Prairie Dog State Park

Located around the Sebelius Reservoir, Prairie Dog State Park and Norton Wildlife Area are the prime places to experience the shortgrass prairies of the state of Kansas. It is a welcome and rare place where people and pets can play both in the water and shade. 

The Prairie Dog State Park occupies more than 1,000 acres and is home to a thriving prairie dog colony, hence the name. Park visitors are encouraged to take time to get up-close and personal with these tiny creatures that play a massive part in the ecosystem. 

The park is also the site of the last remaining renovated adobe houses in the area which were initially built in the 1890’s. The campsites include 67 electric and water sites, 130 primitive sites, 12 electric-only sites, and four reservable cabins, two of which are modern and the remaining two are primitive. 

There are also restroom and shower facilities in the premises. There is a 1.4-mile nature trail where you can take your four-legged best friend with you for a walk. However, Spike has to be always on a leash. The path also has interpretive signage which is a great way for you to observe wildlife and explore the park.

Hobbyists in fishing enjoy the park because the Sebelius Reservoir is famous for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers have been found abundant fishing for crappie, wiper, black bass, catfish, walleye, and saugeye. Driving along the lake roads during the migratory season means you will have the opportunity to see a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl. 

If it’s your lucky day, you might see the migrant osprey fishing the waters. There are plenty of ring-necked pheasants in the surrounding wildlife area, as well as wild turkeys and deer. Reptiles such as garter snakes, six-lined racerunner, and western hognose snakes are plenty in the rocky ridges and open grasslands during summer, so be careful.