Today we include Kansas in our A Walk In the Park, State Park Spotlight. For those of you not familiar with our 50 week series, Blogging Babies and the Bayou will take readers into a new state every week and feature local State Parks. My mission is to open the eyes of many readers and give a small glimpse of what your own state may offer. If you haven’t included Kansas into your U.S travel bucket list, then get ready to grab a pen and paper to make it official! Enjoy our Walk in the Park.

Thank you for joining us for another week of our special series, A Walk In the Park, State Park Spotlight. In this series, we journey to a different state each week to learn about its local state parks. This week we will be visiting the state parks of Kansas. You may not have even heard of these state parks and all their beauty even if you live there. You may just be looking for someplace new to explore. We invite you to join us in learning about the state parks in each of the 50 states. Now, let’s journey to the state parks of Kansas.

Cedar Bluff State Park
32001 147 Highway
Ellis, KS 67637
785-726-3212

Cedar Bluff State Park is divided into two areas along the shorelines of Cedar Bluff Reservoir. The Bluffton Area, on the north shore, is nearly 350 acres of fun for visitors. It has a variety of facilities that outdoor enthusiasts will love. There are two boatramp facilities, 96 utility campsites, two community shelters, a group utility campground, two shower houses, five modern rental cabins and many campsites and picnic areas. Play a game of sand volleyball, horseshoes, shore side basketball, go bicycling on the BMX track or swimming on the beach. The family will NOT be bored!

Don’t forget to get in some fishing while you’re there. This area is perfect for a family visit. The Page Creek Area, on the south shore is almost 500 acres in size. It provides some of the finest primitive camping in the state with large shady trees and sandy shorelines. This area is loved by boaters, jet skiers and those who seek a little more peace and quiet when relaxing outdoors. Think more of a couples visit than a family visit. No matter which area better suits your needs, you will have an amazing visit at Cedar Bluff.

Mushroom Rock State Park
200 Horsethief Rd.
Marquette, KS 67464
785-546-2565

Mushroom Rock State Park was voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas by the Kansas Sampler Foundation in 2010. It is the smallest state park in Kansas. There is much geological and historic significance of this unusual area. This 5 acre park is about 2 miles off the highway. It is surrounded by dirt roads and farms. You can often hear the moo of a cow in the distance. Camping is not allowed and there aren’t tons of activities at Mushroom Rock but it’s a scenic place that is perfect for a family that loves being outdoors together.

The rocky formations of Dakota sandstone look like mushrooms in the park. That’s the unique aspect of the park and where it gets it’s name from. This is a great place to practice your photography and fill your albums with family photos. Mushroom Rock is a great destination for a family day trip with a picnic. Although it’s the smallest state park in the state, it’s a uniquely beautiful place that you will love.

Prairie Dog State Park
13037 State Highway 261
Norton, KS 67654
785-877-2953

Prairie Dog is a great place for camping. It includes 4 reservable cabins (2 modern and 2 primitive), 60 electric/water sites, 12 electric-only sites, and more than 130 primitive sites. Shower and restroom facilities are also available for guests. Go walking along the 1.4- mile nature trail . The interpretive signage is a great way to explore the park and observe wildlife. Historical interpretation is a very big part of this park. There are two vintage 19th century buildings that have been preserved here, including a one room school and renovated adobe house.

Love nature and the outdoors? If you love to go fishing, the reservoir offers many challenging catches for you. The Norton Wildlife Area has rabbits, waterfowl, deer and furbearers. This area is mesmerizing and beautiful and will make you feel so far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Prairie Dog State Park is a great place to learn and explore for everyone in the family.

All photographs belong to http://ksoutdoors.com/. You can visit their website for more information on planning your visit and to reserve your stay at a Kansas State Park.

Have you had the opportunity to visit any of the State Parks in Kansas? Which of these would you love to visit and why? Please share this post on social media and let me know your thoughts by tagging me on s.m.

Additional Walk in the Park State by State Spotlight
Alabama State Parks
Alaska State Parks
Arizona State Parks
Arkansas State Parks
California State Parks
Colorado State Parks
Connecticut State Parks
Delaware State Parks
Florida State Parks
Georgia State Parks
Hawaiian State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Illinois State Parks
Indiana State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Kansas State Parks
Kentucky State Parks
Louisiana State Parks