THINGS TO DO
Explore diverse activities from great outdoors with Lake Wilson , learn about the rich Czech hidden history, and get amazed with out of this world art and sculpture in Lucas Kansas.
The Great Outdoors-Lake Wilson
Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers.
Cultural Experience
Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl,
songbirds, and furbearers.
Dorrance Bankery
Dorrance, Kansas, established in the late 1860s and officially incorporated as a city in 1910, rapidly developed thanks to the arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railroad and an influx of immigrants. The early 20th century saw the emergence of two banks, Citizens State Bank and Dorrance State Bank, which later consolidated. The town's business district flourished with various establishments and served as a primary supplier for eastern Russell County. However, the Great Depression led to the closure of the Dorrance State Bank in 1933. The bank building subsequently housed various businesses, including a telephone switchboard facility and a grocery store. Efforts to restore the building began in 2007 and were completed by Memorial Day 2021, with its historic significance preserved through state and national historical register listings.
Prairie Trail Tour
Embark on an unforgettable half-day self-drive caravan journey through the heart of central Kansas with the Prairie Trail Tour. This scenic adventure takes you along picturesque backroads, weaving through charming rural farm communities and uncovering hidden gems that showcase the region’s rich history, culture, and ingenuity.
Guided by local experts, you’ll explore fascinating historical, educational, and recreational landmarks that bring the prairie’s story to life. Discover how pioneers harnessed native limestone to survive and thrive, learn about the destructive power of prairie fires, and marvel at unique inventions that revolutionized farming and sports safety worldwide.
Highlights of the tour include a visit to Kansas’s premier arts and crafts town, home to its very own “Garden of Eden.” You’ll also get a glimpse of a rare 4,000-glass slide photo collection captured by Leslie Halbe, a 15-year-old photographer, between 1908 and 1912. This extraordinary collection, which documents every facet of life in the area, has been featured in the Smithsonian Institute and Life and Time magazines.
Hunting
For the hunting enthusiast, this area offers some of the best winter hunting opportunities available, as well as experienced guides and outfitters ready to make your adventure both
memorable and successful.
Arts
For the arts enthusiast, travel the Post Rock Scenic Byway to our sister city, Lucas, Kansas to visit their many art attractions. The Garden of Eden and Cabin Home is a primitive treasure built by Samuel Dinsmoor and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Grassroots Art Center was selected as one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas Art”. And don’t miss the Bowl Plaza – rated in the top 10 public restrooms in the United States! Admissions to all attractions are included in the price of your hotel accommodation. Some attractions are seasonal so be sure to check with us on
the availability of the sites.
Biking
Wilson state park offers one of the Great biking trails for all levels. Very technical and some spots and others just easy riding. Riding your bike on the cost of the crystal clear water is an amazing experience. Switchgrass mountain biking trails is a 9.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Wilson, Kansas that features Wilson Lake. The trial is rated as moderate and primarily used
for hiking and mountain biking.
