Council Grove Lake

Scenic Council Grove Lake has a rocky shoreline and an abundance of picnic, camping, boating, and hiking areas. During spring and fall, the reservoir attracts flocks of migrating ducks, geese, cormorants, and gulls. In winter bald eagles are frequently seen perched in the trees surrounding the lake. The Canada geese are quite tame and often allow vehicles to approach. The Canning Creek Cove area has a trail of eastern bluebird nest boxes along the entrance drive. Watch for the bluebirds in the spring.  The shady picnic and campground areas have nesting robins, kingbirds, and orioles. Bat houses have been erected here and at several other places around the lake.

To look for wildlife in a different habitat visit the Council Grove Wildlife Area along Munkers Creek along the northeast arm of the lake just off K-177 highway (red dot on map). Watch for deer and squirrels. The narrow, wooded lane also provides visitors the opportunity to view winter sparrows, towhees, cardinals, and woodpeckers from the comfort of a car.  During spring migration the woods along this creek may be alive with warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and other songbirds.  NOTE: This is a dead-end road.   The low-water crossing at the east end can only be reached by foot.

bulletRestrooms, Group Shelters, Picnic shelters, Boat ramps, Marina, Swimming beach, Bath-houses, Water available.

Camping icon 172 campsites total, 142 with water and electricity hookups.

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Trail icon Pioneer Nature Trail (0.63 mile loop); Richey Cove Trail (1/4 mile one-way)

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Council Grove Lake at the north end of the
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.

 

Council Grove map

Directions: From Council Grove, go 1.8 miles north on K-177 from the intersection of U.S. 56. From this intersection, Canning Creek Cove area is 3.2 miles west across the dam. To visit Munkers Creek wildlife area (red dot), continue north on K-177 another 3.7 miles and exit to the east.

Location in Kansas

For a Google Map of this site, click here.

Ownership: The entities responsible for management of Council Grove are shown below.
Contact them if you have specific questions about use or management of the site.

US Army Corps of Engineers  (620) 767-5195; 5,975 acres
Click here to visit their web site.
  Click the icon for the Corps map of the lake
.

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism manages the Council Grove Wildlife Area.
Their phone number is (620) 767-5900

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