Eisenhower State Park

Puptastic outdoor fun awaits you and your pooch at the Eisenhower State Park! Formerly known as the Melvern State Park, this 1,785-acre site in the eastern fringe of the Flint Hills attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its expansive tallgrass prairie and woodland ecosystems, the 6,900-acre Melvern Lake, and a broad range of recreational facilities. It is also pawpular among equestrians due to its large horseback riding area, but canine visitors are sure to have a woofin' good time here as well!

If your pup enjoys going on long walks, they'll have a blast exploring the trails at the Eisenhower State Park. In the undeveloped west portion of the site, you and Fido will find the 20-mile Crooked Knee Horse Trail, which is also open to hikers and bikers. This area boasts dense populations of wildlife, so you can expect to come across white-tailed deer, bobwhite quails, eastern wild turkeys, and squirrels. Note that shotgun and archery hunting by written permission are allowed on this side of the park as well.

For a shorter, scenic stroll, check out Ike's Scooter Trail, which spans just over a mile. Be sure to head out early, though, as hiking is only allowed on this trail when motorized scooters are not using it from 10 AM to 6 PM. Whichever routes you and your furry hiking buddy take, make sure they remain on a leash no longer than 10 feet at all times. And always carry doggie waste bags for picking up anything your dog puts down.

If you'd like to extend your adventure, set up camp at one of the park's nearly 190 utility campsites. Cabins and yurts are also available but are off-limits to doggos except service animals, so you and Fido will have to ruff it. Pop into Ike's General Store at the Doud Campground to pay your camping fees and purchase any items you may have forgotten at home.

For a refreshing, dog-friendly getaway in southern Osage County, visit the Eisenhower State Park!