Sand Hill State Park Cheney State Park Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Sunflower Trail Carey Park

Sand Hill State Park
The varied landscapes of 1,123 acres of sand dunes, prairie woodlands, and wetlands are waiting to be explored. Three hiking trails, including the Cottonwood Interpretive Trail, and five horse and multi-use trails invite visitors to enjoy the wonders of nature year-round.

Two wildlife observation blinds allow visitors to observe nature in action.Parking and walk-in entrances to the park are located east of Highway 61 on both 56th and 69th Streets.

Archery hunting for deer and turkey as well as upland game is allowed by special permit.

Cheney State Park
Sailing, fishing and boating is just minutes away at Cheney State Park & Wildlife Area. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend get away or an adventurous afternoon, Cheney State Park has a variety of outdoor activities.

Along the east and west shores on the sound end of picturesque Cheney Reservoir, Cheney State Park offers 203 electric/water hookup campsites, tent camping, a motor boat marina, swimming beaches, boat ramps, fishing jetties, and
nature trails. There is a group camping area with 20 camp-sites providing electric and water hook up and a 30’ by 60’ group shelter. There are also 7 modern cabins open to the public on a rental basis.

Ideal sailing conditions that include brisk, prevailing winds make Cheney Reservoir one of the Midwest’s most enviable spots for sailing.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
About 30 miles west of Hutchinson is a 22,135-acre refuge home to more than 260 species of birds — including bald and golden eagles, white pelicans, whooping cranes, and wild turkeys.

Visitors will find relatively lush vegetation of the east blending into themore arid grasslands of the west.

The Refuge hosts several special events during the year, including Monarch Mania in September. This annual event features netting the beautiful butterflies,tagging, and thenreleasing them tofly the rest of their journey to Mexico.

Sunflower Trail
The popular Jim P. Martinez Sunflower Trail is a 3.03-mile fun route for any exercise routine. Walkers, joggers, skaters, bicyclists, and skateboarders can wind their way between Carey Park in the south part of town and Rice Park on the northwest side of the trail. The pull-out map shows the route.

Carey Park
Natural beauty combines with lighted pathways and bridges to offer visitors a relaxing, fun, and memorable experience. The Emerson Carey Memorial Fountain -- lighted at night during summer months -- adds to the picturesque ponds and waterfalls where many types of water fowl that have adopted the park can be found.
For those in the mood for activity, there are several well-equipped playgrounds, while those looking for sport will find golf, baseball, soccer, sand volleyball, basketball, fishing, and frisbee golf among their choices. See pull-out map in the center section for park location.