Wilson State Park

Amenities Weather Recreation


Wilson State Park is a picturesque outdoor destination located in the state of Kansas, offering visitors a wealth of recreational activities and natural beauty to explore. There are several compelling reasons to visit this park, including its stunning landscape, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities.

One of the main attractions of Wilson State Park is its namesake, Wilson Lake. The lake spans over 9,000 acres, making it the clearest and cleanest body of water in Kansas. It is a haven for water enthusiasts, offering activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The lake's sandy beaches provide a perfect spot for sunbathing and picnicking, while the marina offers boat rentals and supplies.

For nature lovers, Wilson State Park boasts an impressive range of wildlife and natural beauty. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting over 200 species of birds, including bald eagles, pelicans, and herons. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the park's 26 miles of trails, winding through picturesque canyons, forests, and grasslands. Additionally, the park features a beautiful 30-mile shoreline, with towering cliffs that provide breathtaking panoramic views.

Adding to the park's appeal are several points of interest worth exploring. One of the notable attractions is the historic Otoe campground, which dates back to the early settlement days of Kansas. Visitors can learn about the area's rich history through interpretive signs and displays. Another highlight is the iconic Wilson Dam, a significant engineering marvel that creates the Wilson Reservoir. The dam has a walkway that offers visitors a chance to admire the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about Wilson State Park include its designation as the "Clearest Lake in Kansas" due to its deep, clean water. The park is also home to some rare species, such as the Texas horned lizard, and it has been a popular filming location for various movies and TV shows.

The best time to visit Wilson State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and ideal for water activities, swimming, and camping. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, as the park showcases vibrant foliage and pleasant temperatures. However, it's important to note that the park can get crowded during peak summer months, so visiting during weekdays or planning a camping trip in advance is recommended.

To ensure accuracy, it is always a good practice to verify information across multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, travel guides, and reputable travel forums.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Until 2024-05-19T22:00:00-05:00 National Weather Service
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 260 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN KANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 16 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL KANSAS BARTON CHASE ELLSWORTH LINCOLN MARION MCPHERSON RICE RUSSELL SALINE IN SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS BUTLER HARPER HARVEY KINGMAN RENO SEDGWICK SUMNER THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ANDOVER, ANTHONY, ATTICA, AUGUSTA, BEL AIRE, COTTONWOOD FALLS, DERBY, EL DORADO, ELLSWORTH, GREAT BEND, HARPER, HAYSVILLE, HILLSBORO, HUTCHINSON, KINGMAN, LINCOLN, LYONS, MARION, MCPHERSON, NEWTON, PARK CITY, PEABODY, ROSE HILL, RUSSELL, SALINA, STERLING, STRONG CITY, SYLVAN GROVE, VALLEY CENTER, WELLINGTON, WICHITA, AND WILSON.

May 19, 2024

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