Marais Des Cygne Wildlife Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Marais Des Cygne Wildlife Area is located in eastern Kansas and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
The area covers over 9,000 acres and includes wetlands, forests, and grasslands. There are several good reasons to visit the Marais Des Cygne Wildlife Area, including its diverse wildlife, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities.
One of the main points of interest in the area is the Marais Des Cygne River, which is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports. The area is also known for its abundant wildlife, including deer, turkey, quail, and waterfowl. Visitors can hike or bike through the area's many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Interesting facts about the Marais Des Cygne Wildlife Area include its designation as a National Natural Landmark, as well as its role in preserving the threatened species of the Mississippi Kite bird. The area also has a rich history, with several historic sites and landmarks located throughout.
The best time of year to visit the Marais Des Cygne Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. However, visitors can enjoy the area year-round, with activities such as hunting, fishing, and birding available throughout the year.
Overall, the Marais Des Cygne Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas. With its diverse wildlife, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities, it offers 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.
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