Clinton State Park is formidable. It's like Thanos, if Thanos was water and dirt. It's massive,…read morefilled with trees, and it is murky. The only time I've ever been stopped by water patrol while in my tiny boat has been on this lake. I saw him dartin' straight for me amongst a hoard of rich people in their fancy little shiny boats. Men drunk as the cow on Tuesday blaring there speaker systems that cost more than my boat, and this joker brought his $80,000 police boat right to my little inflatable tube. He checked me over, they were nice enough. I guess people do die on this lake if you're not responsibly careful enough. It's not a place to play around if you're not prepared for the worst. There are so many great secluded shelters strewn about this place, and the Clinton Park of it does require a $5 per day access fee I believe go check local updates. Per car mind you; and less in fact you paid for the state stamp with your yearly registration on your vehicle which I do. It's a good deal for $15 a year. The fishing however if you're a true fisherman is spectacular. Clinton has some of the best fishing in the country. It's not for the faint of heart however, and the surface is vast. I once drove across this lake on a boat going about 4 mph for half a day and didn't make it halfway across it. They have great sections where the bass fishing is amazing during certain periods of the year. It's a great place, and if you don't want to get out on the water you can go to the spillway which a lot of people do for fishing. Be safe.

Clinton Lake is a fantastic visit for those wanting to learn more about our state parks. What I…read morereally enjoyed about Clinton lake were the friendly people, the affordable stay, and the great clean environment. We took our vacation here and stared up at the sky with a telescope, went fishing, enjoyed the trails. All of these are available and easy to access. We went in an RV (a 24') and had an easy time getting service and having fun. Bathrooms are clean, showers are well maintained and have incredible, and I mean absolutely incredible water pressure. There are a few pieces of advice I would give before you attend. The trails are fantastic, but if you plan on going now you had better plan on taking with you PLENTY and I mean PLENTY of bug repellent. The trails are full of ticks and chiggers, and you will find your ankles and body well covered if you have not taken the right precautions. Don't walk trails where you aren't covered, and don't do things that will put you at risk.

I've come here a few times from KC with kids to fish or rent a boat for a bday or back to school…read morebash. They have everything you could need, good prices, and friendly staff. Renting a pontoon costs some cash, but make it a day and bring your own food/drinks. Everybody loves it! We bring floats and rent the pad as well.

A true midwest Osais! LOVE CLINTON MARINA…read more We started coming to Clinton Marina roughly 7 years ago, back then, it was a nice marina with a good ship store. Wasn't special by any means but it was clean, well taken care of, and had a friendly staff. It was exactly what you'd want out of a lake marina. The ship store had what you needed and made some pretty good pizzas. However, the couple that took over ownership have decided to turn it into a destination and boy howdy have they done a great job. The whole atmosphere has become electric. Yes, it still is VERY well maintained but the changes they've made have been fantastic. The expansion on the back side, is amazing. First Fridays are killer, the ship store is awesome and the pizzas are still off the hook delicious. I hope, as do the new owners, this place turns into the epic getaway that it can be. They're making all the right moves to turn Clinton Marina into a little paradise just outside Lawrence. My only concern is parking. On busy holidays, beware, parking can get a little tough and require a bit of a walk. Outside of the parking lot issue, Clinton Marina is a great little Oasis smack dab in the middle of the prairie.

If you are expecting open spaces, fresh air, comfortable places to relax, and the splendor of…read morenature, then the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum is just the place. The arboretum is set in the southwest corner of the Lawrence area and nestled up against the (finally) evolving Lawrence Youth Sports Complex and the dam of Clinton Lake. A lovely pond is encircled with a wide walking path, a broad variety of native trees and grasses, and a gazebo that overlooks the water. Each different tree species is marked and identified, helping young and old to appreciate the vagary differences of the flora. There is also an area designated as a 'butterfly habitat' in conjunction with another Lawrence attraction called Monarch Watch. Who doesn't love watching the majestic and delicate beauty of butterflies? There is a sidewalk that leaves the arboretum and winds through a grassy meadow along the dam and terminates out at Clinton Lake. Pro tip: from the parking lot of the arboretum to the dam is right at 1.5 miles, so if you have an hour or so to kill, it makes for a leisurely three-mile walk. Bikers, dog walkers, and others frequent the arboretum and the path. It's really one of Lawrence's 'hidden' treasures and it will continue to evolve.

Everytime I'm in the area I go here and truly enjoy a walk. The garden and fountains and walking…read morepaths make for a wonderful sight to see.

Just south of Lawrence abutting the new bypass is 927 acres of outdoors like little else in Kansas…read more The Baker Wetlands may be one of the best kept secrets in Douglas County and the surrounding Lawrence area because its become a mecca of wildlife preservation that doubles nicely as an area rich with hiking, biking, running, or information at the visitor center, or the picnic tables, surely a sight from which to dine outdoors. Known properly as The Baker University Wetlands Research and Natural Area, it abuts the south side of the city in the Wakarusa River floodplain. The area contains 45 acres of native wetland prairie and acres of restored meadows, marshes, open water, shrubby and secondary growth and mature riparian woodlands. Why I love this area: it's outdoor Kansas as it might be unspoiled with some nice gravel paths for hiking and biking, and if you follow some of the access trails which are much rougher you can really get off the grid and deep into park and all its beauty. I counted three massive beaver dams along one creek on an extended walk today. There are literally hundreds of small birdhouses placed all over the park and one walk through will confirm that it's a haven for critters of all kinds. Most folks in town will know it from the view on the south side of the bypass where a mile long paved bike path runs next to the highway behind a sound barrier. And that's a beautiful view, but getting down into the middle of it is terrific. Access from the East where there's a parking area, the far Southwest (gravel lot), or the visitor center on the far West side (paved). This has become my go-to spot for long hikes and I've yet to not see a few others enjoying the same. Well worth the visit. Bring the kids. It's the anti-movie/mall/theme park experience which a little education and a lot of peace and quiet to boot. Pack a sack lunch and stop in one of the covered picnic areas out in the middle. It's a great place to have a gathering, or catch one of the quiet houses where you can enter and look out over a lake so the animals can't see you (mostly on the West side). No admission for anything that I'm aware of. Get there. If you're the outdoors type even only occasionally, this place is a breath of fresh air, literally, in more ways than one. From their web site: 487 Unique Plant Species 376 Vertebrate Species 75% of electricity is produced by a 10 KWH solar array.

What a beautiful hidden landscape in the heart of Lawrence! I never knew this existed and it's…read morereally not so hidden (right off the highway). I took my bike and wasn't disappointed. The views were stunning.

Been here almost every summer it's really awesome I heard that they do classes and things like that…read morebut 2 things to be careful of 1 you might hit your head in the insect tunnel 2 their was a snake in the playground so really careful of that idk if they got rid of it because I haven't been their since 2023 or 2022

Super strong ammonia smell inside the facility. We could not stand it. Animal Control stopped in as…read morewe were leaving so hopefully action was taken to mitigate the odor as this cannot be healthy for the animals. We did enjoy the native pollinator plants.

This dog park is HUGE! There is a fenced in area to the left of the parking lot where you can let…read moreyour dogs run off leash, if you're unsure how they'll do in the open. Or you can venture out on the miles of trails to the right of the parking lot (off leash, as well). The trails in the open areas are pretty wide (think car width) & easy to navigate and follow. One of the trails even has some freshly laid crushed gravel. The trails through the woods are narrow but well packed down. However, If you have any mobility issues, you might stick to the open area trails as you're likely to encounter fallen logs or have to scale up a creekside when on the trails through the woods. Close to the parking lot, there are some obstacles set up so your dog would like ride on the seesaw or climb the A-frame. I've been at multiple times of day. The middle of the day seems to be a little less populated. It does get pretty busy towards late afternoon/early evening as people are getting off work. Parking can be sparse at that time. If so, people tend to park off the side of the road & walk over. Be sure to slow down & pay extra attention as you are coming or going as dogs sometimes venture into the parking lot or road. Especially in the parking lot between the fenced area & open area.

Absolutely a perfect spot for off leash dogs. On our road trip, my pup loved the break to explore…read morethe trails!

this campground is mainly catered to equestrians, lots of stalls and trails for those with horses!…read morewe came on a friday evening (oct 11) and there were probably only 8 other campers here. self pay $12 a night, newer looking playground for those with small kids, restrooms centralized with running toilets, outlets and even a shower inside. regular campers can only park at sites 6-21. no pull thrus but plenty of space to reverse in for those with big rigs. very peaceful and quiet, highly recommend this gem!

Managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers, this area is a gem for hiking. It is also a campground…read morewhere horse and mule are allowed. All the trails are multi-use for hiking and horse. The area is on a dominant spur or finger of land jutting north into Clinton Lake. Several small creeks cut through the land and feed into the lake. The forest and lake views are awesome. There are several old wells and fences that you may find as you explore the area. It is an area best experienced from October through March.

There are a lot of reasons to adore this park, but for me, it's access to what I think are the best…read morehiking trails in eastern Kansas, and use them I do, frequently. Yesterday it was the entire length of the White Trail, 12 miles of rolling soft path dirt and rock among the trees, coves and inlets on the Northwest side of the lake. The Blue trail is another favorite, 8 miles of mostly flat trail that hugs the lakefront making for lots of good shade and scenery usually running a few yards below the more snaking White trail. There's a third shorter trail I've not set foot on but only because it's shorter than I wish. Unlike the Eastern back side of the lake at Woodridge Park which is one of the nicest 4.5 hikes to be found anywhere, the North Shore trails can be safely hiked during tick season in shorts but I'd still recommend you take precaution and check yourself frequently in the spring and summer. The trail is wide enough and well maintained so no grass to walk through. Just don't get off the trail because they're definitely lurking, this from experience. The two main trails are accessed from Overlook Park on the Northeast side, just minutes from west Lawrence. Very well travelled, very well maintained. Lots of shade. Both the White and Blue have multiple access points to the lake and camping areas and access roads so if you had to bail, there are plenty of places. However, private enough you can almost imagine you're miles from everything, but you aren't. Lots of wildlife. Expect to see deer (see my photo from yesterday). No access for drinking water so as with any hike, bring your own and bring plenty. And don't attempt the entire White trail unless you're in very good shape and know what you're doing because it'll kick your rear end otherwise. For those hiking round trip of one-way, there's a convenient parking area at the east end of both the Blue and White trails. Expect to see plenty of runners and hikers on weekends. IMPORTANT NOTE: the east trailheads for the Blue and White trails can be accessed for free and have a nice parking lot with picnic tables, etc. If you're having someone drop you off on the far west end to hike back east you'll need to pay a park access fee. I have someone drop me off that has a season pass but I believe it's a daily $7.00 fee to access the west end.

All you can ask for in a scenic, public park! Bring your fishing rod.read more

Long-time user of the George Latham Hiking Trail on the back side of Clinton Lake. This fairly well…read moremaintained but rugged trail is just over 4 miles long and is usually hiked counter-clockwise. The first half mile is all decent with plenty of well used camping areas just off the trail in either direction. Unfortunately (but not the fault of the trail design) lots of folks leave too much trash in the areas designated for fires. At about the half mile point the lake is visible pretty much for the next 2-3 miles before you start the climb out towards the parking lot. Expect: rugged rocky trails, decent markings on the trees, and lots of rocks. Be warned: go on this walk during tick season minus long pants and be prepared to pay a dear price--this from experience. Wear long pants with ties around the ankles and you might be OK. My advice is avoid this hike during those times as parts of the trail go through grassy areas where plenty of opportunities exist for the little critters. Around the 1 mile mark is a great, perfectly placed bench with a great view of the lake. Nice place to stop if you're just in no hurry and want to enjoy the scenery. If you go: the last half mile to the area is dirt road, and poorly maintained. If it's been raining you'd better be in four-wheel drive. Otherwise if it's dry, it's just a very rough road. Drive slow. Snow... forget it. As always, take your trash with you and pack it out on the hike. Trash barrels and an outdoor toilet once you get to the parking lot. Moderate elevation change that shouldn't be a problem: expect to take around 2 hours unless you're in a hurry. Wear hiking shoes as the rocks can be rough, although I have done it in sneakers, but not recommended.

Loved hiking the George Latham trail and will definitely going to have to camp out there sometime!…read moreThe George Latham Trail is a 4.5 mi loop with random camping spots scattered throughout. An interesting stone wall that I wonder what it was for, and the trail stops by the waterside on a couple of occasions. CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS. I didn't get any but we found 8 ticks total on my boyfriend after we finished the trail. For how close the trail is to Lawrence it really feels like you're further away.