Ellsworth County Recreation
Recreation
Hell Creek Bridge, Wilson Lake
• Lakes
• Swimming Pools
• Golf and Tennis
• Hunting
• Area Attractions
• Plaza Walking Tour • Festivals
Wilson Lake
Located primarily in Russell County, Wilson Lake is a favorite place of many Ellsworth residents. With 9,000 acres of water and 100 miles of shoreline, Wilson Lake has become one of the most popular recreation areas in Central Kansas. The grassland drainage basin above the lake makes it one of the clearest lakes in Kansas.
• Federal Parks
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers operates Minooka Park on the south side of Wilson Lake, Lucas Park on the north side, and Sylvan Park located below the dam.
• State Parks
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and parks operates the Wilson State Park and Otoe Area on the Hell Creek arm of Wilson Lake. A full service marina is located in the Wilson State Park.
• Fishing & Hunting
Wilson Lake is stocked with millions of fish including walleye, white bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass. The lake attracts thousands of waterfowl in the spring and fall. Pheasants, quail, and deer provide a challenge for fall hunters. More than 9,000 acres of land are available for public hunting at Wilson Lake.
• Rocktown
The Rocktown Natural Area contains unique geological formations, primarily red sandstone, which have been carved by wind and rain into a variety on shapes. Although the area is closed to vehicles, a 3-mile loop trail allows foot access to the area. The trail begins and ends at the parking area on the east side.
• Bur Oak Nature Trail
The Bur Oak Nature Trail is located below the dam and adjacent to Sylvan parks. The trail provides visitors with a better understanding of the area’s ecology.
Source: Wilson Lake, US Army Corps of Enginners, Kansas City District
Kanopolis Lake
Kansas’ oldest and most centrally located recreation area includes more than 15,000 acres of rolling hills, bluffs, and woods. Lake at normal pool level covers 3000 acres.
• Water Sports
Water skiing, boating, jet skiing, and swimming are the most popular water sports at Kanopolis Lake.
FISHING & HUNTING
Wilson Lake is stocked with millions of
fish including walleye, white bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass.
The lake attracts thousands of waterfowl in the spring and fall.
Pheasants, quail, and deer provide a challenge for fall hunters. More
than 9,000 acres of land are available for public hunting at Wilson
Lake.
Kanopolis Lake offers excellent fishing for white bass and crappie. White bass may be taken soon after the ice melts in the shallows near Bluff Creek or in the Smoky Hill River during their spawning runs, usually in April. The best crappie fishign occurs from March to May, but msay be caught year around in Tower Harbor and Yankee Run coves or along the face of the dam.
• Public Hunting
Approximately 11,000 acres are managed by the Corps of Engineers and are open to the public for hunting. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, deer, turkey and a variety of waterfowl.
Approximately 5,000 acres, located at the northwest end of the lake, are managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks as a waterfowl refuge and public hunting area. Call the state park office (785) 546-2565 or Kanopolis Wildlife Area (785) 546-2279 for a detailed refuge map.
• Facilities
Kanopolis State Park has complete facilities including a full service marina, beaches, picnic areas, and trails for horseback riding, mountain bikes, and hiking.
• Trails
Kanopolis Lake offers 24.9 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. All trails start in the Kanopolis State Park; with each marked for your enjoyment.
• Camping
Located throughout the 14 campgrounds in the Langley Point and Horsethief areas are 119 utility campsites and over 200 primitive sites.
Source: Kanopolis State Park & Trails, Kansas Wildlife and Parks
FISHING & HUNTING
Ellsworth County boasts some of the finest hunting land in the state. Pheasants, quail, prairie chickens, waterfowl, turkeys, and deer are abundant.
• PUBLIC HUNTING
Kanopolis Lake
Approximately 11,000 acres of public hunting is managed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers in addition to 5,000 acres managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Call for detailed map
Kanopolis State Park Office: 785-546-2565
Kanopolis Wildlife Area: 785-546-2279
Wilson Lake
More than 9,000 acres of land is available to public hunting. Waterfowl in the spring and fall; ring-necked pheasants, bobwhite quail, and deer are abundant.
Call for detailed map
U.S. Corps of Engineers: 785-658-2551
Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks: 785-658-2465
• MUSHROOM ROCK STATE PARK
Mushroom Rock state park is a geological phenomenon of sandstone spheres balanced on softer pedestals of sandstone. The power of erosion weathered away the softer portions of the sand rock. The spheres of the naturally cemented portions of the sandstone are what we see today. The Smoky Hill wagon train trail crossed in this vicinity and travelers would venture off the trail to visit the rocks.
Source: Kanopolis State Park & Trails, Kansas Wildlife and Parks
• HODGDEN HOUSE MUSEUM COMPLEX
The complex houses the 1878 Hodgden House, a 1880’s livery stable, a 1880;’s one-room school, 1900 train depot, a 1911 caboose, a small log cabin, turn of the century wooden windmill, and a modern building housing a general store and farm equipment. Located on old South Main in Ellsworth. Information concerning the museum complex: 785-472-3059
• FORT HARKER GUARDHOUSE MUSEUM
Originally called Fort Ellsworth, the post was renamed to Fort Harker and relocated to its present site where Kanopolis now stands. Fort Harker was one of three forts established to guard the route to Denver on the Butterfield stage line against Indian attacks as settlers moved westward. In 1873 the military abandoned the fort as the railroad had put an end to its usefulness. Today the guardhouse serves as a museum. 308 West Ohio, Kanopolis. 785-472-3059.
• KANOPOLIS DRIVE-IN THEATER
This nostalgic drive-in theater is one of the few remaining in Kansas. Price of admission is low and family atmosphere is high. Located on the north edge of Kanopolis. 785-472-4786 for movie playings!.
• FARIS CAVES
Settlers into Kansas were imaginative people! Because trees in various areas were few, other resources had to be used to construct homes and outbuildings. Few people realize that there are bluffs in Kansas and one such sandstone bluff southeast of Kanopolis dugouts were used for a home, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and refrigerator. There are three rooms in the caves, each about 12 feet square with a 10-foot high arched ceiling. Indian petroglphs and other markings add character to this sandstone bluff and caves. Scenic drive, scenic walk!
• THE LEGACY TRAIL
Local historian, Jim Gray, is credited for The Legacy Trail, a self-guided automobile tour of the area. Starting at Kanopolis Lake Information Center, the tour visits 27 historical sites, and returns to the Information Center. Time spend on the Legacy Trail will vary, but allow at least three hours to complete the tour.
• EQUESTRIAN TRAIL
Equestrian trails are one part of the multi-use trails at Kanopolis Lake. Prairie trails and Alum Creek trails are closed to horseback riding from November 1 through January 31 as a safety precaution during hunting season. Rockin’ K trail and Horsethief trail are open year-round. All trails start at the Kanopolis State Park. Before coming to Kanopolis Lake, camping equestrians and trail riders are encouraged to call the state park office to inquire about availability of campsite and trail access.
Kanopolis State Park, 200 Horsethief Road
785-546-2565
Email: KanopolisSp@wp.state.ks.us
• Plaza Walking Tour
Ellsworth -Take a tour of the cattle town that opened the West! The Plaza Walking tour is self-guided and will take you by 17 historical sites marked by signs and silhouettes. Starting point is in front of the Hodgden House Museum.
Men’s, Seniors, & Ladies Leagues
Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course
"Challenging … very hilly … elevated greens …. Club selection a priority … best describes the Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course. Watered fairways and greens make the Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course one of the finest 9-hole courses in Central Kansas.
The Pro Shop offers beverages and light snacks; cart rentals also available. A driving range is located directly north and east of the golf course.
Even the golf course can’t escape the Wild West history of Ellsworth. Buffalo wallows and wagon ruts are visible on the golf course … as is the burial site of Indian Annie, long time companion of Wild Bill Hickock.
Access to the Golf Course
o From the West: is made from 2nd Street on the K-156 overpass
o From the North: on Evans Street.