Meade County: Lake, Prairie, and History

Meade County combines expansive shortgrass prairie, a large fishing lake, and unusual historical insights. At the center is Meade State Park: Around the 80-acre Meade State Fishing Lake, an 803-acre park area with recreational facilities stretches out. There are also trails for different daily itineraries, a museum in the city of Meade, and historic sites that tell the region’s history from various perspectives.

Nature, Lake, and Trails in Meade State Park

Meade State Park is located on K-23, eight miles south and five miles west of the city of Meade. The nature trail in the park offers opportunities for birdwatching, cycling, and hiking. Those planning a shorter outing can take the Stumpy Arroyo Loop, an easy 0.5-mile trail for hiking and cycling. This combination makes it possible to organize a day outdoors in different ways without committing to just one activity.

Bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass are found in Meade State Fishing Lake and offer good fishing opportunities. The water is a clear focal point for travelers who want to combine observing nature with time at the lake. The 360-acre Meade Wildlife Area is also located in the region. There, opportunities exist for hunting doves and quail. When choosing your vacation accommodation, it may therefore be decisive whether you want to focus primarily on trails, birdwatching, cycling, or fishing.

History Between Ranch, Museum, and Wild West Setting

The park was established in 1927 on the grounds of the Turkey Track Ranch. Between 1938 and 1943, the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Projects Administration were stationed there. This historical development gives the natural area an additional dimension without limiting today’s stay to the landscape and recreational activities.

The Meade County Historical Society Museum presents the history of Meade County from the time of the Indigenous population to the present day. Its main focuses are the first settlers and agriculture. Among the special exhibits is a collection of 62 saddles from around the world, assembled over four generations of the Bartlett family. The museum is located on Highway 54 in downtown Meade. Anyone who wants to combine days in nature with regional history can include this visit in their plans.

The Dalton Gang Hideout also represents a historical area of interest. The building was formerly the home of Eva Dalton Whipple, the sister of the Dalton Gang. The Hideout’s park also includes the Wild West setting “Old Town,” which was built for historical reenactments and shooting-duel competitions. Another historical connection leads back to 1541, when Francisco Coronado first crossed Meade County.

Meade as a Starting Point for Different Vacation Days

The city of Meade lies at the intersection of K-23, Highway 160, and Highway 54. This makes it possible to choose accommodation in the county according to your preferred travel focus: Staying near the city makes it easier to visit the museum, while the park with its lake, prairie, and trails shapes the nature-oriented part of the trip. When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worthwhile to first organize the experiences you have planned and then choose the right starting point.

The Meade Fish Rearing Station is also part of the region’s natural and educational history. It is the only fish-rearing facility in southwest Kansas. It was also the first fish-rearing facility in the country to use this technique for sealing ponds. Tours of the Meade Fish Hatchery are available by prior appointment. This gives Meade County another attraction beyond its lake, trails, and museum: an insight into a specialized area of fish farming.

If you would like to compare other travel destinations, you can find Ellis County, Cherokee County, Riley County, Thomas County, Pratt County, Decatur County, and Cowley County here. You can explore the place itself in more detail via Meade.

For the overall travel overview: Kansas.