

OUTDOOR RECREATION
Getting outside and up close to nature is easy in the
Flint Hills... whether you walk, ride, or paddle, there are recreational opportunities for all desires and abilities.
With two lakes and wide-open spaces, Council Grove is bursting with recreational activities. Some favorites include camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, disc golf, and more.
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Council Grove City Recreation has many opportunities for youth sports for our area residents. They have numerous clinics and programs for preschool age to 18 years old, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, T-ball, flag football, and volleyball.
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Read on for all the outdoor recreation details. We have a lot to share!
TWIN LAKES
Landlocked Kansas isn’t known for its water-based recreation, but we sure are! Council Grove boasts not one, but two lakes!

Council Grove Federal Reservoir was built by the Tulsa District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1960 and 1964 at a cost of $11.5 million. It was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1950, and construction was prompted by the devastating flood of 1951. The lake was built for the purposes of flood damage reduction, water storage, water quality enhancement, fish and wildlife conservation, and recreation. To date, the lake is credited with preventing an estimated $175 million in flood damages.​
The lake is near the headwaters of the Neosho River. “Neosho” is an Osage Indian word meaning “water within.” The names of many of our campgrounds, such as Neosho Park, Kanza View, and Kit Carson, reflect the area's early history.​
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Interested in hiking while you visit the lake? Pioneer Nature Trail is a beautiful 1.24-mile trail!
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Council Grove Marina — Pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boards can be rented, and live bait and tackle are for sale. Hang out on the Rusty Parrot Patio for drinks, snacks, and fun with family and friends.
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Council Grove City Lake is the smaller of Council Grove's twin lakes and is located 3.5 miles northwest of Council Grove, Kansas. This 434-acre multi-use lake is surrounded by 348 waterfront cabins and homes.
The Council Grove City Lake also includes five public park areas, boat ramps, and city-owned common areas. This community is home to both permanent and weekend residents who enjoy water sports, fishing, wildlife and beautiful scenic views.
HIKING & EXPLORING
Neosho Riverwalk
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The Neosho Riverwalk connects the Flint Hills Trail State Park with the Madonna of the Trail statue, the Guardian of the Grove statue, the Neosho River Crossing, and the Kaw Mission State Historic Site.
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Enjoy the stroll while visiting the crossing of Old Santa Fe Road. Meander across the pedestrian bridge that spans the Neosho River and the walkway continues on up among thousands of wildflowers, plants, and native grasses to the Kaw Mission Historic Site. At night, lights from the Riverwalk reflect in the water, causing us to reflect on nature and history along the river. It is also ADA-accessible because inclusion and accessibility matter in Council Grove.Â
