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El Dorado
Perhaps the most popular state park in Kansas, El Dorado lies about 25 miles northeast of Wichita. El Dorado Reservoir provides 8,000 acres of water, and the
wildlife areas adds 4,600 acres for the outdoor lover's enjoyment.
This beautiful Flint Hills park offers 1,100 campsites (including cabins), five shelter houses, two swimming beaches, a modern marina, and a large amphitheater with
an indoor-outdoor stage. Squirrels, rabbits, songbirds, and other wildlife can be seen in the park, and the wildlife area boasts good populations of game species such
as wild turkey, prairie chicken, quail, geese, and deer. Bald eagles also nest on the area.
Primitive camping is restricted to designated sites.
El Dorado Lake is located in an area of rolling terrain made up of croplands, prairies, woodlands, and marshes. The lake provides many attractive
areas for water oriented activities such as camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, and hunting. Four recreational areas located near the
lake are -- Boulder Bluff, Shady Creek, Bluestem Point, and Lost Lake.
There are roads and parking, boat launching ramps, a potable water supply, fireplaces, picnic tables, shelters and showers that are all available to
the public.
An overlook structure constructed of native limestone is located on the left bank of the lake adjacent to the buildings and provides an excellent
view of the dam and lake. The approach to the overlook is a bridged ramp designed for easy access and use by the handicapped.
Stones and a date block from a local school, constructed in 1897, have been incorporated in the structure and walkway. The schoolhouse was
located on a tract of land about one mile NW of the overlook site. The land inundated by the lake was given to the school district by George and
Elizabeth Parker, pioneers of Prospect Township. The date block over the door to the old "School District 94" was placed in an approach pillar at
the ramp entry. The pillar on the opposite side of the entry contains a metal plaque with a tribute to the pioneers of the area and an inscription
about the school.
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