUWF - Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation (417) 345-5960 www.quwf.net
Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City (913) 328-3300 www.kansasspeedway.com
Flint Hills Hunts (620) 221-3767 www.kansashunts.com
45
Morris Gundogs & Guided Hunts 2104 Browning Ave., Manhattan (785) 539-1622 www.morrisgundogs.com
Great Bend CVB/Kansas Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway 3007 Tenth St., Great Bend (620) 792-2750 www.visitgreatbend.com
Black Jack Kennels 23800 Douglas Road, Chanute 620-431-7242 www.blackjackkennels.com
Finney County Convention & Visitors Bureau 1513 E. Fulton Terrace, Garden City (620) 276-0607 www.finneycountycvb.com
Kansas Outdoors
Midland Railway 1515 W. High St., Baldwin City (785) 594-6982 www.midlandrailway.org Misty Morning Outfitters 109 S. Kansas, Haven 620-708-8540 www.mistymorningoutfitters.com
Retire to the Flint Hills 501 Poyntz, Manhattan (785) 776-8829 www.manhattaned.org Ringneck Ranch Inc 655 Solomon Lane, Tipton (785) 373-4835 www.ringneckranch.net Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure 625 N. Hedville Road, Salina (785) 827-9488 www.rollinghillswildlife.com Sport-Haven 31094 147 Hwy, Ellis (785) 726-4457
Marion County 200 S. Third St, Suite 104, Marion (620) 382-2185 www.marioncoks.net McPherson CVB 306 N. Main Street, McPherson (620) 241-3340 www.mcphersonks.org
Ravenwood Lodge 10147 SW 61st, Topeka (785) 256-6444 http://ravenwoodlodge.com
Shawnee County Parks & Recreation 200 SE Seventh St., Topeka (785) 267-1156 http://parks.snco.us Sherman County CVB (785) 890-3515 www.goodlandnet.com Thunderbird Marina 4725 Rolling Hills Drive, Junction City (785) 238-5864 Vanderbilt’s www.vanderbilts.com
America’s Premier Shooting Resort
Featuring Field Hunts, European Driven Shoots, Duck Hunts, 5-Star Shooting Sports. Luxury accommodations and fine dining Memberships available Flint Oak, Fall River, KS
620-658-4401
www.flintoak.com
160
83
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iv e
r
MEADE
Meade
R
Attica Atwood Auburn Augusta Axtell Baldwin City Barnes Basehor Baxter Springs Bazine Beaumont Bel Aire Belle Plaine Bellevillew Beloit Belvue
Kansas Official Travel Guide
C10 A10 A6 B12 A5 C12 F14 D12 E10 E10 F9 F11 E15 F5 C9 A15
F8 A3 C13 E11 A12 C14 A11 B15 F15 D5 E12 E10 F10 A9 B8 B12
Bennington Benton Bird City Blue Rapids Bonner Springs Brewster Bucklin Buhler Burden Brookville Burlingame Burlington Burrton Caldwell Caney Canton
B9 E10 A2 A11 C15 B2 E5 D9 F11 C9 C13 D13 E10 F9 F13 D10
Carbondale Cassoday Cawker City Cedar Vale Chapman Chanute Cheney Cherryvale Chetopa Cimarron Claflin Clay Center Clearwater Clements Clifton Clyde
C13 D11 A8 F12 C10 E14 E9 F14 F15 E4 C7 B10 F10 D11 A10 A10
283
Minneola
F14 B2 F6 B4 F15 A9 F9 E3 A9 D12 C12 E8 B5 B9 E10 D4 E5 E11 B13 A8 C14 B14 E11
5
Ashland
Coffeyville Colby Coldwater Collyer Columbus Condordia Conway Springs Copeland Courtland Cottonwood Falls Council Grove Cunningham Damar Delphos Derby Dighton Dodge City Douglass Dover Downs Edgerton Effingham El Dorado
160
Fowler
54
Ford
400 Mullinville
Haviland
M ed
F1 D8 C6 C8 A15 D12 E14 C12 C15 E12 C15 E5 B15 B11 E15 F4 A11 E13 F15 F15 D10 E3 C15
6
Coldwater
183
Pawnee Rock
160
7 D14 E14 D8 E15 B9 E9 D10 B1 C6 D7 E6 B3 B3 A10 D10 A11 D5 F9 E9 E6 C6 E10 C11
Pratt
Garnett Gas Geneseo Girard Glasco Goddard Goessel Goodland Gorham Great Bend Greensburg Grinnell Grainfield Haddam Halstead Hanover Hanston Harper Haven Haviland Hays Haysville Herington
icine
281 St. John
56
36
Sylvan Grove
ve r
8
Kiowa
TravelKS.com
D10 A14 A14 B5 D10 A10 E3 B13 C8 A14 E12 B4 B14 E8 F2 E14 D9 F13 E4 D9 E14 B9 D5
Attica
Smolan
?
MUSHROOM ROCK
Marquette
Lindsborg
KANOPOLIS
Brookville
Yoder
160
Goddard
E1 C11 B15 A7 E8 E6 F8 C6 D15 E14 E2 B15 D6 E11 C14 D13 B15 C15 A8 D13 B14 C15 A5
TravelKS.com
Johnson City Junction City Kansas City Kensington Kingman Kinsley Kiowa La Crosse La Cygne La Harpe Lakin Lansing Larned Latham Lawrence Le Roy Leavenworth Leawood Lebanon Lebo Lecompton Lenexa Lenora
81
Wellington
81
Clearwater
Haysville
Caldwell
56
Whitewater
77
Marion
Peabody
Hillsboro
Marion Reservoir
Pilsen
77
White City Council Grove Lake
Cassoday
Leon Leoti Lewis Liberal Lincoln Lindsborg Linn Linn Valley Little River Louisburg Lucas Lyndon Lyons Madison Maize Manhattan Mankato Marion Marquette Marysville Matfield Green Mayetta McCracken
10
35
Winfield
E11 D2 E6 F3 B8 C9 A10 C15 D9 C15 B8 C13 D8 D12 E10 B12 A8 D11 C9 A11 D11 B13 C5
Burden
166
160
Howard
Lebo
Me lvern Lake
EISENHOWER
ELK CITY
A5 B14 B3 A4 B11 A11 C15 B12 C13 D15 B7 B14 F15 C7 C14 C14 C15 F11 B14 C15 E10 F14 D7
ou
Ft. Leavenworth
Perry 40 Lecompton
Bonner Springs
Basehor
Lansing
Winchester
McLouth
CLINTON
M 73
Tonganoxie
PERRY
35
73
169
B12 D10 B14 A6 D11 E14 F15 F4 B6 D15 C14 E11 B15 E7 E9 F6 B4 C5 A9 B11 F1 E10 B12
59
435
Arma
Frontenac
C7 C2 A13 C9 F3 A9 D3 C13 F12 A13 C1 B15 B12 C10 A7 C9 E5 C15 A13 A1 B12 D7 B13
Weir
400
160
B11 B12 A11 A11 A15 D14 F15 C11 C14 C1 F15 B12 C12 A14 E10 E10 C14 C8 B15 F11 B7 E13 E9
Kansas Official Travel Guide
E14 E8 D8 B6 D12 B4 F3 A12 B8 E1 B8 C15 B13 E11 C1 A15 E11 E2 E10 B14 A12 C6 B5
Wakefield Wamego Washington Waterville Wathena Waverly Weir Wellington Wellsville Weskan West Mineral Westmoreland White City White Cloud Whitewater Wichita Williamsburg Wilson Winchester Winfield Woodston Yates Center Yoder
F
E
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69 Galena
St. Paul Stafford Sterling Stockton Strong City Studley Sublette Summerfield Sylvan Grove Syracuse Tipton Tonganoxie Topeka Towanda Tribune Troy Udall Ulysses Valley Center Valley Falls Vermillion Victoria WaKeeney
15
Baxter Springs
Columbus
West Mineral
Chetopa
Russell Russell Springs Sabetha Salina Satanta Scandia Scott City Scranton Sedan Seneca Sharon Springs Shawnee Silver Lake Solomon Smith Center Smolan Spearville Spring Hill St. Benedict St. Francis St. George St. John St. Marys
14
166
Girard
CRAWFORD
Fort Scott
69
Pleasanton
54
160
69
La Cygne
Linn Valley
Mound City
Leawood
OVERLAND PARK
Prairie Village
KANSAS CITY Fairway
OLATHE Louisburg
Spring Hill
Pittsburg Oswego
400
St. Paul
Erie
Altamont
Coffeyville
160
Cherryvale
Neodesha
Chanute
La Harpe
Gas
169 Garnett
Moran
59 PRAIRIE SPIRIT TRAIL
Paola
Edgerton
A
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Elwood
HILLSDALE
Osawatomie
Parsons
Iola Humboldt
Piqua
Le Roy
Burlington
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Pomona
Ottawa
Wellsville
Baldwin City
Overbrook
Waverly
Paxico Peabody Perry Phillipsburg Pilsen Piqua Pittsburg Plains Plainville Pleasanton Pomona Potwin Prairie Village Pratt Pretty Prairie Protection Quinter Ranson Republic Riley Rolla Rose Hill Rossville
13
75
Independence Caney
56
Clinton Lake
Lyndon
75
Yates Center
Fredonia
CROSS TIMBERS
Sedan
FALL RIVER
? 24
POMONA
Burlingame
J ohn Redmond Reservoir
Madison
Norton Nortonville Oakley Oberlin Ogden Oketo Olathe Onaga Osage City Osawatomie Osborne Oskaloosa Oswego Otis Ottawa Overbrook Overland Park Oxford Ozawkie Paola Park City Parsons Pawnee Rock
12
Cedar Vale
Beaumont
Latham
McLouth B14 McPherson D9 Meade F4 Medicine Lodge F8 Meriden B14 Merriam B15 Minneapolis B9 Minneola F5 Montezuma E4 Moran E14 Morland B4 Moscow F2 Mound City D15 Moundridge D10 Mt. Hope E10 Mullinville E6 Mulvane F10 Natoma B7 Neodesha F13 Ness City D5 Newton D10 Nickerson D9 Nicodemus B5
11
Arkansas City
Oxford
77
Mulvane Belle Udall Plaine
?
Douglass
Rose Hill
Andover Derby
Leon
KAW RIVER
Perry Lake
59
59
Ozawkie Oskaloosa Meriden
TOPEKA
Osage City
335
54
Valley Falls
Nortonville
73
Atchison ?
Wathena Troy
15
Shawnee 70 Lenexa ? Auburn Lawrence Eudora ? Carbondale 59 Gardner Scranton
Dover
Emporia
Eskridge
Alma
Eureka
400
35
Cottonwood Falls
Americus
56
70
159
36
Highland
White Cloud
14
Effingham
Horton
73
Hiawatha
Hoyt
75
Mayetta
Holton
St. Marys
Seneca
13 Sabetha
Paxico Rossville Silver Lake ?
Belvue
Wamego
Alta Vista
Strong City
177
Matfield Green
Clements
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE
24 St. George
Council Grove
50
Chapman
Ogden
Ft. Riley North
Onaga Westmoreland
Frankfort
Manhattan
TUTTLE CREEK
Tuttle Creek Lake
77
Blue Rapids
Vermillion
Axtell
St. Benedict
Summerfield
12 Marysville
Oketo
Potwin Valley Park EL DORADO Center City Towanda Benton Bel El Dorado Maize Aire Augusta
Burrton
?
Abilene
Herington
Moundridge
Newton
Andale
Conway Springs
9
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Milfor d Lake MILFORD
Wakefield
Riley
Junction City
Solomon
Goessel
Galva
Assaria
WICHITA Cheney
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Salina
135
Haven
Cheney Res. Mt. Hope CHENEY
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Bennington
24
77
Waterville
36
Hanover
11
Barnes
Clay Center
Linn
Washington
Clifton
Haddam
10
Clyde
Agenda
Hesston
Halstead
SAND HILLS
Buhler
Anthony
Harper
56 Inman
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Belleville
Concordia
McPherson
Pretty Prairie
Kingman
50
Delphos
Glasco
Minneapolis
Nickerson
Little River
Geneseo
Kanapolis Lake
Lincoln Center
Hutchinson
Hesston Hiawatha Highland Hill City Hillsboro Hoisington Holcomb Holton Holyrood Horton Howard Hoxie Hoyt Hudson Hugoton Humboldt Hutchinson Independence Ingalls Inman Iola Jamestown Jetmore
281
Medicine Lodge
400 54
Lyons
Sterling
Cunningham
Stafford
Hudson
Ellinwood Ri
CHEYENNE BOTTOMS REFUGE
Claflin
Holyrood
Ellsworth
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Tipton
Jamestown
81
Republic
9
Scandia
LOVEWELL
Courtland
Lovewell L Reservoir R
Beloit
Mankato
Glen Elder
8
Wa conda Lake
GLEN ELDER Cawker City
Wilson
Hoisington
70
Lucas W ilson Lake
281
281 Lebanon
Downs
Smith Center
Osborne
Russell
24
Great ? Bend
Otis
Larned
Greensburg
?
Lewis
Elkhart Ellinwood Ellis Ellsworth Elwood Emporia Erie Eskridge Eudora Eureka Fairway Ford Fort Leavenworth Fort Riley Fort Scott Fowler Frankfort Fredonia Frontenac Galena Galva Garden City Gardner
183
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Bucklin
Victoria
La Crosse
183
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Natoma
Woodston
Ki rwin Reservoir
Kensington
7
2013
Abilene Agenda Agra Alma Almena Alta Vista Altamont Americus Andale Andover Anthony Arkansas City Army Ashland Assaria Atchison
4
Montezuma
?
50 56
Kinsley
?
Plainville
C ree k
Hanston
Bazine
McCracken
Spearville
Jetmore
283
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Dodge City
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Webster Res.
Stockton
Hays
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Hill City
Lenora
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R iv e r
Quinter
Studley
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183
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Kansas Cities & Towns
2
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56
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24
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Grainfield
Garden City
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Moscow
Satanta
Ulysses
Hugoton
160
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83
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Lakin
Leoti
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Sharon Springs
70
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46 state map