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Kansas
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Kansas State Parks

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USA Parks
Kansas
Western Kansas Region
Lake Scott State Park
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Lake Scott State Park Lake Scott State Park © Stanley E. Hutchins
Lake Scott State Park, Scott county, KS.
Lake Scott State Park Lake Scott Sunflowers © Stanley E. Hutchins
A field of sunflowers near the Devils Backbone, Lake Scott State Park, Scott County, KS.
Lake Scott State Park Great Blue Heron © Stanley E. Hutchins
Great Blue Heron, across the creek from the site of El Quartelejo, the northernmost pueblo ever established
Lake Scott State Park Sundown at Lake Scott State Lake © Stanley E. Hutchins
Another beautiful westen Kansas sunset from the High Plains oasis, Lakee scott State Park in Scott County
Lake Scott State Park © Stanley E. Hutchins
Lake Scott State Park Beach House at Lake Scott © Stanley E. Hutchins
The old Beach House, aq concession/boat rental on the west shore of Lake Scott.
Lake Scott State Park El Cuartelejo National Landmark © Stanley E. Hutchins
Fishing near El Cuartelejo National Landmark, Scott County, KS.
Lake Scott State Park Steele Monument © Stanley E. Hutchins
Steele Monument, Lake Scott State Park, Scott County, KS
Lake Scott State Park Turkey at Sunset © Stanley E. Hutchins
Turkey going over te ridge at Lake Scott State Park
Lake Scott State Park Pelicans - 2009 © Stanley E. Hutchins
Lake Scott gets an amazing variety of migratory birds coming through each year.
Lake Scott State Park Overflow at Lake Scott State Park © Stanley E. Hutchins
View of the dam and spillway at Lake Scott State Park in Scott County, KS.
Lake Scott State Park Spillway at Lake Scott State Park © Stanley E. Hutchins
View from behind the spillway at Lake Scott State Park, Scott County, KS., following four days of good rains
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LAKE SCOTT STATE PARK
LAKE SCOTT STATE PARK
101 West Scott Lake Drive
Scott City, Kansas   67871
(lat:38.6756 lon:-100.9167) map location

Phone: 620-872-2061
Listed by National Geographic as one of the country's 50 must-see state parks and hidden in a canyon in the western Kansas prairie, Scott State Park is a stunning oasis of natural springs, deep wooded canyons, craggy bluffs and early American history. The 1,020-acre park surrounds the 100-acre, spring-fed Scott State Fishing Lake, and a 160-acre wildlife area lies west of the park.

The park is one of the most historic locations in Kansas. More than 26 archeological sites have been documented in and adjacent to the park. The remains of the northernmost known Native American pueblo El Cuartelejo, a National Historic Landmark are located in the park. The Steele home, the dwelling of the original settlers on the area, has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. About 1 mile south of the park is Battle Canyon, the location of the last Native American battle in Kansas.

The park is an ideal setting for camping, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Nature trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders, and naturalists and provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in natural habitats. Wild turkey, deer, bobcat and beaver are common in the area. A horse camp area has amenities for equestrian visitors.
History of the Area
Rich in history, this park provides an ideal setting for camping, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Hunting is allowed at the adjacent public hunting area. The Steele home, the dwelling of the original settlers on the area, has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. The park also boasts the northernmost pueblo in the U. S. - El Cuartelejo.
Swimming
1. Lake Scott State Park offers a designated swimming beach for visitors to enjoy.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is only allowed during daylight hours and within the marked areas of the lake.
4. The park does not allow pets in the swimming area for safety reasons.
5. Visitors can also engage in snorkeling activities with their personal equipment on this 100-acre spring-fed lake.
6. The water quality is regularly monitored by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
7. Swimming lessons or classes aren't offered here; it's more suited for leisurely swims or family outings.

Boating
Boating is a popular activity with several options available. Non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are allowed on the water for recreational use or fishing purposes. There's also an option to rent pedal boats from the park office during certain seasons of the year. Motorboats are permitted but must adhere to a "no wake" speed limit at all times.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a 100-acre spring-fed lake, home to species like channel catfish, saugeye and largemouth bass. Other options include trout fishing during winter months. The park also offers boat rentals for angling convenience.


Location
Lake Scott State Park is

Picnicking
Lake Scott State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. Some sites overlook the beautiful lake.
Hunting
Public hunting is allowed on the 160 acres of designated wildlife area west of the park. Vehicle parking is available at either end of the access road into the area. Hunters can expect wooded and rugged canyon terrain. Landowner permission is required to hunt on the nearby private land.
Bicycling
Bicycling enthusiasts can explore a variety of terrains. However, some trails may be challenging due to steep inclines.

The park offers both paved and unpaved paths for biking. Be aware that the terrain varies greatly in difficulty levels.

For those seeking an easy ride, there are flat areas near campgrounds suitable for leisurely cycling. Always stay alert as these areas often have pedestrian traffic too.

Mountain bikers will find more rugged options on nature trails throughout the area but should proceed with caution due to rough surfaces and sudden drops.

It's important to note that not all hiking routes allow bikes so always check signage before setting off on your journey.

Remember: safety is paramount when bicycling - wear helmets at all times while riding within this location!

Lastly, respect wildlife by keeping distance and avoid disturbing their habitats during your bike rides through Kansas' natural beauty!

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 12 A great family day trip/camping trip by D
park review stars; one to five I love Lake Scott and the fact that it is only an hour away makes it a perfect spot to take the kids fishing, camping and hiking. We are planning to be there as much as possible this summer!
May 30 Wonderful Oasis by Life is too Short
park review stars; one to five I think Scott Park is a wonderful, family oriented place. It is an Oasis from the flat lands around here. There may be some things that people can whine about, but this is a wilderness area and not a fishing pond in a city park. I love it and would not change a thing.
May 4 Changes.. Wishing To Make Them Happen by FatBoyFisherman
park review stars; one to five I love going to the state park up here, but i do not like the fact that there is no clean up of trees that have fallen. I belive that there should be a weekly walk around to make sure there is no noticable old fishing hooks, or tackle laying around. I had to have a hook removed from my arm.. It was located in a bush in the north east side of the lake. Trash is also a problem, most of the banks are lined with it.. Also, i think it would be good to have at least one pay phone at the major fishing spots, or put in a cell phone tower, just in case of emergencys. Now that i have stated my negitives, here are my goods. I have caught and took home over 25 fish. Last week i caught and cleaned a 19.5 inch walleye with a #1 spinner rooster tail. Ive caught 12 trout on corn, and salmon eggs. I have also caught an enormus amout of catfish and Channel cat on stink bait (blood)... please wright back P.S. Why is there no fires??? I love cooking my fish over an open fire at the lake.. Keeps misquitos away too.
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