Top 5 Kansas Outdoor Escapes: Your Guide to Adventure
Kansas, often pictured for its seemingly endless plains, very often holds quite a few outdoor surprises for folks looking to move away from city life for a bit. You know, it is almost more than meets the eye when you consider what is hidden throughout the state. From really stunning state parks to peacefully flowing rivers, outdoor activities that cater to almost everyone are fairly common.
1. Hiking in the Flint Hills
The Flint Hills is just a really unique stretch of land, so it’s sometimes called the “Last Great Prairie.” So the seemingly endless rolling hills are absolutely covered in bluestem grass, actually painting quite a dramatic backdrop for those who love exploring by foot. That is, areas like the Konza Prairie near Manhattan, KS, provide genuinely awesome hiking trails that let you soak it all in. There is also the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City, KS, where you might catch glimpses of bison.
When you are out here, it’s always about preparation. You will probably need water. And make sure someone else knows about this area, like your hiking group, especially given the potentially unforgiving sun out there during those summertime treks. So there really is nothing quite like taking those calming hikes, with horizons that seemingly go on forever.
2. Paddling Kansas Waterways
Want a way, in some respects, to experience Kansas at a different pace? Paddle. Many rivers in Kansas, such as the Kansas River (affectionately known as the “Kaw”), do give you gentle currents that are good for pretty relaxed canoe or kayak trips. You know that, more or less, the scenery changes a little and often, even when the landscape appears same-ish at a passing glance.
Consider, that too, locations around Wichita, like the Little Arkansas River. It offers calmer waters. They’re basically suited for a lot of beginners. You might get glimpses of wildlife plus pretty serene surroundings. Usually, many local outfitters rent canoes and kayaks and may well offer shuttle services. Now, arguably that’s making getting out on the water a lot more convenient.
3. Fishing at Milford Lake
You are gonna want to visit Milford Lake if fishing is your thing. Pretty large and also found close to Junction City, it’s kinda famous, that is, for its outstanding fishing. So the species most commonly caught include walleye, catfish, and crappie. Anglers should always just double-check that, typically, they have the right Kansas fishing license to legally do this fun hobby. You know?
Actually, the lake has numerous access points, like boat ramps. Additionally, pretty great facilities are available. Because a lot of people can just easily go here without needing much prior stuff. If your group may also want some dry ground options, so that area is a bit known for trails nearby as well. So keep an eye out on weather stuff that, I mean, applies to fishing. After all, sudden weather events do sometime occur on the lake.
4. Exploring Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
A spot known for its starkly wonderful landscapes, that area, that is, called Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, gives visitors an amazing hiking place. Found actually close to Oakley, its towering chalk rock formations happen to give a look very, very similar to those from, oh, let’s say the American West’s even more famous badlands. So that means the place just screams to people like your friends that crave landscape photo options or scenic treks. Am I right?
As I was saying, for hikers? So, too, are marked trails there, but frankly, some spots tend to be steep and rugged. Make absolutely sure those involved in your trip consider weather patterns out that way; because sunblock and a hat make that area way more palatable when exposed, actually. The fact remains, in short, the land out there offers scenes unlike nearly any in Kansas.
5. Camping at Kanopolis State Park
Kanopolis State Park is so wonderful. The park is just perfect for folks liking a real “base camp,” since there are lots and lots of recreational things that, literally, await people near Marquette, KS. You have hiking options as well as horseback riding trails, and, actually, great opportunities for spending your days outdoors. Or right in front of the fire?
Actually, about Kanopolis Reservoir: waterskiing and also just plainly fishing may, for instance, sound inviting there, with all sites commonly having their own picnic table or even fire pit spot, actually. Anyway, always follow any “leave no trace” rule or advice provided to maintain the place in the best possible form for those behind us, now. Like, if relaxation or just more rugged outdoorsy adventuring beckons you. Camping right here at Kanopolis very nearly becomes an unskippable Kansas option.
