Glen Elder State Park - Kansas Wildlife & Parks

09/03/2026

🔥 Due to extended hot and dry conditions, Glen Elder State Park is under a burn ban through at least Sept. 7, 2026.

No ground fires are allowed, including fires in state-provided or personal rings.

Charcoal and propane grills are still permitted.

Thank you for helping us keep the park safe. We appreciate your understanding and hope you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

08/22/2026

07/17/2026

The "WATCH" for harmful algae has been LIFTED for the lake as of today per KDHE

07/10/2026

As we head into the weekend, the lake remains under a Harmful Algae “WATCH”.

Please use caution while visiting the lake and avoid any areas where you see visible algae blooms.

Conditions can change quickly, and we will provide another update next week as new information becomes available.

07/06/2026

Starting today the entire lake has been placed under 'Watch' status for harmful algae blooms. Please use caution while at the lake and avoid areas where algae blooms are visible. We will post updates as conditions continue to change.

07/03/2026

Come out to Glen Elder State Park this weekend and see if you can find the 6 animals our staff has hidden along the western section of the trail!

This approximately 1.5 mile walk will take you past the Wounded Indian, through scenic grasslands, wooded areas, and by the historic Waconda Springs Replica site.

To make the adventure even more exciting, stop by the Park Office or the Marina to pick up a scavenger hunt flyer before you head out. As you find each hidden animal, mark it on your flyer and bring the completed sheet back to the Park Office during normal business hours on Saturday or Sunday to receive a small prize!

Gather your family and friends and join us for a fun outdoor challenge while exploring some of the park's most scenic areas. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

06/12/2026

🌊 LAKE CONDITIONS UPDATE 🌊

The lake has risen more than 4 feet from the recent rains and is currently 1 foot below conservation level now.

As water levels continue to rise, please be aware of recently submerged boating hazards. State employees are actively working to mark hazards with buoys, but boaters should still use extra caution while on the water.

✅ All lanes at the state park boat ramps are now reopened.
✅ The wildlife area has also installed a new boat dock at the Boller Point boat ramp.

At this time, all boat ramps around the lake should be usable for shallow draft vessels. However, please use caution at ramps that were recently dry due to changing water conditions and possible drop-offs.

If you are unfamiliar with ramps in the wildlife area, the state park ramps are currently the deepest and may provide easier access.

Please boat safely and watch for floating debris and newly submerged obstacles.

06/09/2026

The 20th Annual Glen Elder Youth Fishing Tournament was on June 6th, 2026. This popular event followed a similar format to previous years with 114 youth anglers, ages 7-14, fishing on 26 boats provided by local volunteers. Participants fished from 8 to noon and caught about 315 fish of several different species. The weather turned out to be amazing with lots of sun and a south breeze.

At the provided lunch following the fishing, t-shirts and goodie bags were handed out to all participants and volunteers. One youth lifetime hunting and fishing license was raffled off thanks to the Outdoor Foundation of NCK. Stan Deneke and Mike Louthan donated a Waconda Lake clock for a boat driver raffle which Brian Fink received. Fish were caught in 13 categories. Twenty-one anglers received a prize of a rod and reel combo. Rod combos were donated by Kathy Bauer and Ivan and Sue Bruss.

These gifts, prizes, and food were mostly donated or purchased through the generosity of past and current donors. The participants and I owe all those who have contributed their time and/or donations a huge thank you. This year’s donors include The Wildtrust Foundation, Wayne’s Tree Service, Waconda Shores, Waconda Boats and Joe Hodges, Guaranty State Bank, Cunningham Fiber, Outdoor Foundation of NCK, Lazy H Auto & Campground, and the Glen Elder Marina. A special thanks goes to every single boat owner that makes this event such a unique opportunity every year. This year there was a slight boat shortage, and we will be looking for more boat drivers and volunteers who are willing to assist or take a few kids out fishing. Please call the Glen Elder State Park if you would like to help with this great event the first Saturday of next June.