Outdoor Adventures
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels will find plenty to explore in Wilson and the surrounding area. Gear up, and let’s go!
Biking and Walking Trails
Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll for beginners or a more challenging hike or bike excursion, you’ll find it in the area.
Wilson State Park’s hiking trails offer scenic red sandstone pillars and spires, panoramic lake views, and diverse terrain (including everything from a short, ADA-accessible paved loop to options for those seeking longer, more rugged trails). Nearby Kanopolis State Park (about 37 miles from Wilson) offers more than 30 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
The Switchgrass Epic Mountain Bike Trail offers almost 25 miles of options for different levels of riders. Midland Post-Rock Bicycle Tour routes are also available.
Hunting & Fishing
From Wilson Wildlife Area to private rentals, hunting opportunities are abundant for whitetail deer, turkey, pheasant, quail and waterfowl. Local guides are available. Wilson and Kanopolis lakes offer excellent fishing with accessible areas and amenities such as camping and boat rentals.
Wilson State Park
Don’t miss the most beautiful park and lake in Kansas! Wilson Reservoir features crystal-clear water and a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. Wildlife is abundant, so keep your eyes peeled. Enjoy camping, boating, fishing or just a beautiful walk or drive. Hiking and biking trails and a full-service marina are available.
Mushroom Rock State Park
This 5-acre park (27 miles from Wilson) is small but distinctive: You’ll see unusual rock formations that served as a meeting place for Native Americans and early pioneers like Kit Carson. This Prairie Trail Scenic Byway stop is a must for anyone who loves geology.
Kanopolis State Park
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway about 37 miles from Wilson, Kanopolis State Park offers a range of recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing (look for bald eagles in winter!). Fun fact: Kanopolis was the first state park in Kansas!
Cheyenne Bottoms
Cheyenne Bottoms (about 34 miles from Wilson) is a 41,000-acre wetland complex in central Kansas and one of the top staging areas (the places migrating birds stop to feed and rest) for shorebirds and waterfowl in the United States. Plan to tour by vehicle and stop at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, which features many state-of-the-art exhibits that tell the story of this unique Kansas wetland. Enjoy birdwatching any time of year, but you’ll find the most species during spring and fall migrations.
The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the 8,018-acre Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve adjacent to the 19,857-acre Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, which is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. Ducks Unlimited is also a key partner in protecting waterfowl and shorebird habitat.