Blue River Parkway
Rate this placeNearby: Green Meadows Park Klapmeyer Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Blue River Parkway is a popular destination located in the state of Kansas.
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Summary
It is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. The parkway offers many good reasons to visit, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, fishing spots, and scenic drives.
The parkway is home to several points of interest, such as the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, which has a nature center and hiking trails. Visitors can also explore the historic Longview Farm, which is known for its beautiful gardens and architectural features. Another popular spot is the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, where visitors can witness a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the Blue River Parkway is named after the nearby Blue River, which originates in Johnson County, Kansas. Additionally, the parkway was established in the 1960s and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The best time of year to visit Blue River Parkway is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. However, visitors can enjoy the parkway year-round, with each season offering its own unique beauty and activities.
In conclusion, Blue River Parkway is a must-visit destination in Kansas, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike or a family picnic, the parkway has something for everyone to enjoy.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Green Meadows Park
Klapmeyer Park
Grandview Ball Park
Westover Park
John Anderson Park