Recreation
With two lakes and wide-open spaces, Council Grove is bursting with recreational activities. Some favorites include camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, disc golf and more.
​
Council Grove City Recreation has many opportunities for youth sports. They have numerous clinics and programs for preschool age to 16 years old; including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, T-ball, flag football, and volleyball.
Anchor at one of Council Grove’s Two Lakes
Council Grove Lake
Council Grove Lake was built by the Tulsa District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1960 and 1964 at a cost of $11.5 million. It was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1950, and construction was prompted by the devastating flood of 1951.
​
The lake was built for the purposes of flood damage reduction, water storage, water quality enhancement, fish and wildlife conservation and recreation. To date, the lake is credited with preventing an estimated $175 million in flood damages.
​
The lake is near the headwaters of the Neosho River. “Neosho” is an Osage Indian word meaning “water within.” The names of many of our campgrounds such as Neosho Park, Kanza View and Kit Carson reflect the early history of the area.
​
Interested in hiking while you visit the lake? Pioneer Nature Trail is a beautiful 1.24 mile trail!
​
Council Grove Marina — Pontoon boats, kayaks and a paddle boards can be rented and live bait and tackle are for sale. Hang out on the Rusty Parrot Patio for drinks, snacks and fun with family and friends.
Council Grove City Lake
​
Council Grove City Lake Park is the smaller of Council Grove's twin lakes and is located 3.5 miles northwest of Council Grove, Kansas. This 434 acre multi-use lake is surrounded by 348 waterfront cabins and homes.
The Council Grove City Lake Park also includes five public park areas, boat ramps and city-owned common areas. This community is home to both permanent and weekend residents who enjoy water sports, fishing, wildlife and beautiful scenic views.
Neosho Riverwalk
The Neosho Riverwalk connects the Flint Hills Trail State Park with the Madonna of the Trail statue, Guardian of the Grove statue, the Neosho River Crossing and the Kaw Mission State Historic Site. Enjoy the stroll while visiting the crossing of the Old Santa Fe Road. Meander across the pedestrian bridge that spans the Neosho River and the walkway continues on up among thousand of wild flowers, plants, and native grasses to the Kaw Mission Historic Site. At night, lights from the Riverwalk reflect in the water, causing us to reflect on nature and history along the river. It is also ADA accessible.
​
Every June the Neosho Riverwalk park hosts the annual Washunga Days festival.
​
Outdoor Sporting Activities
Council Grove Aquatic Center
Seasonal Outdoor Pool located in Fairgrounds Park east of the baseball fields. The pool features water slides, diving boards, raindrop, duck slide, water table, basketball goals, spray features, and an 8 lane, 25 yard competition pool. The facility has a bath house, concession stand and lounge chairs on the pool deck. Swimming lessons and private parties available!
​
Flint Hills Trail Kansas State Park
The Flint Hills Nature Trail stretches for 117 miles across east-central Kansas, from Osawatomie in the east to Herington in the west, and passes through communities including Rantoul, Ottawa, Pomona, Vassar, Osage City, Miller, Admire, Allen, Bushong, and Council Grove. The trail passes through five counties: Miami, Franklin, Osage, Lyon, and Morris.
​
The Flint Hills Nature Trail is the seventh-longest rail-trail in America, and the longest trail in Kansas. It follows the general route of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and forms a component of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail.
​
View the Flint Hills Trail Kansas State Park - Bicycle Trail Map.
Council Grove Country Club
The golf course is a 9-hole layout in the Flint Hills with Buffalo Grass fairways and mostly native roughs. There are water hazards on seven of the holes and two holes have sand traps. Bentgrass greens were established in 1970. Par is 36 and yardage is 2,662 both nines and 5,324 total yards for women and 2,870 front; 2,948 back for 5,818 total yards for men. Rental golf carts are available. The clubhouse has vending machines for snacks and drinks.
Disc Golf
Fairgrounds Park Disc Golf Course is a 12-hole disc golf course with 2 pin locations for each hole for a total of 24 holes. The course was redesigned in 2016 by Council Grove Disc Golf Club member Adam Boyd. The course features DGA Mach V baskets. The course winds through the park, taking advantage of natural and man-made obstacles. While most holes range from 250’-350’, holes 8A and 12A are over 500’ and will push most players for long, accurate drives. The course is located just blocks away from the heart of historic Council Grove!
​
Kanza View Park Disc Golf Course, located just north of town at the Council Grove Federal Lake was installed in 2016. Designed by 2010 world champion Eric McCabe, this 18-hole course will challenge players of every skill level. Hole distances range from 257’ to a monster 739’ par 5 shot. The course has a good mix of open and technical shots. The course is equipped with DGA Veterans Baskets. Kanza View Disc Golf Course offers a great disc golf experience with sweeping views of Council Grove Lake!
White Memorial Camp
This beautiful, scenic, native prairie land with the original strains of native grasses growing on the slopes of the gently rolling hills, is nestled in the heart of the Flint Hills. It is surrounded on three sides by the water of the Council Grove Federal Lake.
​
The camp is part of the original Kaw Reservation, and has several historic sites which were the ceremonial Grounds of the Kaw Indians. It also was part of their hunting grounds, which supplied their food and shelter. The buildings are constructed of native limestone, all of which came from structure sites inundated by the water of the lake.
​
Camp White is an excellent spot for hosting private events right on the lake with lots of activities for adults and kids including kayaking, zip-lining, rockwall climbing, 9-hole disc golf and much more. Visit their website for more information.
Indoor recreation
Council Grove Life Center
Council Grove Life Center is a non-profit, family health and fitness facility in Council Grove, KS. Opened in 2005, constructed primarily with funds from private trust foundations and local contributions from both individuals and businesses. The staff at the Life Center strives to keep our facility in top shape, provide a comfortable and friendly environment for your exercise and activity needs, and accommodate a wide range of interests and current fitness trends.
We strongly encourage you to visit the Life Center and see for yourself what we have to offer. We think you will be pleased with our facility and we hope you will want to be a part of its many activities!
​
More to explore
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
Take one hour to drive, or a few days to enjoy the entire byway!
Gateway to the tallgrass prairie, the Flint Hills Scenic Byway offers travelers an unchanged view of the grasslands of the Great Plains. Explore historic sites, quaint towns, and scenic vistas as you discover where the West truly begins. Learn More.
​
Just 18 miles east of Council Grove is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, one of over 390 parks in the National Park System. Visit www.nps.gov for more information.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Just 18 miles south of Council Grove is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, one of over 390 parks in the National Park System. The preserve has nearly 11,000 acres to be explored. Take a bus tour, tour the historic buildings, go on a hike, or use our cell phone tour.
Visit www.nps.gov for more information.
