Most parks report increased attendance during 2010 holidayTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reported record-breaking attendance during the Memorial Day weekend with more than 430,000 people visiting 25 state parks. El Dorado State Park reported the highest attendance with a visitor total topping 65,000. Several parks ... Read More

Sept. 15, 2011
Public welcome to join experts on scientific expeditionJEWELL COUNTY — The Kansas Herpetological Society (KHS) will conduct its annual Fall Field Trip Sept. 16-18 in Jewell County. They will use the KHS campsite at Lovewell State Park as event headquarters. (Kansas State Park vehicle and camping permits are required.) And Kansas ... Read More

March 15, 2012
System available online April 17; all reservations will shut down April 1-16PRATT — Have you ever wondered what state park facilities are still available on a busy weekend or wished you could make a reservation in advance from home, when park offices are closed? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Outdoo ... Read More

May 31, 2012
Special events, free park entrance days to be held at many parksPRATT — During the weekend of June 2-3, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license statewide. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age 16 through 64 must have a fishing license to fish in Kansas, but on Free Fishing Days, everyone gets to fis ... Read More

TOPEKA – What could be better than watching a gorgeous fireworks display, every ember trail and brilliant explosion mirrored in a lake that’s coating you in a cool breeze? Getting to enjoy it two or three times over at Kansas state parks!Consider making a day of your visit since some parks will have special events throughout the holiday. Nearly ... Read More

PRATT – While the odds are very low that you will be bit by a venomous snake in Kansas, that’s little consolation for anyone who ends up with a bite. Of the 42 species of snakes in Kansas, there are only four native venomous snakes you might encounter: the prairie rattlesnake – found in the western half of the state; the massasauga rattlesnake ... Read More

TOPEKA- The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Lyon State Fishing Lake in Lyon County. Routine samples collected by KDWPT Aquatic Nuisance Species staff to detect zebra mussels were found to contain zebra mussel larvae (also called veligers). Upon finding the veligers ... Read More

TOPEKA – Updated 9/20/2019 - The wait is finally over. The Nature Conservancy and Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) announce the much-anticipated Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will open on Saturday, October 12. Located in southern Logan County, Little Jerusalem is easily accessed from Interstate 70 and U.S. Highwa ... Read More

March 21, 2014Free entry to all Kansas state parks, along with special events for the familyTOPEKA­ – Harsh winter weather has people longing for warmer days ahead, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has the perfect remedy for cabin fever. KDWPT invites outdoor enthusiasts to “Spring Into Summer” on Saturday, March ... Read More