Outlet Park
Rate this placeNearby: Dad Perry Park Rockhaven State Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Outlet Park is a popular recreational destination located in the state of Kansas, USA.
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Summary
It is a scenic spot that offers a range of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. There are several good reasons to visit Outlet Park, including its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and its proximity to major cities.
One of the main draws of Outlet Park is its location near the city of Lawrence, which is home to several universities, museums, and cultural attractions. It is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, as the park offers fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking opportunities. Visitors can explore the 155-acre lake, which is stocked with a variety of fish species, or hike through the park's scenic trails.
Outlet Park is also home to several points of interest, including the historic Wakarusa River Bridge, which was built in 1905 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park also features an observation tower that provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, as well as a playground, picnic areas, and several pavilions for group events.
Interesting facts about Outlet Park include its role as a recreational destination for over 75 years, as well as its connection to the Wakarusa River, which played a significant role in the area's history. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Outlet Park depends on the activities you are interested in. Spring and fall are great times for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, while summer is the ideal time for water sports and camping. Winter offers opportunities for ice fishing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, Outlet Park is a must-visit destination in Kansas. It offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, and its natural beauty and historic sites make it a fascinating place to explore.
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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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