GLEN ELDER STATE PARK
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.