Around Kansas - Wilson Lake with its Beautiful Jagged Landscape - November 30, 2016

(Frank) Here we are again. It's Wednesday and this is Around Kansas in case you just tuned in. And you’re saying who are those people? So, anyway. (Deb) We’ve got to get a billboard. That reminds me Frank; I was thinking of that again when I was riding out I-70, there's our friend Brent Harris from Dodge City who is just all over the place. I talked to Brent on the phone the other day, but it's like we need a billboard Frank. (Frank) We need a billboard. (Deb) We need a billboard. (Frank) A big billboard. (Deb) A big billboard, that's right. A big billboard. (Frank) [Laughs] This show really is all about Kansas and its people, places, things to do and all of that. (Deb) Around Kansas. (Frank) Really, there are a lot of places to go in this state. I'm going to get to do a story about one of those places. You really should go there, it's an absolutely beautiful place and it really is diverse somewhat in its topography. (Deb) Again for all those folks who think Kansas is flat and after watching the show for a month or two, I don't know how you could possibly still believe that. This will put to rest forever about flat Kansas, wouldn't it? (Frank) Yes, it will. Well, part of it is managed by Kansas Parks and Wildlife, and the others by the Corps of Engineers as well, so it's both federal and Kansas-managed. Nevertheless, there's all kinds of wildlife, there's all kinds of recreational activity and all that, but I'm getting ahead of the story. (Deb) As you will see, it's a perfect place for photographers. (Frank) Oh, yes. (Deb) The photographers were just getting so many gorgeous photos from around the state. Share yours with us on our website, on our Facebook page Around Kansas, email them to us, but we love seeing the photographs that you take all over the state of this gorgeous places. (Frank) Well, and we'll probably use a lot of Greg Rud's work in this particular story. (Deb) Wonderful. (Frank) Yes. (Deb) Wonderful. We love you Greg, you do amazing stuff. (Frank) Whenever folks claim Kansas is flat, pull out one of Greg Rud's photos of the jagged landscape surrounding Wilson Lake. It's one of those scenes that make the unknowing scratch their heads in disbelief and it is only minutes north of Interstate 70, on the Post Rock Scenic Byway west of K-232. Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is located in Russell County with a small arm extending into Lincoln County. The Saline River is both the reservoir's primary inflow from the west and outflow to the east. Smaller tributaries include Elm Creek, which flows from the south into the western part of the reservoir, and Hell Creek, which feeds the reservoir's southeastern arm. The Corps of Engineers manages three parks at Wilson Lake: Lucas Park, Minooka Park and Sylvan Park. Lucas Park is located on the north shore of the reservoir's eastern end and includes the Rocktown Natural Area. Minooka Park, named after the Otoe word for good earth, lies on the south shore of the central part of the reservoir. Sylvan Park lies below Wilson Dam immediately northeast of the reservoir. Both Lucas Park and Minooka Park host swimming beaches and boat ramps. All three parks include hiking trails and camping facilities. The Corps of Engineers also operates a Visitor Center located below Wilson Dam near Sylvan Park.[15] Considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state, Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers. Wilson Reservoir offers excellent white bass and striped bass angling. The Cedar Trail in the Otoe area is a one-mile loop with a concrete surface and is great for a leisurely, low-stress walk. The 25.5-mile long Switchgrass Bike Trail is popular with mountain bikers to pursue this challenging activity. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks operates Wilson State Park located on the south shore of the reservoir's eastern end. The park is divided into two areas by the reservoir's southeastern arm: the Hell Creek Area on the west side and the Otoe Area on the east side. The Hell Creek Area hosts a marina. Both areas include hiking trails, swimming beaches, boat ramps, and camping facilities. Hunting is permitted on the public land around the reservoir although it is restricted in certain areas. Wilson Wildlife Area is located on the upper end of the Reservoir. The 8,000 plus-acre public hunting area is made up of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, cropland and riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. The area has a waterfowl refuge that was established in 1996.