A Great Outdoor Adventure: State Parks in South Central
Discover South Central's Great Outdoors at Three State Parks
Kansas is full of breathtaking landscapes, trails and outdoor activities. Make your way through the scenic beauty of El Dorado, Cheney and Sand Hills state parks. Get back into nature by taking a solo trip or exploring with the whole family. With 28 Kansas state parks, all of which have their own unique features, let’s explore three.
El Dorado State Park
Starting with the largest Kansas state park, El Dorado is located near Flint Hills. With 2,000 acres of land, embark on seven trails, perfect for biking, hiking and horseback riding. Explore the shooting and archery ranges and choose from ten cabins to stay in. El Dorado State Park has the best wildlife to see and fish to catch. On your way out, stop by the Kansas Oil Museum.
Cheney State Park
Journey 16 miles west of Wichita, and there you can find Cheney State Park. Cheney Lake is one of the windiest lakes in the nation. The nearly 10,000-acre lake is the ultimate spot for sailboaters and windsurfers. Unleash your inner captain with water sports, six boat ramps and 22 boat-launching lanes. Although water seekers will thrive at Cheney State Park, three trails are provided for the land creatures. Explore Geifer Creek Nature Trail, Spring Creek Wildlife Observation Trail and West Side Trail.
Sand Hills State Park
Venture onward to Sand Hills State Park, located near Hutchinson. This park is known for its five horseback riding trails. Use the designated campgrounds for horses and discover the sand dunes. These dunes were formed by the sediment that was carried from the Arkansas River, which was shifted and changed over time. Sand Hills is the perfect place to enjoy miles of horse-friendly trails the whole family can enjoy.
So, whether you’re chasing land or sea, these state parks are your gateway to exploring something new. With boundless miles and acres, explore Kansas’ scenic wonders on your next free weekend.
