Elk City State Park, State park with reservoir in Montgomery County, Kansas
Elk City State Park is an 857-acre area featuring a reservoir, oak and hickory woodlands, and open meadows in Montgomery County. The park includes boat ramps, a swimming beach, and multiple trail systems for visitors to explore.
The park was established in 1967 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after Elk City Lake was built following the 1941 Flood Control Act. The creation of the lake transformed the area and created a new recreation space.
The land was once reserved for the Osage people until their relocation in 1870. The area still carries traces of this heritage in its names and how visitors experience the landscape today.
The park is easy to navigate with clear marking of different activity areas and convenient parking near the beach and boat access. Visitors can move between sections without difficulty and find facilities well-organized for day visits or camping.
The park features two popular trails: Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail and Table Mound Hiking Trail, both winding through mature forests where pileated woodpeckers make their homes. These routes offer chances to spot the distinctive birds and other forest wildlife along the paths.
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