# data[].attributes.body
The Kansas River was designated as a National Water Trail on July 14, 2012. Known locally as the Kaw, the Kansas River begins at the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers near Junction City and flows 173 miles to Kansas City

# data[].attributes.body
Trail NameLocationMiles
Sandy Point Trail | Glen Elder State Park | 6.5
Scott Bridle Trail | Scott State Park | 7
Eagle Trail | Meade State Park | 0.8
Clinton Hiking and Biking Trail | Clinton State Park | 16
Delaware Area Bike/Hike Trail | Perry State Park | 14
Prairie Spirit Rail Trail | Prairie Spirit Trail | 32
Chautauqua Hills Trail | Cross Timbers State Park | 5.5
Woodson Cove Overlook Trail | Cross Timbers State Park | 1.3
Post Oak Trail | Fall River State Park | 0.7
Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail | Elk City State Park | 4
Post Oak Self-Guiding Nature Trail | Elk City State Park | 1.0
Squaw Creek Trail | Elk City State Park | 1.7
Drywood Creek | Crawford State Park | 6.8
Switchgrass Mountain Bike Tail | Wilson State Park | 6
Crystal Trail (Short and Long Loop) | Milford State Park | 2
Eagle Ridge Trail | Milford State Park | 8
Waterfall Trail | Milford State Park | 0.6
Pipeline (Campground) Trail | Milford State Park | 3
Fancy Creek Trail | Tuttle Creek State Park | 3
North Randolph Trail | Tuttle Creek State Park | 13
Boulder Bluff Trail | Eldorado State Park | 12
Kanopolis Trails | Kanopolis State Park | 26

# data[].attributes.body
:D

# data[].attributes.body
ATV Riding

There are no state parks that have ATV Trails available however, some federal properties and local municipalities do have trails available. A helpful website is the www.katva.org or Kansas ATV Association.

# data[].attributes.body
Archery Information

The following is an index of some archery information on this web site. For a complete listing type archery into the search box.

Antelope Records

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

Bowhunter Education

Deer Records

Hunter Education Requirements

Legal Guns and Bows

Turkey General Information

archery information

# data[].attributes.body
These are some Outdoor Activities

Archery

ATV Riding

Bicycling

Boating

Camping

Cabin Rental

Canoeing/Kayaking

Geocaching

Fishing

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Hunting

Off - Road Vehicles

Shooting

Swimming

Wildlife Viewing

# data[].attributes.body
here is a pic of kanopolis lake

# data[].attributes.body
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette along K-141, about 5 miles north of the K-4/K-141 junction (or) about 7 miles south of the K-140/K-141 junction east of Ellsworth

The first state park in Kansas, Kanopolis State Park is situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of the state. From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, the park and surrounding area offer rugged beauty and stunning vistas. The park is split into two areas north and south of the dam and there are two federal parks, as well.

Kanopolis offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. The 3,500-acre lake and 12,500-acre wildlife area provide anglers and hunters abundant fish and game. Nestled near the Smoky Hill River toward the northwest portion of the wildlife area is Faris Caves, which were carved by early pioneers and served as milk house, school house, and living quarters.

Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities are plentiful. In the winter, bald eagles and ospreys fish the river. Songbirds and wildflowers brighten the landscape throughout the area.

Kanopolis State Park also manages nearby Mushroom Rock State Park, a picnic area with unusual geologic formations that amaze first-time and return visitors alike.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hundreds of migrating waterfowl can be seen in spring and fall. Look for geese, mergansers, pintails, wigeons, shovelers, teal, mallards, gadwalls, buffleheads, and goldeneyes. Watch for collared lizards, Texas horned lizards, six-lined racerunners, Great Plains skinks, and other reptiles. In grassland areas mule deer, horned larks, meadowlarks, and kingbirds are common.

# data[].attributes.body
http://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Kanopolis
visit this website for more information

# data[].attributes.body
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette along K-141, about 5 miles north of the K-4/K-141 junction (or) about 7 miles south of the K-140/K-141 junction east of Ellsworth

# data[].attributes.body
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest Marquette along K-141, about 5 miles north of the K-4/K-141 junction (or) about 7 miles south of the K-140/K-141 junction east of Ellsworth. first state park in KansasKanopolis State Park is situated in the rolling hillsbluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of the stateF.W.I diz is creepa statu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BOW DOWN PEEPZ!!!

# data[].attributes.body
“stunning rock formations, pick up your trash, horse camping and trails”

Reviewed July 27, 2016

Two girlfriends and I went on a kayak trip at Lake Kanopolis along the north coast. We put in at a decent boat ramp at the Horsethief area on the northeast side of the lake. Pay for a day parking pass at the office as you enter the park off Hiway 141 at the Venango Park area. Hiking and horseback trails take off from Horsethief Area. This is a day use only area so there are no campers. The cliffs and rock formations along this part of the lake are stunning. We enjoyed watching vultures and cranes, seeing animal shapes in the large globular rocks along the shoreline, and having a snack on a small beach.
Please if you visit pack out what you take in. We took out a grocery bag full of beer cans, water bottles, bait buckets, broken plastic, and snack wrappers. Oh yes, and I found 2 fishing lures for my husband, one with the protectors still on the hook barbs.
Here's something cool about Lake Kanopolis that I have never seen before: they have a campground for horses! I am not even kidding! Were I a horse person I would certainly take my horse here for a camping and trail riding adventure in the beautiful sandstone Smoky Hills!

Visited July 2016

# data[].attributes.body
The Cheyenne sandstone formation, up to 100 feet thick in places, makes the walls of the canyon.

# data[].attributes.body
Kanopolis Lake Waterfall is located in the spillway from Kanopolis Lake, near Marquette, Kansas. The dam impounds the Smoky Hill River and was completed in 1948 as a flood control and water conservation project of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps manages the 3400 acre Kanopolis Lake and an additional 11,000 acres of land around the lake.

At the turn off to the spillway, the Corps provides the Kanopolis Lake Information Center, where visitors can obtain information about hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and other activities. Some of the more interesting displays at the center tell about the Native American petroglyphs (rock engravings) which are found near the lake.

The Faris Caves another nearby point of interest. They were excavated by a Colorado miner in the 1880s. He lived in them briefly. They were later used as a spring house, storage room, generator room, and a school. Be sure to use insect repellent before visiting the caves.

The waterfall is located just a short distance from the south end of the dam and is a popular location for fishing.

The Information Center is open Monday - Friday from 7:30AM - 4PM. It is occasionally open at other times if a ranger is present. The area at the waterfall closes at 10PM, except that fisherman are permitted to stay longer.

# data[].attributes.body
http://www.allthepages.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/kanopolis-nov09-4.jpg

this is a  picture of a watterfall

# data[].attributes.body
Trails: Several multi-use trails originating from Kanopolis State Park lead into the wildlife area. These trails allow hike, bike and horseback riding, and are closed to all but foot traffic from November 1 through January 31 annually. There is no horse access other than through the state park.  Hikers can access the trails from the Alum Creek parking lot. The wildlife area trails are closed from Nov 1-Jan 31 annually to limit hunter disturbance and for safety. If riding horseback or on a bicycle, please stay on the maintained trails to prevent disturbance and erosion. There are several gates along the trails-keep them closed and latched. The state park maintains the trails and park with your permit fees. Maintenance on the wildlife area is funded through hunting and fishing licenses as well as federal taxes on sporting goods.

# data[].attributes.body
Kanopolis people can fish a lot

# data[].attributes.body
they named Kanopolis after a city

# data[].attributes.body
Kanopolis Cabins

Kanopolis Wyatt Earp cabin

Kanopolis State Park is offering six deluxe cabins as a year-round alternative camping opportunity. These are especially beneficial for individuals who enjoy the park experience but would rather not “rough it.” The cabins feature easy access to the reservoir’s fishing, boating, water-skiing, etc. opportunities. They are also close to Smoky Hill Wildlife Area which offers excellent hunting opportunities in the area. The Arapaho cabin is partially handicap accessible; the Cheyenne cabin is not handicap accessible, having only steps, and the remainder of the cabins are fully handicap accessible.

Our cabins are arranged in the following order from east to west in the Little Bluestem Cabin Area in the Langley Point Area (South Shore) of the State Park:

Each cabin is heated/air-conditioned, sleeps five to six people (one full-size bed, a full-size futon, a pull-down--“Murphy-type" twin-size bed and a couch), comes with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots, pans and

Kanopolis cabin kitchen

coffee pot), as well as table and chairs. Beds are fitted with mattresses only; you will need to bring your own bedding (full size sheets), pillows, soap, shampoo and towels. There is no television, and no internet or telephone hookups. Check in times are 2 p.m. or after and check out times are at noon everyday, year-round.

Exterior amenities include a picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill (you must bring your own charcoal), dog kennel with dog house, water hydrant, and an excellent view of the lake. Please leave the cabins in the same condition as you found them for the next visitors. We invite you to write in the journal located in the cabin and tell us and the next visitors where you are from and about the Kanopolis State Park experience you had. (Please keep it “G” rated). Smoking and pets are not allowed inside the cabins.

Reservations are accepted via telephone, on the internet at http://www.reserveamerica.com , or in person at our office on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are subject to change.

We are now able to accept reservations for up to one year in advance. You may make reservations by going online at https://www.reserveamerica.com. All online reservations require payment by credit card. Telephone reservations require payment by credit card for the total rental fee plus a non-refundable reservation fee. In addition, a daily vehicle permit is required unless the renter has a current annual vehicle permit. Cabin renters shall be responsible for full payment of any damages incurred during length of stay. You must be 18 or older to reserve and rent a cabin. Our cabins have keyless locks. You must call the park office at least two days priorto your arrival date to receive your key code.

Cancellations: the cabin reservation fee is non-refundable. Cancellation 30 or more days prior to arrival date results in a 100% refund minus the reservation fee. Cancellation 29 to 5 days prior to arrival date results in a refund minus one night rental fee and reservation fee. Cancellation 4 days or less prior to arrival date or after arrival date will result in all fees being forfeited.

Arapaho

Reserve Arapaho

Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin

This facility is ADA accessible

Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W 097 58.477

This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Arapaho

Click for more information

Cheyenne

Reserve Cheyenne

Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin

Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477

This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Cheyenne

Click for more information

Bat Masterson

Reserve Bat Masterson

Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin

This facility is ADA accessible

Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477

This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Bat Masterson

Click for more information

Bill Doolin

Reserve Bill Doolin

Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin

This facility is ADA accessible

Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477

This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Bill Doolin

Click for more information

Buffalo Bill

Reserve Buffalo Bill

Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin

This facility is ADA accessible

Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477

This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Buffalo Bill

Click for more information

Wyatt Earp

Reserve Wyatt Earp

Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin

This facility is ADA accessible

Location of Facility: N38 36.213 W97 58.477

This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Wyatt Earp

Click for more information

SOCIAL MEDIA

ABOUT US

CONTACT US

JOBS

DONATE

OPEN RECORDS

Font Size: +A -a

Official Website of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

# data[].attributes.body
Kanopolis Lake is a reservoir in Ellsworth County in the Smoky Hills of central Kansas, about 31 miles southwest of Salina and a few miles southeast of the town of Kanopolis. The lake is formed by Kanopolis Dam. Completed in 1948 as a flood control and water conservation project of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the dam impounds the Smoky Hill River.[5]

Contents  [hide]

1History

2Geography

3Hydrography

4Infrastructure

5Management

6Parks and recreation

6.1Points of interest

7Wildlife

8See also

9References

10External links

History[edit]

The Flood Control Act of 1938 authorized the construction of Kanopolis Dam and Lake, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began work in June 1940.[6] The outbreak of World War II, however, led to a suspension of the effort in 1942, delaying the project for 3 1/2 years.[7] The Corps of Engineers finally completed construction in 1948 at a cost of $12.3 million.[8] Storage of water in the reservoir began February 17, 1948.[6] Kanopolis Lake was the first reservoir built in the Corps of Engineers' Kansas City District which continues to oversee it to the present day.[8]

Geography[edit]

Kanopolis Lake is located at 38°37′58″N 97°59′53″W (38.6327013, -97.9980411) at an elevation of 1,463 feet (446 m).[4] It lies in central Kansas in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains.[9] It is located entirely within Ellsworth County.[10]

The reservoir is impounded at its southeastern end by Kanopolis Dam. The dam is located at 38°37′00″N 97°58′06″W (38.6166747, -97.9683822) at an elevation of 1,467 feet (447 m).[11] The Smoky Hill River is both the reservoir's primary inflow from the northwest and outflow to the southeast.[9] Smaller tributaries include Alum Creek, which flows south into the northern end of the reservoir, and Bluff Creek, which flows north-northeast into the southwest part of the reservoir.[10]

Kansas Highway 141 runs generally north-south along the reservoir's eastern shore and across the top of Kanopolis Dam.[10]

There are two settlements at Kanopolis Lake, both unincorporated: Yankee Run on the western shore and Venango on the eastern shore immediately north of the dam.[10]

Hydrography[edit]

The surface area, surface elevation, and water volume of the reservoir fluctuate based on inflow and local climatic conditions.[3] In terms of capacity, the Corps of Engineers vertically divides the reservoir into a set of pools based on volume and water level, and the reservoir is considered full when filled to the capacity of its multi-purpose pool. When full, Kanopolis Lake has a surface area of 3,406 acres (13.78 km2), a surface elevation of 1,463 feet (446 m), and a volume of 49,474 acre·ft (61,025,000 m3). When filled to maximum capacity, it has a surface area of 23,408 acres (94.73 km2), a surface elevation of 1,532 feet (467 m), and a volume of 857,407 acre·ft (1.057596×109 m3).[2]

The streambed underlying the reservoir has an elevation of 1,406 feet (429 m). Since the reservoir's initial flooding, sedimentation has gradually accumulated on the reservoir bottom thus raising its elevation.[12]

When full, the reservoir has 41 miles (66 km) of shoreline while, at the top of its flood control pool, it has 135 miles (217 km) of shoreline.[6]

Infrastructure[edit]

Kanopolis Dam is a rolled earth-fill embankment dam with riprap on its upstream face. It stands 131 feet (40 m) tall and 15,360 feet (4,680 m) long.[6] At its crest, the dam has an elevation of 1,537 feet (468 m).[2]

Management[edit]

The Kansas City District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages Kanopolis Dam and Kanopolis Lake for the purposes of flood damage reduction, recreation, fish and wildlife management, and water supply and quality management. The Corps also oversees 11,000 acres (45 km2) of land around the reservoir, conducting prairie restoration, prescribed burning, and tree planting in order to conserve soil and benefit wildlife.[13] The Corps also leases 41 units of land totaling roughly 12,500 acres (51 km2) to area farmers to use with designated wildlife management requirements.[8]

Of the land around the reservoir, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP) manages over 5,000 acres (20 km2) as the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. It has designated a portion of the Area as a wildlife refuge.[14] The KDWP also stocks fish for the reservoir seasonally.[8]

Parks and recreation[edit]

The Corps of Engineers manages three parks at Kanopolis Lake: Venango Park, Outlet Park, and Riverside Park. The largest, Venango Park, is located on the reservoir's eastern shore just north of Kanopolis Dam. It hosts campgrounds, hiking trails, an ATV trail, a swimming beach, and a boat ramp. Outlet Park is a small park that lies immediately below the dam at the confluence of the Smoky Hill River with Sand Creek. Riverside Park is on the south bank of the river just east of Outlet Park and hosts camping facilities. The Corps of Engineers Information Center is also located below the dam, just south of Outlet Park.[15] The Corps also operates the Boldt Bluff and Yankee Run access areas, located on the reservoir's western shore, for fishing and primitive camping.[8]

The KDWP oversees Kanopolis State Park which is divided into two areas: the Horsethief Area, located on the reservoir's eastern shore north of Venango Park, and the Langley Point Area, located on the southern shore immediately west of the dam.[15] Both areas host amphitheaters, boat ramps, and camping facilities. The Horsethief Area also includes extensive hiking trails, several of which extend into the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. The Langley Point Area also includes a baseball field, a marina, and a swimming beach. KDWP also manages Mushroom Rock State Park located approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the reservoir.[14]

Kanopolis Lake is open to sport fishing. Almost 16,000 acres (65 km2) of public land near the reservoir, most of it upstream along the Smoky Hill River, are open to hunting.[8]

Points of interest[edit]

The Faris Caves are located in the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area northwest of the reservoir. Carved into the sandstone cliffs along the Smoky Hill River by early American settlers, they once served as a school house, living quarters, and a milk house.[16]

Wildlife[edit]

Fish species resident in Kanopolis Lake include channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, saugeye, walleye, white bass, and wiper. Game animals living around the reservoir include coyotes, deer, pheasants, prairie chickens, rabbits, quail, squirrels, turkeys, and various waterfowl.[14] Bald eagles and ospreys migrate through the area in winter.[16]

See also[edit]

Kansas portal

Kanopolis State Park

Mushroom Rock State Park, north of lake

List of Kansas state parks

List of lakes, reservoirs, and dams in Kansas

List of rivers of Kansas

References[edit]

1. Jump up^ "Kanopolis Reservoir Fishing Information". Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Retrieved 2015-11-10.

2. ^ Jump up to:a b c d "Annual Report of Reservoir Regulation Activities - Summary for Calendar Year 2013" (PDF). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. March 2014. Retrieved 2015-11-10.

3. ^ Jump up to:a b c "USGS 06865000 Kanopolis Lake near Kanopolis, KS". U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 2015-11-10.

4. ^ Jump up to:a b "Kanopolis Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2015-10-08.

5. Jump up^ http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/ka/TheDam.cfm

6. ^ Jump up to:a b c d "Bathymetric and Sediment Survey of Kanopolis Reservoir, Ellsworth County, Kansas" (PDF). Kansas Biological Survey. April 2009. Retrieved 2015-10-08.

7. Jump up^ "Kanopolis Lake - Local History". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved2015-10-14.

8. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f "Kanopolis Lake, Kansas" (PDF). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved2015-10-14.

9. ^ Jump up to:a b "2003-2004 Official Transportation Map" (PDF). Kansas Department of Transportation. Retrieved 2015-10-08.

10. ^ Jump up to:a b c d "General Highway Map - Ellsworth County, Kansas". Kansas Department of Transportation. July 2011. Retrieved 2015-10-08.

11. Jump up^ "Kanopolis Dam". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2015-10-08.

12. Jump up^ "Surface Water Policy Issues and Kansas Reservoirs" (PDF). Kansas Water Office. 2010-08-04. Retrieved 2015-11-10.

13. Jump up^ "Kanopolis Lake". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved 2015-10-14.

14. ^ Jump up to:a b c "Kanopolis State Park" (PDF). Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Retrieved 2015-10-14.

15. ^ Jump up to:a b "Kanopolis Lake [Map]" (PDF). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2007. Retrieved2015-10-14.

16. ^ Jump up to:a b "Kanopolis State Park". Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Retrieved 2015-10-14.

External links[edit]

| Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kanopolis Lake.

Official

Kanopolis Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Kanopolis Lake Recreation Areas, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Kanopolis State Park, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

Smoky Hill/Kanopolis Wildlife Area, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

Other

Kanopolis Lake, Natural Kansas

Maps

Ellsworth County Maps: Current, Historic, KDOT

[hide]

v

t

e

Kansas lakes and reservoirs

Natural lakes | Lake Inman

Reservoirs | Big Hill Lake Cedar Bluff Reservoir Cheney Reservoir Clinton Lake Council Grove Lake El Dorado Lake Elk City Lake Fall River Lake Hillsdale Lake John Redmond Reservoir Kanopolis Lake Keith Sebelius Lake Kirwin Reservoir Lovewell Reservoir Marion Reservoir Melvern Lake Milford Lake Perry Lake Pomona Lake Toronto Lake Tuttle Creek Lake Waconda Lake Webster Reservoir Wilson Lake

Wetlands | Cheyenne Bottoms Marais des Cygnes Quivira

[show]

v

t

e

Municipalities and communities of Ellsworth County, Kansas, United States

Categories:

Dams completed in 1948

Dams in Kansas

Reservoirs in Kansas

United States Army Corps of Engineers dams

Buildings and structures in Ellsworth County, Kansas

Landforms of Ellsworth County, Kansas

Navigation menu

Not logged in

Talk

Contributions

Create account

Log in

Article

Talk

Read

Edit

View history

Search

Main page

Contents

Featured content

Current events

Random article

Donate to Wikipedia

Wikipedia store

Interaction

Help

About Wikipedia

Community portal

Recent changes

Contact page

Tools

What links here

Related changes

Upload file

Special pages

Permanent link

Page information

Wikidata item

Cite this page

Print/export

Create a book

Download as PDF

Printable version

Languages

Add links

This page was last modified on 21 January 2016, at 20:15.

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

# data[].attributes.body
Kanopolis offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. The 3,500-acre lake and 12,500-acre wildlife area provide anglers and hunters abundant fish and game. Nestled near the Smoky Hill River toward the northwest portion of the wildlife area is Faris Caves, which were carved by early pioneers and served as milk house, school house, and living quarters. http://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Kanopolis

# data[].attributes.body
there is a lot of hunting in kanopolis like dear and wolves

# data[].attributes.body
its gabe

# data[].attributes.body
there is a lot of hunting in kanopolis like wolves and dear

# data[].attributes.body
I have stayed in a Kanopolis cabin and it was awesome !

# data[].attributes.body
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette along K-141, about 5 miles north of the K-4/K-141 junction (or) about 7 miles south of the K-140/K-141 junction east of Ellsworth

The first state park in Kansas, Kanopolis State Park is situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the scenic Smoky Hills region of the state. From the towering Dakota sandstone bluffs to the caves and crevices of Horsethief Canyon, the park and surrounding area offer rugged beauty and stunning vistas. The park is split into two areas north and south of the dam and there are two federal parks, as well.

Kanopolis offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, 15 of which are on the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area. The 3,500-acre lake and 12,500-acre wildlife area provide anglers and hunters abundant fish and game. Nestled near the Smoky Hill River toward the northwest portion of the wildlife area is Faris Caves, which were carved by early pioneers and served as milk house, school house, and living quarters.

Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities are plentiful. In the winter, bald eagles and ospreys fish the river. Songbirds and wildflowers brighten the landscape throughout the area.

Kanopolis State Park also manages nearby Mushroom Rock State Park, a picnic area with unusual geologic formations that amaze first-time and return visitors alike.

# data[].attributes.body
itas gabe
Long before the lake was developed, the Smoky Hill River Valley served as a lifeline for its inhabitants for many centuries. Many millions of years ago Kansas was covered with a warm shallow sea, which left behind limestone and Dakota sandstone deposits from aquatic life, as well as many sea creature fossils and sharks teeth as evidence. Prehistoric wildlife such as wooly mammoths and mastodons migrated the upper reaches of the river valley along with varieties of vegetarian dinosaurs. More notable travelers of pronghorn antelope, elk, and bison moved with the changing seasons and often frequented the river valley

# data[].attributes.body
Kanopolis Lake is a reservoir in Ellsworth County in the Smoky Hills of central Kansas, about 31 miles southwest of Salinaand a few miles southeast of the town of Kanopolis. The lake is formed by Kanopolis Dam. Completed in 1948 as a flood control and water conservation project of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the dam impounds the Smoky Hill River.

It’s hard to imagine that a place as small as the town of Kanopolis, Kansas could have much of an interesting, varied, or lengthy history. Towns of this size across the United States are all too often passed by when travelers drive through. Their miniscule populations and minimal resources, however, often hide long and colorful histories of which can easily be overlooked by even the residents of the area. This bigotry against small town life must be overcome to see the beauty and richness in our past as well as in our present.

Kanopolis, for instance, is now home to 543 people, according to the United States Census Bureau. Its own school system was integrated into that of Ellsworth’s 35 years ago, and any sort of lodging for visitors to Kanopolis has not been available for nearly half a century. Churches, local businesses, and restaurants are indeed few in number in Kanopolis. The typical small town “main street” trails for just one block. Furthermore, Kanopolis is 13 miles from an Interstate highway and even a 20 mile drive (on paved roads) from the lake named after the town.

# data[].attributes.body
hello
| Early Native American tribes of Pawnee, Cheyenne, Apache, and Kiowa followed the game trails for centuries and camped within the deep sandstone canyons and along the Smoky Hill River, leaving rock art, known as petroglyphs as pictorial evidence of their tribal lifestyles.
The first introduction of European explorers to the river valley was documented in 1541 as the Spanish Conquistador's led byFrancisco Vasquez de Coronado in their search for gold in the seven cities of Cibola. Native American rock art depicted trade with the Spanish by the introduction of decorated horse and mule into tribal lifestyle. The French followed suit with explorers of the Trans-Mississippi West from the 1700's to the early 1800's,  introducing fur trapping to the tribes, and blocking Spanish influence.

The California Gold Rush and the Homestead Act increased westward expansion of Europeans through the river valley during the mid 1800's. The Smoky Hill Trail and Fort Zarah Road were European transportation routes of the time that met retaliation from the Native American tribes. Frontier Forts were erected to house hundreds of soldiers to fend off the Indians from attacks on settlers and supply routes. Fort Ellsworth, later Fort Harker was established on the riverbank in 1864 near present Kanopolis. Famous military men and scouts for Fort Harker included George Custer, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Wild Bill Hickok.
Mass transportation began as stage lines through the river valley such as the Butterfield Overland Dispatch. The Kansas Pacific Railroad later followed it. Settlers homesteaded civilizations along the river valley as the masses drove the Indian tribes to near extinction and later to reservations. The massive buffalo herds of the prairie, which served as the main tribal and early settler diet, was driven to extermination on the prairie from market and waste hunting. From 1870-1880 Ellsworth rivaled Abilene, Wichita, and Dodge City as a prosperous cow town location where cattle driven from Texas met the railheads along theSmoky Hill River for shipment east.

The prairie of the Smoky Hill River Valley was introduced to the barbed wire fence between 1880-1890. The valley developed some of the largest cattle ranches in Kansas, some with up to 40,000 acres and more than 100 employees. In 1886 Kanopolis was founded and touted as future capital of Kansas, but, that was not to be. In the 1900's the valley was turned with the introduction of the plow and cropland agriculture expanded and flourished until the economic depression of the 1930's. The discovery of oil along the valley and its royalties saved many farms and ranches.  |

# data[].attributes.body
Mountain Lions

Although people often report seeing them, mountain lions are only occasionally confirmed in Kansas. The first confirmed mountain lion in Kansas in modern times was shot and killed in 2007 in Barber County in south-central Kansas. Prior to 2007, the last mountain lion documented in Kansas was killed in 1904 in Ellis County. The 16th and latest confirmation occurred in September 2016 in Rawlins County, when a mountain lion was photographed by a hunter's trail camera.
I water

# data[].attributes.body
This part of Kansas seems to flatten out from the Eastern section, so I didn't expect to find much exciting here. A less dramatic version of the dam found in Manhattan exists here, and offers a waterside view. However, the real reason to visit here is the canyons.

Small, sand covered footpaths meander through small canyons, and weave across stream banks. Occasional fording may be required, depending upon the water level, although in April, we balanced across several logs at various crossings. Small caves dart the hills above, and previous visitors have carved their names, initials, and various icons into the sandstone. The sandstone itself is often worn into grooves, often resembling small slides. Follow offshoots up to the various caves, although during the season, be on the lookout for mud wasps, snakes and ticks, should you venture off path. While we were there, ticks were a problem, although the larger pests were not.

All in all, this was a welcome picturesque, intimate landscape, worth the side trip. Good for photographers and hikers.The lake is formed by Kanopolis Dam. Completed in 1948 as a flood control and water conservation project of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the dam impounds the Smoky Hill River.[5]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanopolis_Lake#Points_of_interest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kanopolis Lake State Park - Marquette, KS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
3 reviews of Kanopolis Lake State Park "This part of Kansas seems to flatten out from the Eastern section, so I didn't expect to find much exciting here. A less dramatic version of the dam found in Manhattan exists here, and offers a waterside...

# data[].attributes.body
The Flood Control Act of 1938 authorized the construction of Kanopolis Dam and Lake, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began work in June 1940. ... Kanopolis Lake was the first reservoir built in the Corps of Engineers' Kansas City District which continues to oversee it to the present day.

for more information about Kanopolis history go to

http://www.legendsofkansas.com/
kanopolislake.html

# data[].attributes.body
Area Information

Centrally located on Kanopolis Reservoir and managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), Smoky Hill Wildlife Area consists of 4180 acres of land and 885 acres of water.  Kanopolis Reservoir covers approximately 3000 acres.  The entire US Army Corps of Engineers property extends along the Smoky Hill River for over 15,000 acres.

Hunting

The wildlife area is open to public hunting with the exception of the refuge which is closed September 1 - January 31. Hunting pressure is generally moderate, but can be very high during opening weekends of firearm deer, spring turkey and upland bird seasons. Whitetail deer, turkey, and upland bird are popular game species. Treestands may be placed on the area 14 days prior to the season and removed within 14 days after the season. Upland hunters find pheasants and quail in the grassy expanses and brushy draws. Prairie chickens also use the area and adjacent crop fields. Waterfowl frequent the river and backwaters in good numbers as long as the water is open. Canada geese and mallards are common all season long. The weekly waterfowl report is kept updated throughout the fall and winter months.

Hunters frequently use boats, carts and backpacks when accessing the remote areas.

Fishing

Fishing access through the wildlife area is limited. Most anglers access the area from the river or lake via boat.  The water in the wildlife area is on the upper reaches of the lake and usually fairly shallow.   White bass fishing along the river can be excellent in mid April if river flow is adequate.

Trails

Several multi-use trails originating from Kanopolis State Park lead into the wildlife area. These trails allow hike, bike and horseback riding, and are closed to all but foot traffic from November 1 through January 31 annually. There is no horse access other than through the state park.  Hikers can access the trails from the Alum Creek parking lot. The wildlife area trails are closed from Nov 1-Jan 31 annually to limit hunter disturbance and for safety. If riding horseback or on a bicycle, please stay on the maintained trails to prevent disturbance and erosion. There are several gates along the trails-keep them closed and latched. The state park maintains the trails and park with your permit fees. Maintenance on the wildlife area is funded through hunting and fishing licenses as well as federal taxes on sporting goods.