Outdoors Attractions in Kansas

Experience the great outdoors with Choice Hotels^®. Our Kansas hotels are conveniently located near a number of picturesque gardens, stunning parks, and astounding wildlife. Take a look at the scenery and greenery that Kansas offer.

In the Northwest Region

Arikaree Breaks
212 E. Washington Street
St. Francis, KS   67756
785-332-2961

Take a self-guided driving tour through the Arikaree Breaks - the "Mini Grand Canyon of the High Plains" - and you'll see why this area is such a geological treasure to both natives and visitors. These stunning breaks were formed over thousands of years by wind deposits, and consist of an exposure of three distinct geologic formations.

Atwood Lake
N. Edge of Atwood
Atwood, KS   67730
785-626-3640

Discover Atwood Lake, a beautiful 43-acre lake which comes complete with a walking path which crosses the lake over a uniquely fashioned covered walking bridge. Enjoy the recreation on the lake's shores, which includes picnicking and fishing.

Kidder Massacre Site
Sherman County, KS  
785-899-6773

This is historic ground where a battle occurred between the US military and the Native Americans residing in the area. Two years after the Civil War, a tragic event befell Indians and US troops, and the site remains today as a reminder of the massacre which would become the first recorded event in Sherman County.

In the North Central Region

Berner Memorial Park
W. Parallel
Clifton, KS   66937
785-455-3711

Experience the beauty of Berner Memorial Park, where a plethora of activities awaits those wishing to re-commune with nature. A beautiful park located in the North Central region of Kansas, there's no shortage of activities at Berner Park, and resources include ball fields, horseshoes, kiddie park picnic pavilions, a full-service swimming pool and tennis courts.

Butterfield Trail
RR2, Box 86
WaKeeney, KS   67672
785-743-2322

One of the simple and quiet attractions in Kansas which will simply stun visitors with its exquisite beauty is the Butterfield Trail. Located in beautiful North Central Kansas, the Butterfield Trail offers bird watching to wildlife viewing and even fossil hunting.

In the Northeast Region

Nebo State Lake and Park
Highway 116 and 222nd Road
Holton, KS   66436
785-364-2101

Explore the vestiges of the area on a 32-acre lake which features perfect opportunities for water recreationalists of all ages and interests. Bring the bait and tackle and enjoy a day's worth of prime fishing, or if you're trailing your water vehicle, unlatch it and bring it back home into the water's warm welcome.

Tuttle Creek Reservoir, State Park, and Wildlife Area
5800-A River Pond Road
Manhattan, KS   66501
785-539-7941

Enjoy the pleasures of Kansas' second largest man-made lake at Tuttle Creek Reservoir, State Park and Wildlife Area. Roam over 12,200 pristinely preserved acres full of gorgeous flora and fauna, or take your water-loving tendencies down to Tuttle Creek Reservoir, which offers 12,500 acres of glistening fun. Hiking trails run for over 20 miles, and bikes and horses are welcome accessories.

In the Southwest Region

Historic Santa Fe Trail
W Highway 400 though Wyatt Earp Boulevard
Dodge City, KS   67801
620-227-8188

West of Dodge City, visitors will be able to stand on the tracks of the original wagon trail which was blazed by the Santa Fe Trail pioneers and their brethren from the years of 1821 to 1872. Experience the history of this famous trail at a location like no other, and then experience the beautiful wilderness that perhaps added to the allure of the western frontier.

Lake Meade State Park and Lake
13051 V Road
Meade, KS   67864
620-873-2572

One of the most pristinely preserved natural attractions in the state of Kansas can be found at Lake Meade State Park, a gorgeous wilderness area full of both natural and man-made attractions. Fishing is a prime activity upon Lake Meade, which also allows motorized boating access. After your aquatic deluges, explore the natural area surrounding the lake as you amble down over 15 miles of hiking trails.

In the South Central Region

Cheyenne Bottoms
56 NE 40 Road
Great Bend, KS   67530
620-793-7730

Visit these designated wetlands of international importance, and you'll be witness to a biological wonder where some of the rarest species in America still dwell. The Cheyenne Bottoms are a part of the National Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway drive, and consist of a complex of marshy basins surrounded by 41,000 acres of lowland area containing some of the richest feeding grounds in the state.

Veterans Memorial Park & Lake
17th & McKinley Street
Great Bend, KS   67530
620-792-2750

Experience the wonder of the great outdoors at Veterans Memorial Park & Lake. The opportunities for fun under the Kansas sun are nowhere as prevalent as at this park grounds and its treasured lake in the town of Great Bend. Enjoy a hearty round of outdoors baseball or sand volleyball, or don a racquet and partake in the tennis activities which make the park well-known in the region.

In the Southeast Region

Ancient Trees of the Cross Timbers Trail
144 Highway 105
Toronto, KS   66777
620-637-2213

Enjoy a riveting 1-mile hike through the gorgeously wooded ancient forests of Kansas. Cross Timbers State Park offers one of the finest glimpses into nature that can be afforded modern man. As such, the trail wanders through majestic remnants of an ancient forest consisting of post oaks, blackjack oaks, and other native flora and fauna.

Elk City Reservoir, State Park, and Wildlife Area
4825 Squaw Creek Road
Independence, KS   67301
620-331-6295

The area around Elk City Reservoir State Park and Wildlife Area is well-known for its diversity in setting and scenery, as well as for its abundance of enchanting flora and fauna. Hike through the limestone bluffs which make up a majority of the landscape and provide a majestic backdrop for your Kansas explorations. 15 miles of hiking trails wind through these precious 857 acres.

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