Kansas State Parks Near Manhattan

Tuttle Creek State Park is one of Kansas’s largest and most popular lake parks, centered on Tuttle Creek Reservoir. Visitors come for water sports, fishing, camping, swimming, and access to the nearby Flint Hills and Manhattan area.

Missouri Headwaters State Park is a landmark site where three major rivers meet to create the Missouri River. The park combines natural scenery, interpretive history, and easy access for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Madison Buffalo Jump State Park is a nationally significant archaeological site where Native peoples once drove bison over a cliff. Today, it offers a short hike, interpretive signage, and expansive views of the Madison River Valley and surrounding mountains.

Milford State Park is centered on Milford Reservoir, a major destination for water recreation in north-central Kansas. Visitors come for marinas, beaches, campgrounds, and year-round opportunities to fish, boat, and enjoy prairie scenery.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park features one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest, with guided tours through dramatic chambers and formations. The park also offers scenic overlooks, hiking, camping, and abundant wildlife in a striking canyon setting.

Kaw River State Park is one of Kansas’s newest state parks, created to preserve a stretch of riverfront woodland and bluffs in Topeka. Visitors come for peaceful walks, cycling connections, wildlife viewing, and convenient access to the Kansas River and nearby cultural attractions.