Prairie Dog State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Wildlife Area Norton Larrick Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Prairie Dog State Park is a beautiful recreational area located in Kansas, USA.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It covers 1,150 acres of land, including a 153-acre lake. There are several good reasons to visit this park, including fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
One of the main attractions of the park is the prairie dog town, where visitors can observe these cute rodents in their natural habitat. The park also has a nature center with exhibits on the flora and fauna of the region.
Other points of interest include the Smoky Hill River, which runs through the park and offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing. There are several trails for hiking and biking, including the scenic Prairie Dog Trail.
Interesting facts about the park include the fact that it was established in the 1960s to provide recreational opportunities and protect the prairie dog population. The park is home to several species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Prairie Dog State Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities for all seasons.
Overall, Prairie Dog State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities, it offers something for everyone.
Weather Forecast
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