Spring River Wildlife Area
The Spring River Wildlife Area is unique in that the area is located within the Ozark Plateau in the extreme portion of SE Kansas. The Spring River borders the east side of the property for a length of .8 miles.
An Ozarkian forested sandstone bluff along the west side of the river gives the area a unique quality. Meeting atop the wooded bluff, an undisturbed prairie meadow is noted for its wildflower diversity. Native grass plantings have replaced most of several small agricultural tracts. Trees on the property are dominated by numerous oak and hickory species.
Primary use on the property includes hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing and mushroom/berry picking. Species hunted include whitetail deer, eastern turkey, mourning dove, bobwhite, fox squirrel, gray squirrel and cottontails. Fishing opportunities are limited due to hike-in only access. Fish species include channel catfish, flathead catfish, spotted bass, smallmouth bass and longear sunfish.
Principal management practices on the area include prescribed burns, wildlife plantings and native grass restoration. The property is managed with federal wildlife restoration money, state wildlife fee fund money and from agricultural income generated on the property.
Main office: (620) 231-3173
Field office: (620) 827-6301.
Directions to the Spring River Wildlife Area from Crestline, KS: 1/2 mile north, 3 miles east and 1/4 mile north.
Directions to the Spring River Wildlife Area from Columbus, KS: 10 miles east and 1/4 mile north.
Area News
- Off Road Vehicle and Horse use is prohibited.
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
The Spring River Wildlife Area was acquired by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks in November 1992. An additional tract of 62 acres was donated in December 1996.
- Type of Facility: Parking Lot
- Location of Facility: 37.1938 -94.6583