Mound Valley
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Mound Valley is a small city located in the state of Kansas.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for tourists because of its beautiful scenery and rich history. One of the main attractions is the Little House on the Prairie Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the famous children's book series. The museum features a replica of the original cabin where Wilder lived with her family and offers guided tours of the surrounding prairie.
Another point of interest in Mound Valley is the Big Hill Lake, which covers over 1,200 acres and provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, and bald eagles.
In addition to these attractions, Mound Valley is known for its rich Native American history, with many archaeological sites and artifacts dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore these sites and learn about the region's early inhabitants at the Mound Valley Heritage Museum.
The best time of year to visit Mound Valley depends on personal preference. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer is ideal for outdoor activities on the lake. Winter can be cold and snowy, but it also offers a unique opportunity for winter sports and cozy indoor activities.
Overall, Mound Valley is a charming and historically-rich destination that offers something for everyone.
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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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Mound Valley - Big Hill Lake
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CherryVale Park
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Cherryvale - Big Hill Lake
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Timber Hill - Big Hill Lake
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Lake Parsons
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Marvel Park
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