Kansas Outdoor Events


11/23/2024

Lagerhead Marathon

Location: Prairie Spirit Trail

Type: Running - Half Marathon

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm


Other Information:

A certified half marathon that is a flat, out and back from Ottawa, KS along the Prairie Spirit Trail. https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Ottawa/TheLagerheadMarathonandHalf


11/22/2024

Butler Co. - Benton THIS CLASS IS FULL

Location: The Benton Church

Type: Hunter Ed Course

Dates: 11/22/24 - 11/23/24

Contact: Virgil Good

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Other Information:

Students can register through this link https://forms.gle/fL54uL8R7hrMTU5G6


11/27/2024

Johnson Co. - Shawnee

Location: Shawnee Civic Center

Type: Hunter Ed Internet assisted field day and testing session

Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Contact: Shawnee Civic Center

Phone No: 913-631-5200

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm



11/29/2024

Free vehicle entry

Location: Milford State Park - Statewide

Type: Free Entry

Date: Friday, November 29, 2024

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

Free vehicle entry for Black Friday #optoutside


Black Friday #OptOuside Free Vehicle Day

Location: Webster State Park

Type: Free Entrance

Date: Friday, November 29, 2024

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

Instead of fighting the crowds on Black Friday Opt to be outside and enjoy nature.

Free Entrance to all State Parks


11/27/2024

PERRY STATE PARK office closed

Location: Perry State Park

Type: office closed

Dates: 11/27/24 - 12/01/24

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

Office will be closed Wed Nov 27th and will reopen Monday Dec 1st

Vehicle permits are required.

NOTE ON BLACK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29TH PERRY STATE PARK IS PARTICIPATING IN Free Park Entrance - #optoutside

  • Free Park Entrance Day at PERRY State Park for all vehicles! Camping fees still apply.

The Park remains open for day use and Camping. Daily Vehicle and camping permits can be obtained at the self-pay stations. Please check kiosk for pricing.


12/02/2024

2025 Seasonal Camping Lottery

Location: Perry State Park

Type: LOTTERY drawing

Date: Monday, December 02, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm


Other Information:

The lottery drawing is open to the public and will be held at the park office

The drawing will be held December 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Park Office. You do not have to be present to participate, but a good contact number for you must be on your application, when your turn arrives and you do not answer your phone, the time will be noted when call/message is left, and you will have 20 minutes from that point to decide your selection or to pass.

Deadline for the completed applications needed to be returned by Tuesday November 26, 2024 (postmarked, hand delivered or emailed no later than 4:00 PM on November 26, 2024)

Applications were available starting Nov 4th 2024 for the upcoming seasonal camping 2025 Seasonal Camping at Perry State Park. Applications were mailed to those who participated last year and those that had requested an interest in participating for 2025.

For questions regarding the 2025 Seasonal Camping program please contact the Park Office 785-246-3449 or email kdwp.perrysp@ks.gov


12/07/2024

Johnson Co. - Shawnee

Location: Shawnee Civic Center

Type: Hunter Ed Internet assisted field day and testing session

Date: Saturday, December 07, 2024

Contact: Shawnee Civic Center

Phone No: 913-631-5200

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm



Sumner Co. - South Haven

Location: South Haven Community Building

Type: Hunter Ed Course

Dates: 12/07/24 - 12/08/24

Contact: Rick Ware

Phone No: 316-655-6765


Other Information:

Class is limited to 30 students.


12/24/2024

PERRY STATE PARK office closed

Location: Perry State Park

Type: office closed

Dates: 12/24/24 - 12/26/24

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

Vehicle permits are required.

The Park remains open for day use and Camping. Daily Vehicle and camping permits can be obtained at the self-pay stations. Please check kiosk for pricing.

The water will off to many facilities. 

Most hunting/fishing licenses and permits can be purchased at KDWP Home / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com) or Toll-Free Telephone: 1-833-587-2164, hours are 6am - 9pm.

Please call 620-672-5911 if you need further assistance.


01/01/2025

Hillsdale State Park

Location: Hillsdale State Park

Type: First Day Hike

Date: Wednesday, January 01, 2025

Contact: Park Office

Phone No: 913-594-3600

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm


Other Information:

First Day Hike 2025


First Day Hike 2025

Location: Cedar Bluff State Park

Type: Hike

Date: Wednesday, January 01, 2025

Contact: Cedar Bluff Office

Phone No: 785-726-3212

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm


Other Information:

 Start 2025 with a First Day Hike & Costume Contest at Cedar Bluff State Park! Join us on January 1, 2025 from 10 AM to 2 PM at Cedar Bluff State Park to welcome the new year with a hike and a festive costume contest! Dress in your most creative outdoor costume for a chance to win fun prizes as we enjoy the beauty of the trails together.  

Event Details:
 Location: Cedar Bluff State Park
 Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
 Costume Contest: All ages welcome—prizes awarded for best costumes! Brought to you by Arthur's Pizza and Mexican Food in Ellis.

Let’s make the first day of 2025 memorable. Bring your costume, hiking shoes, and spirit for adventure! All skill levels are welcome. Tag a friend who loves hiking and costumes! #FirstDayHike2025 #CedarBluffHike #CostumeHike #NewYearAdventure #MyKsStatePark 


FIRST DAY HIKE 2025

Location: PERRY STATE PARK

Type: HIKE

Date: Wednesday, January 01, 2025

Contact: PERRY STATE PARK OFFICE

Phone No: 785-246-3449

Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm


Other Information:

Meeting Location: Rocky Top Day Use Area - Wild Horse Equestrian Area

Trails: Rocky Top Trail

Details: Trail is moderate in difficulty, 3 miles in length. Hikers may see white tail deer, gray squirrels, fox squirrels and birds.  The hike should take about an hour to complete.  Participants are encouraged to download the what3words app so that they can share their location during an emergency or if they need assistance.

Cancellation Information: Check the Park Facebook Page Perry State Park

Contact: Perry State Park Office 785-246-3449

The office will be closed that day - vehicle permits and camping permits can be purchased at the self-pay stations.


PERRY STATE PARK OFFICE CLOSED

Location: PERRY STATE PARK

Type: OFFICE CLOSED

Date: Wednesday, January 01, 2025

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

Office closed - Holdiay

Vehicle permits are required.

The Park remains open for day use and Camping. Daily Vehicle and camping permits can be obtained at the self-pay stations. Please check kiosk for pricing.

Camping starting Nov 1 2024 - March 31 2025 will be first come first serve- no advance reservation

Note Perry State Park is participating in the FIRST DAY HIKE-

  • Meeting Location: Rocky Top Day Use Area - Wild Horse Equestrian Area
  • Time: 2:00 pm
  • Trails: Rocky Top Trail
  • Details: Trail is moderate in difficulty, 3 miles in length. Hikers may see white tail deer, gray squirrels, fox squirrels and birds.  The hike should take about an hour to complete.  Participants are encouraged to download the what3words app so that they can share their location during an emergency or if they need assistance.
  • Cancellation Information: Check the Park Facebook Page Perry State Park


01/11/2025

Johnson Co. - Shawnee

Location: Shawnee Civic Center

Type: Hunter Ed Internet assisted field day and testing session

Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025

Contact: Shawnee Civic Center

Phone No: 913-631-5200

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm



01/20/2025

PERRY STATE PARK office closed

Location: Perry State Park

Type: office closed

Date: Monday, January 20, 2025

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

Office will be closed all Day due to Holiday

Vehicle permits are required.

The Park remains open for day use and Camping. Daily Vehicle and camping permits can be obtained at the self-pay stations. Please check kiosk for pricing.

The water is off to many facilities. 

Most hunting/fishing licenses and permits can be purchased at KDWP Home / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com) or Toll-Free Telephone: 1-833-587-2164, hours are 6am - 9pm.


01/23/2025

Jayhawk Area Council BSA

Location: PERRY STATE PARK

Type: WINTER CAMPING

Dates: 01/23/25 - 01/28/25

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

Boy Scouts of America KLONDIKE DEBRY- contact Jayhawk Area Council jayhawk@scouting.org

using areas:

  • Turkey Run
  • Mulberry Grove
  • Pelican Point
  • Hobie Cove
  • Catfish Alley
  • Cougar Pass
  • Cottonwood Bridge
  • Lake View

NOTICE JANUARY 24 2025 - JANUARY 26 2025 PERRY STATE PARK will be the site of Boy Scouts of America Klondike Derby - this special event will involve most all of the State Park Campground most camping areas will be in use by this organization.- the Horse Campground will be open for horse campers, Eagle Landing will be open with electric only, for any primitive camping with tents we will have Shelter 1-7.  There are no reservations for sites from Nov 1 2024 to March 31 2025.


01/16/2025

Johnson Co. - Olathe

Location: Bass Pro Shops

Type: Hunter Ed Course

Dates: 01/16/25 - 01/28/25

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Other Information:

Registration and additional information is available online www.safehunters.com

The link sometimes does not work so please type the address into your browser.


01/27/2025

PERRY STATE PARK office closed

Location: Perry State Park

Type: office closed

Dates: 01/27/25 - 01/31/25

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

Office will be closed Monday Jan 27th and will reopen Friday Jan 31 2025 

Vehicle permits are required.

The Park remains open for day use and Camping. Daily Vehicle and camping permits can be obtained at the self-pay stations. Please check kiosk for pricing.

The water is off to many facilities. 

Most hunting/fishing licenses and permits can be purchased at KDWP Home / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com) or Toll-Free Telephone: 1-833-587-2164, hours are 6am - 9pm.

Please call 620-672-5911 if you need further assistance.


02/06/2025

Johnson Co. - Olathe

Location: Bass Pro Shops

Type: Hunter Ed Course

Dates: 02/06/25 - 02/08/25

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Other Information:

Registration and additional information is available online www.safehunters.com

The link sometimes does not work so please type the address into your browser.


03/06/2025

Johnson Co. - Olathe

Location: Bass Pro Shops

Type: Hunter Ed Course

Dates: 03/06/25 - 03/05/25

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Other Information:

Registration and additional information is available online www.safehunters.com

The link sometimes does not work so please type the address into your browser.


04/03/2025

Johnson Co. - Olathe

Location: Bass Pro Shops

Type: Hunter Ed Course

Dates: 04/03/25 - 04/05/25

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Other Information:

Registration and additional information is available online www.safehunters.com

The link sometimes does not work so please type the address into your browser.


05/24/2025

Memorial Day Weekend Park Party

Location: Cedar Bluff State Park

Type: Dance

Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025

Contact: Cedar Bluff Office

Phone No: 785-726-3212

Time: 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm


Other Information:

Get ready to kick off summer in style! Join us at Cedar Bluff State Park on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 7 PM to 11 PM for a Memorial Day Weekend celebration you won’t want to miss!  Enjoy live DJ music , outdoor games , and all-around good vibes under the stars . Dance the night away, challenge friends to classic lawn games, and take in the beautiful lakeside views  as we honor the holiday weekend together. Bring friends, family, blankets, and camping chairs  for an epic evening of fun and relaxation!  

Event Details:
 Saturday, May 24, 2025
 7 PM - 11 PM
 Cedar Bluff State Park

Let’s make it a night to remember! See you there!  #MemorialDayWeekend #ParkParty #CedarBluff #MyKsStatePark


06/14/2025

OK Kids 2025

Location: Cedar Bluff State Park

Type: Youth Event

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Contact: Cedar Bluff Office

Phone No: 785-726-3212

Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm


Other Information:

 OK Kids Day at Cedar Bluff State Park! 

Calling all kids! Join us on June 14th from 9 AM to 2 PM for OK Kids Day, packed with fun, adventure, and prizes! Start the day with a Fishing Tournament —reel in the big one for a chance to win awesome prizes . Afterward, enjoy a FREE lunch , then get ready to try out archery , axe throwing , emergency vehicle displays , and so much more!

Bring your friends, family, and fishing poles, and get ready for an action-packed day at the park! 

Event Details:
 9 AM - 2 PM
 Cedar Bluff State Park

We can’t wait to see you there! #OKKidsDay #CedarBluff #OutdoorAdventure #MyKsStatePark


07/05/2025

Celebration of Pets and Vets- 2025

Location: Cedar Bluff State Park

Type: Outdoor Festival

Date: Saturday, July 05, 2025

Contact: Cedar Bluff Office

Phone No: 785-726-3212

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm


Other Information:

Join us on Saturday, July 5th for a patriotic and pet-friendly celebration at Cedar Bluff State Park!

Show your American pride with our Campsite Decorating Contest—deck out your campsite with red, white, and blue for a chance to win prizes . Plus, don’t miss the beautiful Flag Display honoring our veterans and their dedication. Bring your furry friends , family, and camping spirit to this special event. More details to follow, so stay tuned! 

Event Details:
 Cedar Bluff State Park
 Saturday, July 5

Celebrate our heroes and enjoy a day of community and fun! #PetsAndVets #CedarBluff #MyKsStatePark #CelebrateAmerica


08/30/2025

Labor Day Beach Party- 2025

Location: Cedar Bluff State Park

Type: Dance Party

Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Contact: Cedar Bluff Office

Phone No: 785-726-3212

Time: 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm


Other Information:

 End of Summer Beach Party at Cedar Bluff State Park! 

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a beachside bash at Cedar Bluff State Park on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 7 PM to 11 PM! Enjoy an evening of live DJ music , outdoor games , and fun in the sand under the stars . Dance along to the beats, challenge friends to games, or unwind by the water as we say goodbye to summer in style. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs , and summer spirit  for a night to remember! 

Event Details:
 Saturday, August 30, 2025
 7 PM - 11 PM
 Cedar Bluff State Park

Make the most of your Labor Day Weekend—see you at the beach!  #LaborDayBeachParty #CedarBluff #EndOfSummerBash #MyKsStatePark