Eisenhower State Park
Named in honor of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Kansas’s most famous native son, this 1,785-acre state park sits on the northern shore of Melvern Lake—a 6,930-acre reservoir in the eastern fringe of the Flint Hills. Formerly known as Melvern State Park, it was renamed in 1990 by the Kansas legislature.
What makes Eisenhower special is its remarkable diversity: 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie roll alongside 440 acres of woodland, creating a landscape that changes with every season. The park offers something for everyone—from the 20-mile Crooked Knee Horse Trail to the 18-hole disc golf course, from walleye fishing to a unique Nature Room with live animals.
Whether you’re an equestrian seeking miles of trails with campsite corrals, an angler chasing walleye, or a family looking for cabin comfort on the lake, Eisenhower delivers an authentic Kansas outdoor experience just 30 miles south of Topeka.
Park Fast Facts
Eisenhower State Park is located in Osage County on the north shore of Melvern Lake, about 30 miles south of Topeka.
| 📍 Location | South of Topeka on Hwy 75, then 3 miles west on K-278 |
| 🗺️ Region | Eastern Flint Hills / Osage County |
| 📐 Park Area | 1,785 acres |
| 🌊 Lake Size | 6,930 acres (Melvern Lake) |
| 🌾 Prairie | 1,000 acres tallgrass prairie |
| ⏰ Office Hours | Monday-Friday 8 AM – 4 PM |
| 📞 Phone | (785) 528-4102 |
| kdwpt.eisenhowersp@ks.gov |
Entry & Camping Fees
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🎫 Daily Vehicle Permit | $5 | Required year-round |
| 🎫 Annual Vehicle Permit | $25 | Valid at all KS state parks |
| ⛺ Primitive Sites | $10/night | 30+ sites |
| ⚡ Electric Sites | $18-22/night | Water/electric |
| 🚿 Full Hookup | $24-28/night | Water/electric/sewer |
| 🏠 Modern Cabins | $75-90/night | 4 cabins, sleeps 6, full kitchen |
| 🏕️ Yurts | $50-60/night | 2 yurts, primitive (no kitchen) |
| 🐴 Equestrian Sites | $22/night | 15 sites with individual corrals |
Buy Annual Camping Permits in the off-season and SAVE! Prime season rates begin April 1st.
Equestrian Paradise: Crooked Knee Horse Trail
Eisenhower is a premier equestrian destination in Kansas, featuring one of the state’s longest horse trails.
| Equestrian Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🐴 Crooked Knee Trail | 20 miles through undeveloped west side |
| ⛺ Equestrian Campsites | 15 sites with electric/water + individual corrals |
| 🤠 Cowboy Campground | Primitive area for horse camping |
| 🥾 Multi-Use | Hiking and biking also allowed on horse trail |
Trails & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🥏 18-Hole Disc Golf | Near east boat ramp | Score cards at office |
| 🏹 Ike’s Archery Trail | 20 targets at various ranges | Bring your own equipment |
| 🚴 Five Star Bike Trail | Multi-use biking/hiking | In Five Star Campground |
| 🛴 Ike’s Scooter Trail | 1-mile motorized scooter path | 50cc and smaller, 10am-6pm |
| 🏐 Sand Volleyball | Beach volleyball court | Near swim beach |
| 🏀 Basketball Court | In Jones Family Activity Area |
Fishing Melvern Lake
Melvern Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with two nine-lane boat ramps providing access to the 6,930-acre reservoir.
| Fishing Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🐟 Top Species | Walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass, channel catfish |
| 🛥️ Boat Ramps | 2 nine-lane ramps |
| ⛵ Boat Slips | 16 covered slips at East Ramp ($15/day, $80/week) |
| 🎣 Kids Fishing Pond | Dedicated pond for young anglers |
| 🪰 Fly Fishing Pond | Separate fly fishing area |
Cabins & Yurts
| Lodging | Description | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Algiers Cabin | WestPoint Campground | Sleeps 6, full kitchen, lake view |
| 🏠 Meade Cabin | WestPoint Campground | Sleeps 6, full kitchen, lake view |
| 🏠 Arvonia Cabin | Central park | Sleeps 6, full kitchen |
| 🏠 Melvern Cabin | Central park | Sleeps 6, full kitchen |
| 🏕️ Colt Yurt | WestPoint Campground | Sleeps 4, primitive (A/C, heat, no kitchen) |
| 🏕️ Gaillard Yurt | WestPoint Campground | Sleeps 5, primitive (A/C, heat, no kitchen) |
Cabins include full kitchen with dishes, pots, pans, refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, and coffee pot. Bring your own bedding and towels!
Nature Room & Arboretum
Stop by the park office to explore the Nature Room—a unique exhibit featuring live honey bees, snakes, fish, turtles, amphibians, and even a bear display! Then take a walk through the Arboretum or relax by the waterfall.
Ike’s General Store
| Store Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Doud Campground |
| 🛶 Rentals | 4 single kayaks, 4 tandem kayaks, 4 canoes (17′) |
| 🎮 Games | Frisbee, ladder golf, horseshoes, basketballs, croquet |
| 🧊 Supplies | Ice, firewood, ice cream, soda, worms |
| 📶 WiFi | FREE at park office parking lot |
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr-May) | Wildflowers, fishing, mild temps | Prime season rates start April 1 |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Swimming, water sports, full activities | Most popular; book ahead |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Tallgrass prairie colors, hunting season | Great for horse riding |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Mar) | Quiet, ice fishing, off-season discounts | Park open year-round |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Eisenhower State Park?
The park was renamed in 1990 by the Kansas legislature to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was born in Denison, Texas but grew up in Abilene, Kansas. As Kansas’s most famous native son, it was fitting to name this beautiful state park in his honor.
Can you ride horses at Eisenhower State Park?
Yes! Eisenhower is a premier equestrian destination with the 20-mile Crooked Knee Horse Trail winding through the undeveloped west side of the park. There are 15 equestrian campsites with electric/water and individual corrals, plus a primitive Cowboy Campground for horse camping.
Does Eisenhower have disc golf?
Yes! There’s a full 18-hole disc golf course near the east boat ramp. It was built by the Friends of Eisenhower State Park and the Hopkins family in 2010. Score cards are available at the park office.
What fish are in Melvern Lake?
Melvern Lake (6,930 acres) offers excellent fishing for walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass, and channel catfish. Two nine-lane boat ramps provide access. There’s also a kids fishing pond and a separate fly fishing pond in the park.
Are there cabins at Eisenhower State Park?
Yes! The park has 4 modern cabins (Algiers, Meade, Arvonia, Melvern) that sleep 6 people with full kitchens and lake views. There are also 2 yurts (Colt and Gaillard) for a glamping experience—they have A/C and heat but no kitchen. Bring your own bedding!
What is Ike’s Scooter Trail?
Ike’s Scooter Trail is a unique 1-mile trail for motorized scooters (50cc and smaller). It runs between WestPoint and Doud campgrounds through open areas and forested sections. Helmets are required, and the trail is open 10 AM – 6 PM. It doubles as a walking trail from sunrise to sunset.
Plan Your Kansas Prairie Adventure
Ride 20 miles of horse trails, play 18 holes of disc golf, fish walleye on Melvern Lake, or stay in a lakeside cabin. Reserve your spot at Ike’s park today!
