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Kansas
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Kansas State Parks

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Kansas
Northeast Kansas Region
Kaw River State Park
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KAW RIVER STATE PARK
KAW RIVER STATE PARK
Kaw River State Park
Topeka, Kansas   66615
(lat:39.069 lon:-95.7535) map location

Phone: 785-273-6740
Kaw River State Park is the only free state park in Kansas.

Forested trails and access to the Kansas Kaw River sets Kaw River State Park apart from other state parks. Hiking and mountain-biking trails wind through an extensive oak-hickory forest on steep slopes with good views. The park property presently consists of 76 acres of land on the south bank of the Kansas River in west Topeka, and it is adjacent to MacLennan Park and Cedar Crest the Kansas Governors residence to the east. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Region 2 Office is also adjacent to the park property. Additional property west of the Region Office building will also include public access for trails.
Nature of the Area
Some of the more remote areas of the park provide interesting natural features and views. Deer, turkey, and numerous other wildlife species are common in the surrounding forest. Eagles and various species of waterfowl are common visitors on the river through winter.
History of the Area
Kaw River is Kansas' newest state park and is the only urban type park in the state park system. The property was acquired by donation in 2005 and the park officially opened to public use on September 4, 2010.
Boating
The Kansas River is accessible from a boat ramp and parking area. This river access is available for canoes, kayaks, and other small craft. Two miles downstream is Portage Park, which provides a portage around the city water wier low-head dam. Learn about river conditions and know your skill level and abilities before entering the water.



Trails
Trail usage includes walking, hiking, running, and mountain-biking. There is a wide range of trail types of various skill levels, and are designed and constructed for erosion protection, sustainability, and access. The park has both double-wide gravel surface trails and dirt-surface single-track trails.

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Area Campgrounds
Capital City KOA
1949 South West 49th
Topeka, KS
785-862-5267
Forbes Landing RV Park
5932 South Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS
785-862-8818
Nearby Hotels
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Kansas
66

Kansas State Parks

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