St. Francis Wildlife Area park
St. Francis Wildlife Area
Reasons to Visit:
1. Biodiversity: St. Francis Wildlife Area is known for its remarkable biodiversity, boasting a wide range of flora and fauna. There are several habitats within the area, including wetlands, prairies, woodlands, and rivers, which support a diverse array of species.
2. Birdwatching: This wildlife area is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Over 300 bird species have been documented here, making it an ideal location for birdwatching. Visitors may spot birds such as bald eagles, sandhill cranes, herons, pelicans, and a variety of waterfowl.
3. Outdoor Activities: St. Francis Wildlife Area offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can go hiking, wildlife photography, fishing, hunting (during specific seasons and with proper permits), and camping. There are designated areas for different activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Points of Interest:
1. Cheyenne Bottoms: It is one of the prime attractions within St. Francis Wildlife Area. Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest interior wetland in the United States and is a crucial stopover point for migratory birds. It provides a breathtaking sight of countless birds during the migration seasons.
2. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge: Located adjacent to St. Francis Wildlife Area, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is a vast protected area that offers additional opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and nature photography.
Interesting Facts:
1. St. Francis Wildlife Area covers approximately 7,600 acres in total, providing ample space for exploration and relaxation.
2. The area is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, which strives to maintain and protect this natural habitat.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit St. Francis Wildlife Area is during spring (April to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons coincide with the major bird migrations, offering incredible opportunities to witness the congregation of numerous bird species. However, the wildlife area has something to offer year-round, as each season brings its own unique beauty and wildlife.
Please note that it is always best to verify the most up-to-date information from official sources or visitor centers before planning a visit to St. Francis Wildlife Area in Kansas.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of St. Francis Wildlife Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Francis City Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| North Cove - Bonny Lake State Park | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| East Beach - Bonny Lake State Park | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Wagon Wheel - Bonny Lake State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save St. Francis Wildlife Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About St. Francis Wildlife Area
What can I do at St. Francis Wildlife Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to St. Francis Wildlife Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of St. Francis Wildlife Area.