Information
Landmark: Perry State ParkCity: Kansas City
Country: USA Missouri
Continent: North America
Perry State Park, Kansas City, USA Missouri, North America
Overview
On the western shore of Perry Lake in northeastern Kansas, just outside Ozawkie, Perry State Park sprawls over 1,250 acres, blending rolling prairie with shaded trails and offering a wide range of ways to explore and unwind, while right next door is an extra 11,000 acres of wildlife habitat and Perry Reservoir, making the whole area one of the Midwest’s most varied outdoor spots, from quiet hiking trails to wide-open water under a shining summer sky.The park brings together shady woodlands, glistening wetlands, wide grasslands, and a stretch of lake shore, creating a scenic spot that’s full of things to do, while perry State Park rests on rolling hills and bluffs overlooking Perry Lake, a glittering expanse of about 12,000 acres with 160 miles of winding shoreline.Thick woods blanket the park, especially near the bluffs, where towering oaks, hickories, sycamores, and cottonwoods crowd together in deep shade, to boot the terrain shifts from steep, pine-covered ridge trails to wide, sunlit meadows, then down to the damp wetlands by the lake’s edge.This mix of habitats teems with life-white-tailed deer stepping through tall grass, raccoons nosing along creek banks, wild turkeys strutting, and foxes and bobcats slipping quietly through the trees, after that many migratory birds cross the skies each year, especially waterfowl like geese and ducks skimming low over the lake.Bald eagles drift in over the lake each winter, while the sharp, echoing knocks of pileated woodpeckers ring through the hardwoods all year, in turn at Perry Lake, visitors flock to the water for sailing, motor boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding, their paddles flashing in the sun, perhaps Inside the park, you’ll find several boat ramps, each with a courtesy dock so you can slip into the water without a fuss, moreover in the warmer months, you can swim right off the beach, with restrooms and a compact beach house just steps away.The fishing here is outstanding-you might reel in a shimmering crappie, a hefty channel catfish, a sleek largemouth bass, a sparkling bluegill, or even a powerful walleye, subsequently you can fish from the shore or head out by boat, and the park even has a station where you can rinse and clean your catch.Perry State Park is known for its 45 miles of trails-about 22 of them for hiking and mountain biking-where paths climb bluffs, dip into cool shade, and open to glimpses of the lake, to boot you’ll find everything from gentle loops you can finish before lunch to rugged, winding trails that challenge seasoned hikers and bikers.About 25 miles of horse trails wind through shady forests, rolling hills, and sunlit meadows, equally important the trails suit both casual riders and those with a bit more experience, with smooth paths and the occasional gentle slope, moderately At the Wild Horse Equestrian Campground, you’ll find roomy campsites, sturdy tie posts, and horse stalls with the scent of fresh hay-everything set up just for riders, what’s more perry State Park offers both rustic campsites and modern spots, with space for tents, hookups for RVs, and cozy cabins where you can wake to birdsong.Campgrounds offer utility sites with both electric and water in spots like Cougar Pass, Eagle Landing, Lake View, and Cottonwood Bridge, while over 200 primitive sites sit in places such as Pelican Point, Mulberry Grove, Catfish Alley, Hideaway, and Hobie Cove, where you might wake to the sound of gulls over the water, to boot they’re perfect for quiet tent camping, often tucked beside a stream or just off a winding trail.We’ve got four modern cabins ready to rent, each with warm wood walls and plenty of light, likewise each one comes with a kitchen, a bathroom, heat and air conditioning, and room for four guests-enough for a cozy night in with the smell of coffee brewing.The Apache cabin is ADA-accessible, with a smooth ramp leading up to its door, also you’ll need to bring your own linens and cookware-think sheets for the bed and a skillet for breakfast.Pets aren’t allowed in the cabins, not even a miniature cat curled up in a basket, furthermore the park has five shower houses, modern restrooms, and vault toilets scattered across the grounds, with one tucked near the pine grove, for the most part Campers and anglers will find two dump stations, fresh drinking water taps, and a compact shelter for cleaning fish, as a result seven picnic shelters are tucked around the park, some with shaded tables perfect for a breezy afternoon, and you can reserve a few for family reunions or group gatherings.Each site comes with a picnic table, a grill, and parking close enough to hear car doors shut, plus easy access to trails or the lake, at the same time you’ll find playgrounds and open spaces just steps from the shelters, with swings creaking softly in the breeze.Believe it or not, Spring and fall are perfect for hiking dusty trails, riding through crisp air, and spotting wildlife when the leaves turn or blossoms appear, in conjunction with in summer, attention turns to swimming, fishing, camping, and lazy afternoons out on the boat.You can expect more people to drop by, and the air will feel warmer, like sunlight on your skin, along with winter feels hushed, the snow muffling every sound.Curiously, The trails are still open-perfect for a morning hike or a dusty afternoon ride, along with it’s a great time to watch birds, especially raptors-bald eagles soaring high with the wind in their feathers.Throughout the year, you can join special events like the brisk First Day Hike on January 1, lively fishing tournaments, equestrian trail rides led by local riding clubs, and engaging educational programs or ranger-guided nature walks, especially when the trails are buzzing in peak season, equally important if you’re bringing a car or boat, you’ll need a permit, which you can grab online or right at the gate.It’s best to reserve cabins or utility campsites ahead of time, especially on busy weekends and holidays when spots can fill before noon, consequently multi-use trails welcome bikers, hikers, and horseback riders-so yield when needed, and during hunting season (Sept–Dec), throw on a dazzling vest or jacket so you’re easy to spot.You’ll get a strong cell signal in most spots, and you can pick up park maps at the trailheads or the main office, right next to the huge wooden sign, therefore perry State Park offers a little of everything-lakeside fishing, winding woodland trails, and peaceful campsites tucked beneath Kansas skies.You might ride a horse along winding trails, cast for crappie in the still morning water, hike through pine-scented hills, or paddle into quiet coves as the sun warms the lake-and in every season, the park offers something unforgettable, also with tidy, well-kept grounds and terrain that shifts from shady woods to open water, it’s a go-to spot for families, campers, boaters, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
