Kansas State Parks Guide | 2017

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KS State Parks

Cheney Stat e Park

Stay

at Cheney Reservoir

primitive campsites

9

cabins

452 8

shelters

10

16000 NE 50th St. Cheney, KS 67025 CheneySP@ks.gov www.ksoutdoors.com/Cheney-State-Park (316) 542-3664

standard full hookups

229

standard hookups with electric and water

KDWPT, Mary Gage

Cheney State Park is known as the windiest lake in the lower 48 states—making this park ideal for boaters and windsurfers. Only 20 miles west of Wichita, Cheney State Park frames Cheney Reservoir with its 1,900 acres of park amenities. The Ninnescah Sailing Center on the West Shore Area is a mecca for those seeking water sports with a healthy dose of wind. In addition to a marina on the East Shore, the park’s 22 boat-launching lanes provide convenient access to the 9,500-acre lake. Giefer Creek and Spring Creek nature trails offer scenic hiking around the reservoir. Anglers enjoy fishing for channel catfish, white bass, crappie, striped bass, wiper and walleye. A handicapped-accessible fishing complex is available at the Toadstool Loop Jetty.

The Sisters’ State Park Quest In Wichita’s backyard, Cheney State Park is an easily-reached prairie gem for many Kansans. Our famous Kansas winds blow feely here, creating ideal conditions for sail boaters and windsurfers on Cheney Reservoir. Prairie flowers and wildlife were in abundance for our April walk on the West Shore trails. An equal delight were the red cedars and tall cottonwoods that shaded the path across wooden bridges, while meadowlarks, hawks and black locust blooms decorated the grassland.

Day Trips The nearby town of Cheney hosts the Sedgwick County Fair each July and draws crowds for the Demolition Derby and Bull Blowout bull-riding event. During the rest of the year, Souder’s Historical Museum takes you back to life in rural Kansas in the late 1880s (www.cheneyks.org/thingstodo.html). The Eagle Valley Raptor Center is home to native Kansas birds of prey. Eagles, hawks, owls and falcons are just a few of the birds at the center, which offers up-close educational opportunities for children (www.eaglevalleyraptorcenter.org).

At the Park

Events Cheney Reservoir is known nationally for its wind and is considered a top attraction for sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts. The Ninnescah Sailing Association has hosted several regatta events, as well as informal races. The association also offers junior sailing and camps for those looking to get their feet wet early. www.ninnescah.org

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