Cotton Wood Park
Rate this placeNearby: Swarner Park Herman E Laird Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cottonwood Park is a picturesque recreational area located in the state of Kansas.
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Summary
The park is situated in the city of Hesston and spans across 70 acres of lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and paved trails. One of the main reasons to visit this park is to enjoy the serene and calming ambiance that it offers, making it an ideal spot for a picnic, a walk, or just a place to relax.
There are a variety of specific points of interest to see at Cottonwood Park. The park features a large playground area for children, a swimming pool, a basketball court, and tennis courts. Additionally, the park is home to a beautiful lake, which is perfect for fishing and boating. Visitors can also explore the numerous walking and biking trails that wind through the park's scenic landscape.
Interesting facts about Cottonwood Park include that it is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of species, including blue herons, pelicans, and bald eagles. Additionally, the park has a rich history, as it was once used as a training ground for soldiers during World War II.
The best time of year to visit Cottonwood Park is during the fall when the leaves change color, creating a breathtaking view. The park is open year-round and is free to visit.
In summary, Cottonwood Park in Kansas is a beautiful and peaceful recreational area that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. With its stunning natural scenery, historical significance, and various points of interest, it is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.
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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.
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