Summary
The park is situated around Glen Elder Reservoir, which is the state's third-largest lake and spans over 12,000 acres.
One of the main reasons to visit Glen Elder State Park is for fishing. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including walleye, crappie, and catfish. Visitors can also enjoy boating and water skiing on the lake.
In addition to water activities, the park has several hiking and biking trails, as well as a golf course. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy.
One of the unique features of Glen Elder State Park is its wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to a variety of animals, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
The best time of year to visit Glen Elder State Park depends on the activities you plan to do. Spring and fall are popular for fishing, while summer is ideal for water sports. The park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the off-season.
Overall, Glen Elder State Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy a variety of activities in a beautiful setting.
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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