Douglas County: Lakes, Trails and Culture in Kansas

Douglas County in Kansas combines waterways, prairie, woodland areas and a diverse cultural history. The Clinton Lake reservoir, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is located on the Wakarusa River in the northwest of the county and gives the region a distinctive scenic focus. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home can therefore tailor their trip to their own interests: active days on trails and lakes, nature observation or a cultural program in and around Lawrence.

Water, Trails and Wide-Open Landscapes

Around Clinton Lake, five parks offer campsites, a beach, boat ramps, disc golf courses and picnic areas. The North Shore Trail complements this offering with more than 21 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The George Latham Trail in Woodridge Park is also interesting for planning a day trip: It is 4.5 miles long and offers opportunities for hiking as well as overnight camping along the trail.

Nature takes many different forms in Douglas County. The Baker Wetlands encompass 927 acres of wetlands, prairie, open water areas and riparian habitats. Parking areas and trails are open there daily from sunrise to sunset. A shorter nature outing can be taken on the Backwoods Trail. The trail is 5/8 of a mile long and can be explored independently with a brochure available at the information center.

The 538-acre wildlife area surrounding Douglas State Fishing Lake is predominantly wooded. In southwestern Douglas County, the 422-acre Lone Star Lake Park is also located in a rural agricultural landscape. Historic traces there include the remains of the former Lone Star Lake Civilian Conservation Corps Camp: a stone water tower, four stone fireplaces, a stone fire pit and a stone staircase have been preserved.

History and Museums in the Area

Douglas County is also suitable for travelers who want to combine experiences in nature with history. Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park is a nationally significant site associated with the events of “Bleeding Kansas” and the background to the American Civil War. Black Jack Battlefield is also recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

In neighboring Lawrence, several institutions focus on regional history and culture. The Watkins Museum of History addresses the people and events that shaped Lawrence and Douglas County in its permanent exhibitions. The Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum collects, preserves and communicates the history of the Wakarusa River Valley. The Haskell Cultural Center and Museum features permanent exhibitions on the development of Haskell as well as rotating special exhibitions; it is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Art and natural history can also be part of your travel itinerary. The Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence can be reached via the Lawrence Transit system. The KU Natural History Museum presents exhibitions on fossils, live snakes and insects, as well as the flora and fauna of the Great Plains, across four floors open to the public. Those who want to discover regional products will find a producer market at the Lawrence Farmers Market, featuring agricultural products from Kansas and focusing on building local businesses.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When choosing your accommodation, it is worth first deciding on the pace of travel you want. For active days, there are trails at Clinton Lake, the short Backwoods Trail, the longer North Shore Trail and the George Latham Trail. Those who prefer to combine nature with a peaceful visit can include the Baker Wetlands, Douglas State Fishing Lake or Wells Overlook Park in their plans. There, the offerings include a prairie restoration project and a 1/4-mile nature trail; at the Passerine Pavilion, signs along the trail provide information about historical, geological and astronomical features of the surrounding area.

As additional directly related destinations, you can include Baldwin City and Lawrence in your research. More destinations on the portal: Gove County, Kingman County, Phillips County, Morris County, Kiowa County, Neosho County.

For the overarching travel overview: Kansas.