Kansas' Wildly Underrated Lakeside City Has Hiking, Boating, And Rustic Vacation Rentals

While Kansas is widely associated with wheat fields, there are also several underrated lakeside communities sprinkled across the state. One town that touts its access to fishing and hunting is Glen Elder, Kansas. Traveling to the lake community gives you access to Waconda Lake, Glen Elder Dam, and the Glen Elder Wildlife Area. Glen Elder is almost equidistant to both Kansas City, Kansas, and Omaha, Nebraska. It is roughly 3.5 hours to either city, so visitors can choose which airport hub is easier for them to fly into.

Fishermen have a chance of catching several fish species at Waconda Lake, including trout, bass, and catfish. Hunters have a plethora of options in the large wildlife area, including pheasant and deer. Glen Elder is a fishing and hunting destination due to the large open spaces with varied landscapes from fields to creeks and rivers. 

Glen Elder also has several historical sites and markers to visit while in town. At the east entrance to the state park, there is a visitor and education center with historic information and artifacts for the public. There is a Waconda Springs Replica that pays tribute to the history of the Waconda mineral spring that used to be in that spot. The site also offers a bluff you can climb up for expansive views. Within walking distance from the replica is the Hopewell Church, which was rebuilt in 1911. Throughout the park, there are seven sculptures of arrows that have historical significance and are fun to find during your visit. After learning about the history of the town and lake, get outside and enjoy the large lake and wildlife area, whether you're fishing, hunting, or hiking.

Waconda Lake is known for being a boater's paradise because of how large it is and the opportunities that size offers recreational boaters. The lake is open to power boats, kayaks, and sailboats alike. Throughout the park, there are many different boat ramps allowing you to choose which ramp best fits your needs and the part of the lake you want to explore. Waconda Lake is expansive, making the area great for viewing stunning sunsets. For those who want to further chase the setting sun, there is a lakeside community 1.5 hours away, nicknamed the 'City Of Beautiful Sunsets.'

In Glen Elder, there is a 5K hiking and biking trail that begins at the park ranger station and loops back to its starting point. The grass trail crosses over two bridges and is a nice way to get outside and explore a bit of Glen Elder State Park. While exploring the park, there is also the chance to treasure hunt through geocaching. The town and park have thousands of geocaches available to search for. While you're in the park, keep an eye out for wildlife. In the winter, you can catch sight of both bald and golden eagles.  

At the state park, there is a seasonal outdoor archery range called North Central Kansas Shooting Sports. The range offers static and interactive targets for hunters to practice their aim. While you can publicly hunt in Glen Elder, there are also guided hunting trips that offer services such as hunting dogs. The Rader Lodge offers a vast number of guided trips for bird hunts, deer hunts, and fishing trips. Whether you are fishing or hunting, the necessary permits are required to participate in those activities. 

The options for places to stay in Glen Elder might not be abundant, but they do have tons of character. From camping by the lake to staying at a hunting lodge that comes with guide services, there are options to cater toward the recreational activity that brought you to town. 

There are a handful of camping options, including a smaller one right by the lake. The Lazy H Lakeview Campground has 15 RV spots and two fishing ponds. Within the state park, there are also three campgrounds. The state park campgrounds offer more than 300 primitive tent sites and 120 RV sites with electrical hookups. Nearby is another state park in Lovewell, Kansas, known for its campgrounds, cabin stays, and boating opportunities.

Most of the vacation rentals in Glen Elder are rustic houses and lodges. They have little online presence and require you to call or email in order to make a reservation. The Fin and Feather Lodge offers housing in Glen Elder for hunters and fishermen, with little information online but contact information for those interested in staying at the lodge. Heritage High Lodge offers a spot to sleep four, located right near the town square park and town pool. Norman's North Shore Lodge offers a trailer home lodge with bedrooms for rent, along with RV sites you can stay at. Don's Guide Service is another option with lodging, guided trips, and even airport pickup. If you're looking for an interesting stay nearby (it's even partially underground), there is a unique vacation rental made out of an abandoned nuclear missile silo, just over an hour away in Wilson, Kansas.