Council Grove Lake is located in the famous Flint Hills region of Kansas. The lake is one mile northwest of the historic town of Council Grove and within walking distance of the Santa Fe Trail. The lake is in a beautiful setting with the rolling bluestem hills, bounded by hickory, oak, walnut, and elm along the streams. Council Grove is on the Neosho River, whose name comes from the Osage Indian word Neosho meaning "water within." |
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Council Grove Lake has a rocky shoreline and an abundance of picnic, camping, boating, and hiking areas. During spring and fall, the reservoir attracts flocks of migrating ducks, geese, cormorants, and gulls. In winter bald eagles are frequently seen perched in the trees surrounding the lake. The Canada geese are quite tame and often allow vehicles to approach. The Canning Creek Cove area has a trail of eastern bluebird nest boxes along the entrance drive. Watch for the bluebirds in the spring. The shady picnic and campground areas have nesting robins, kingbirds, and orioles. Bat houses have been erected here and at several other places around the lake.
To look for wildlife in a different habitat visit the Council Grove Wildlife Area along Munkers Creek along the northeast arm of the lake just off K-177 highway. Watch for deer and squirrels. The narrow, wooded lane also provides visitors the opportunity to view winter sparrows, towhees, cardinals, and woodpeckers from the comfort of a car. During spring migration the woods along this creek may be alive with warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and other songbirds.
More information on Council Grove Lake
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