Prairie Center

This could be such a wonderful place, but the state of Kansas Department of wildlife parks has neglected the grasslands for so long that it has become overrun with sumac, locust trees, and other woody plants that are choking out the other plants. Usually, the woody plants would be kept at bay with grazing, fire, bailing, or mowing, but it is quite obvious that the state has not allocated any funds for prairie maintenance in quite some time. In a state that is known on a national level to have a dismal amount of public land, we really should be demanding better treatment of the spaces we do have, especially when the state has been in very good financial shape for the past several years.

Great place to hike. A mixture of hills, flat lands and a few waterways to cross. Fairly easy with a couple of steep hills. I would advise staying on the path in Spring and Summer if you are allergic to poison ivy/oak.

Be prepared that there are inclines and declines in the gravel path as well as water crossings. The paths are easy to find but sporadically marked if that makes you nervous, good to be aware of. Definitely lots of little picnic tables and bathrooms located nearby parking lot.

Beautiful place and has great walking trails! The lake at the middle has benches to sit and eat or fish from. And a huge pier/deck over the lake.. would also be an excellent place for a picnic if they had any restroom facilities nearby. Unfortunately, the nearest are at the entrance to the park and would be unreasonable walk/run if you needed the facilities "quickly." If you're going there to fish, be sure to use the restrooms before you head to the lake! Finally... Watch out for TICKS!! I'm sure this isn't the only place you'll pick them up while hiking in Kansas, but I picked up the horrible Lone Star Tick here! Now I'm worrying about having to become an unwilling Vegan. If you don't know what I'm talking about, look up the diseases associated with the Lone Star tick!

Gorgeous nature preserve with well-kept trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots. Our family enjoyed exploring the gravel and natural paths and playing in the creek. Can't wait to come back and see more that we weren't able to get to in one day!