SAND HILLS STATE PARK
Located north of Hutchinson, about one mile east of K-61 on either 56th Street or 69th Street
Sand Hills State Park, a 1,123 acre natural area, has been preserved for its sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. Popular activities at the park are hiking and horseback riding. Other activities include hunting, bird watching, wildflower walks, jogging and just simple relaxation in the country.
There are eight trails in the park which are broken down into interpretive, hiking and horseback riding trails. There are 14 miles of trails which weave in between 10 to 40-feet high sand dunes, through grasslands and trees, and around ponds. Modern facilities are limited to two vault toilets.
In 1974 the Kansas Park and Resources Authority acquired 640 acres of land from Kansas State Industrial Reformatory. These 640 acres became the 22nd State Park in Kansas by a House Bill signed by Governor Robert Docking. Shortly after this transfer, the Dillon Family of Hutchinson donated an adjacent 320 acres. With the donation, the Park and Resources Authority was able to acquire another adjacent 163 acres with Federal Land and Water Funds, thus establishing the present 1,123 acre Park.