Lake Coldwater

Lake Coldwater
Lake Coldwater - Photo by Jim Mason

This spring-fed 250 acre lake is a source of pride to area residents. A 3.8-mile road circles the lake and offers good visibility to the entire lake surface.

During the winter, the lake attracts Canada geese, mallards, common mergansers, goldeneyes, pintails, gadwalls, and most other common ducks. During migrations white pelicans sometimes use the lake as a stopover. Ospreys are common in fall and bald eagles often winter in the area. Black rails were discovered using the marsh areas of this lake a few years ago and can be heard if not seen calling through the late spring and summer months.

At both ends of the lake, beaver activity is visible on the streambank trees. Several beaver dams and ponds are also present. Deer are commonly seen near the locust grove below the dam. Other area mammals include muskrats, raccoons, cottontails, and thirteen-lined ground squirrels. The lake's well-maintained grounds are ideal for robins, western kingbirds, and northern orioles. The grassy areas are inhabited by grasshopper sparrows, western meadowlarks, and prairie lizards.

bulletEntry fee, Water available, Restrooms, Boat Ramp, Storm Shelters.

Camping icon 100 campsites with utility hookups. Primitive camping.

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Trail icon A short nature trail winds through the grove of black locust trees
at the southwest corner of the lake.

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Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway logo

Lake Coldwater lies at the west end
of the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway.

Lake Coldwater map

Directions: From Coldwater (50 miles SE of Dodge City) go 0.5 miles south on U.S. 160/183 and 0.5 miles west.

Location in Kansas

For a Google Map of this site, click here.

Ownership: The City of Coldwater is responsible for management of the lake. 
Contact them at
(620) 582-2702 if you have specific questions about use or management of the site.   

930 acres

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