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Glen Elder State Park
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GLEN ELDER STATE PARK
GLEN ELDER STATE PARK
2131 180 Rd.
Glen Elder, Kansas   67446

Phone: 785-545-3345
Situated on the shores of one of Kansas' largest lakes, Glen Elder State Park offers nearly unlimited recreational opportunities. Located 12 miles west of Beloit in Mitchell County, Glen Elder offers something for virtually any outdoor pursuit. Glen Elder State Park is national recognized as the 5th best state park in the United States**. (** Source: August 2004 Field and Stream magazine.)

Modern restroom/shower buildings are open in the Kanza area from mid-April to December, Cheyenne area from late April to September, and Kaw/Sioux area May through August. The Kanza shower may be open during the winter and early spring, as well, depending on the weather. A full-service marina offersboat rentals, fuel, bait, rental slips, and a small covenience store.

With three campgrounds offering 121 electrical hookups (most with water), over 50 prime reservable sites with 12X40 concrete pads and chain tiedowns, as well as more than 300 primitive sites, there's plenty of room for campers of any preference. Boat ramps in Kanza and Osage offer excellent lake access and ADA courtesy docks.

Glen Elder State Park offers convenient access to the 12,500-acre reservoir where crappie, walleye, white bass, saugeye, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and flathead catfish attract anglers.

Swimming, boating, hiking, volleyball, softball, and bicycling facilities are all available at the park. The Osage area has sand volleyball courts, a reservable group shelter, and a swimming beach. The Pawnee Overlook provides shoreline fishing, primitive camping, picnicking, and an excellent view. The Chautauqua Fishing Pond offers easy access for individuals with disabilities and children. The pond is stocked with trout in the winter.

Waconda Heritage Village, featuring the historic Hopewell Church, offers visitors a glimpse into the area's past. The facility provides historical displays, a large basement room reservable for group events, and a sloping floor church sanctuary reservable for weddings. The recently completed Waconda Springs replica is the newest Heritage Village addition and is the highest elevation in the central part of the park-offering an unequalled vista of the park and Waconda Lake. Trail expansion and a proposed limestone school house may compliment the park's historical/cultural theme in the future.
Swimming
1. Glen Elder State Park offers a designated swimming beach on the shores of Waconda Lake.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is free with park admission fee.
4. The sandy beach area provides ample space for sunbathing and picnicking near the water's edge.
5. No pets or glass containers allowed in the swimming areas to ensure safety and cleanliness.

Boating
Six Boat ramps are located around the wildlife area with two in the state park. CAUTION: Low water hazards may exist west of a line from Granite Creek to Mill Creek, so caution and reduced speeds should be used lake-wide.

A full-service Marina provides fuel, boat and slip rental, boating, fishing and camping supplies. (Open April 1st through October 31st)
Fishing
The park offers abundant fishing opportunities with species like walleye, white bass, crappie and channel catfish. Fishing tournaments are common here.

In the reservoir's clear waters you can also find smallmouth bass and flathead catfish.

Fishing is available year-round; ice-fishing in winter attracts many enthusiasts.

Boat ramps provide easy access for anglers while shoreline spots offer peaceful settings to cast a line.


Location
Glen Elder State Park is

Picnicking
Glen Elder State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Shelter houses are available for larger gatherings.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a variety of trails, though caution is advised due to uneven terrain and wildlife encounters. The park's paved roads also offer biking opportunities but watch for vehicular traffic. Off-road cycling isn't recommended because it could damage the natural environment or pose safety risks. Always wear helmets while riding bikes in this area for your protection against potential accidents.
Birding
The park offers birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species, including waterfowl and shorebirds. It's a hotspot for migratory birds too.

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Directions
Glen Elder State Park2131 180 Rd.Glen Elder, KS 67446(785) 545-3345 (Park Office)

FROM BELOIT, KS:

12 miles West of Beloit, KS on Highway 24.

FROM CAWKER CITY, KS

5 miles East of Cawker City, KS on Highway 24.

FROM SALINA, KS

32 miles North on US 81 and 34 miles West on Highway 24

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Kansas
54

Kansas State Parks

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