Douglas County: Reservoir, nature trails and history

A river reservoir, prairie and wetlands, hiking trails, and places connected to Kansas history shape the range of experiences in Douglas County. Those planning a hotel stay can tailor their trip around nature, outdoor activities, or culture. Notable destinations include Clinton Lake in the northwest of the county, the Baker Wetlands, and various museums in neighboring Lawrence.

Water, wetlands and woodland

Clinton Lake is a reservoir on the Wakarusa River in the northwest of Douglas County, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Five parks around the lake offer campsites, a beach, boat ramps, disc golf courses, and picnic areas. This gives visitors a range of waterside recreation options, from spending time outdoors to activities on the lake.

The Baker Wetlands cover 927 acres of wetlands, prairie, open water, and riparian habitats. Their parking lots and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The 538-acre wildlife area around Douglas State Fishing Lake has a different landscape: it is mostly wooded. In the southwest of the county, the 422-acre Lone Star Lake Park is set in a rural agricultural landscape. These three descriptions offer different perspectives on water, open habitats, and woodland.

Trails of different lengths

At Clinton Lake, the North Shore Trail offers more than 21 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. In Woodridge Park, the George Latham Trail is 4.5 miles long; there are opportunities to hike and camp overnight along the trail. The Backwoods Trail is 5/8 mile long and can be explored independently with a brochure from the information center. The listed lengths help visitors compare the trails without implying a specific hiking time.

Nature and orientation come together at Wells Overlook Park, which has a prairie restoration project and a 1/4-mile nature trail. Wayside panels at Passerine Pavilion provide information about historic, geological, and astronomical features of the area. This short trail connects the landscape with subjects that extend beyond it.

Places of history and natural heritage

Black Jack Battlefield is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park is connected with the events of “Bleeding Kansas” and the lead-up to the American Civil War. Visitors interested in the region’s history will find a specific historical point of interest among the county’s destinations.

Several stone structures remain from the former Lone Star Lake Civilian Conservation Corps Camp: a water tower, four fireplaces, a fire pit, and a staircase. The Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum collects, preserves, and shares the history of the Wakarusa River Valley. Together, these sites offer different ways to explore the past: through surviving structures and the work of a museum.

Museums and everyday culture in Lawrence

In neighboring Lawrence, the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum features permanent exhibits on the development of Haskell as well as changing special exhibitions. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; check the hours before your visit. The Watkins Museum of History dedicates its permanent exhibits to the people and events that have shaped Lawrence and Douglas County.

The KU Natural History Museum has exhibits on four floors open to the public, covering fossils, live snakes and insects, and the flora and fauna of the Great Plains. The Spencer Museum of Art is accessible via the Lawrence transit system. The Lawrence Farmers Market is a producer-only market focused on Kansas-grown agricultural products and the development of local businesses. As the schedule and location may change, it is a good idea to check both before visiting.

Plan your stay around your interests

When choosing a hotel in Douglas County, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your stay. The trails at Clinton Lake, the varied landscapes, and the historic sites lend themselves to a nature- and history-focused itinerary; museums and the farmers market add culture and everyday life in Lawrence.

Discover more destinations: Lawrence, Baldwin City, Butler, Smith County, Shawnee County, Kingman County, Allen, Kearny County.

For the broader travel overview: Kansas.