Event spotlights latest state park cabins
TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will dedicate two new cabins at Prairie Dog State Park at 1 p.m. on Oct. 15. Park fees will be waived from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. while the cabins are open for public tours.

“These modern cabins will be a tremendous asset to the area,” says Mike Hayden, KDWP secretary. “I hope the public takes advantage of them and the surrounding natural resources available in Prairie Dog State Park.”

The deluxe cabins provide comfortable and affordable camping facilities without the inconveniences of tent camping or campers. Prairie Dog State Park manager Toby Kuhn believes the cabins to be a popular attraction. “There is a great deal of community interest in spending time outdoors without the hassle of tents or expense of campers,” says Kuhn.

The cabins have been named Prairie Dog and Eagle’s View. In addition to filling a recreational need, the cabins were built as a result of a multi-agency collaboration involving KDWP, Greenbush Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, the Kansas Department of Corrections, and the Kansas Wildscape Foundation. Inmates at the Norton Correctional Facility built the cabins through an educational program administered by Greenbush. The Kansas Wildscape Foundation provided funding for the cabins. KDWP provides a location for the cabins and operates and maintains the structures.

Mark Stock, KDWP cabin program administrator, says the cabin program is a success story about multiple partners working together to benefit the public: “The cabin program’s success is a direct result of each partner stepping up to the table and providing its expertise. Each agency’s contribution is critical for the overall program’s success.”

Prairie Dog State Park cabin reservations can be made starting Oct. 15, with the first night of occupancy beginning Nov, 1. For more information about these cabins, phone 785-620-877-2953 or go online to reserve.ksoutdoors.com.
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