Chapter 18 - Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Iowa State Parks

Chapter 18

 - Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Iowa State Parks

We decided in a rush of a judgement to move away from Kansas state parks to the great state of Iowa.

"Why???"

Why not I say!!! Where else you want to go? Cleveland?

"Maybe!!"

Maybe next time, but for now, we're in the land of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area!!!

INFORMATION STOLEN FROM: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610108

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area 2802 Brushy Creek Road Lehigh, IA 50557 ph. 515-543-8298 fax: 515-843-8395 Brushy_Creek@dnr.iowa.gov

Above leads to a site with great information about the area along with information about trail closures, facilities and closures of such(winter time closures include the rest rooms and such! Big surprise!!!)

So go check them out for more information that will be vital in your travels into the area (Iowa actually has a lot of state parks that we will explore in due time!!!)

INFORMATION STOLEN FROM: https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/brushy-creek-state-recreation-area/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IA&parkId=610108

Brushy Creek is one of Iowa's premier outdoor recreation destinations. At 6,500 acres, it has the largest tracts of public recreation land with a mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian and lake habitats. The 690-acre lake is the deepest artificial permanent pool lake in Iowa and has an extensive network of trails. Join our interpreter in the summer for nature-related programs and hikes. Each spring, the park hosts a geo-caching event and fishing derby for kids. Program event details are posted at the campground kiosks.

Recreation: 

Lake ActivitiesFishing is a popular activity at Brushy Creek. The lake has 21 miles of shoreline with four boat ramps and eight fishing jetties. A universally accessible fishing pier is located on the west side of the lake. Anglers can try their luck fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye or muskellunge. The creek and the Des Moines River have always provided not only scenic beauty, but also a challenge to the angler with smallmouth bass and panfish as favorite catches. Brushy Creek is a "no-wake" lake. There is no restriction on motor size. A large sandy beach is located on the west side of the lake. Swimming is allowed at the designated beach area only. 

TrailsWith approximately 35 miles of multi-use trails, there are trail activities for everyone including horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. There is a 12 mile gravel trail around Brushy Creek Lake that is open in all weather conditions. A map of these multi-use trails is on display at the information kiosk located in all campground kiosks, the south day-use area, and at the park office. 

HuntingHunting is one of the most popular activities at Brushy Creek. Every year, hunters pursue a variety of game species ranging from pheasants, quail, rabbits and squirrels to white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. A number of designated parking areas are located throughout Brushy Creek to provide convenient access for the hunter.

Facilities:

Picnicking/SheltersBrushy Creek is a great place for picnics and large gatherings. Picnic areas are located throughout the park and offer tables and fire grills. There are three open shelters and four beach cabanas that can be reserved online.

Equestrian CampingEquestrian users can enjoy one of the most modern camp facilities in the Midwest. The north equestrian campground has a modern shower and restroom, electric and non-electric sites, horse wash area, shade is available at some campsites, a substantial hitch rail at every site (users are required to tie animals to rails) and a 100 ft by 200 ft arena. Water hydrants with potable water are available, as are picnic tables, grills, and a playground.
The south equestrian campground has a modern shower and restroom, electric and non-electric sites along with some full hookup sites (water and sewer), a playground, horse wash area, ample shade, and a hitch rail at every site. 

Non-Equestrian CampingThe non-equestrian campground has electric, non-electric, and full hookup sites (water and sewer).  

Day Use AreasThere are two large day-use areas, one located adjacent to the north equestrian campground and one just west of the south equestrian campground. Day users, including equestrians, are encouraged to use these areas at no charge for the day. Facilities include year round pit latrines.  

Shooting RangeTwo gun ranges are located at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. The target range (paper targets only) is south of the park office on Brushy Creek Road approximately 1/4 mile north of County Rd D46. The clay target range is located off of Taylor Ave. just south of Hwy 20 and west of County Road P73. 

And a video for good luck!!!

Till next time, see you on the road!!!!

Chapter 17 - Tuttle Creek State Park - Kansas State Park Again??

CHAPTER 17

TUTTLE CREEK STATE PARK - KANSAS STATE PARK AGAIN?

Another Kansas State Park and why not I say, it's a good time to plan your summer vacation and what says VACATION like a trip to a state park?

"But Kansas?"

Kansas is for lovers!! 

Lets dive in.

"You're just going to steal information from Google searches aren't?"

You've been with me for awhile in this endeavor, what do you think?

"Lets begin shall we?"

From the Google site itself!

Reservoir park offering everything from golf, horse trails, archery, swimming & fishing to camping.
Address: 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502

 STOLEN FROM ----- https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Tuttle-Creek

Four units (River Pond, Cedar Ridge, Fancy Creek and Randolph) make up the 1,200 - acre park. Electric and water hookups, a swimming beach, boat ramps, courtesy docks, and dump stations are available. Campgrounds contain 159 water/electric campsites, 8 electric/water/sewer campsites, 24 electric-only campsites, 20 electric sites with community water at the Randolph Area horse campground and 500 primitive campsites.

Eleven cabins are offered at Tuttle Creek State Park. Each cabin offers a full kitchen with basic pots and pans, table service for six, a full bathroom, heating, A/C, picnic tables, grill and fire-ring. Reservations can be made by contacting the park office or online.

Numerous nature trails, a mountain biking trail, and a scenic equestrian trail offer explorers a variety of routes to experience the aesthetic Flint Hills environment. Scenic picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, volleyball courts, horse shoe pits, and conveniently placed restroom and shower facilities accommodate park visitors. The state-of-the-art Fancy Creek Shooting Range is open the first and third full weekends of each month. The Luke Nihart archery range is at River Pond Area and open daylight hours. Archers provide their own equipment. The River Pond Area has a swimming beach.

Excellent channel cat and flathead fishing is available in the lake and in the river above and below the lake. Fair numbers of bass are caught near standing timber and brush piles, and saugeye can be taken off the face of the dam as well as in the river below. During the Spring there is ample opportunity to catch master angler white bass and crappie. Trout are stocked in Willow Lake during the Fall and Winter. The 12,000-acre wildlife area adjacent to the park offers excellent hunting and wildlife watching opportunities.

Tuttle Creek Lake is situated in the beautiful Flint Hills region of Kansas. The lake is the second largest in the state offering 12,000 acres of water and 100 miles of irregular wooded shoreline. Tuttle Creek Lake, being the key unit of flood control projects within the Kansas River Basin, may swell to 54,000 acres. KDWPT also manages 12,200 acres of land on the north end of the lake for wildlife benefit. In addition to permanent habitat enhancement, KDWPT provides 3,220 acres of cropland for winter food. Because of the flooding, area management will focus on enhancing wetland habitat. 480 acres of constructed wetlands provide food and shelter to migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Other species managed for include white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, pheasants, squirrels and doves.

Construction by the Army Corps of Engineers began in the late 1950's and the reservoir was completed and filled in 1963. License to manage 11,800 acres for wildlife management was granted in 1964. The license was amended in 1965 to include a total of 12,030 acres. KDWPT has obtained fee title to 170 acres of land not contiguous with the reservoir property. That makes the total license property 12,200 acres of land.

A short video from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Park and Tourism talking about Tuttle Creek State Park ----

Doesn't that sound like fun? 

"It kinda does!!!"

So we'll see you there!! And have a nice trip!! Till next time, see you out on the road to the unexpected!!!!!!

Phone: (785) 539-7941

Chapter 16 - Another Kansas State Park - Lovewell State Park

Chapter 16

Another Kansas State Park - Lovewell State Park

Another state park in Kansas?

I say why not as we dive into another randomly picked state park from the travel guides I received a few weeks ago.

WELCOME TO LOVEWELL STATE PARK!!!

We hit the Google Search for facts, figures and some pics so you, my 12 readers, don't have to.

Ain't I nice?

I am, I really am!!

AS STOLEN FROM:https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Lovewell


Lovewell State Park in northcentral Kansas is a haven for outdoor lovers who look for variety in their vacations. Just 18 miles northeast of Mankato on US Hwy. 14, Lovewell offers a blend of camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and special events. You’ll discover plenty of variety in the day-use areas. A historic limestone schoolhouse hosts summer church services every Sunday. A seven-station, 14-target archery range is located north of the Cottonwood shower building. Pioneer Day-use area activities include a playground, sand volleyball, disc golf course, and horseshoes. Two basketball goals are located west of the marina, The Southwinds swimming beach offers both sun and shade. Picnic facilities are available throughout the day-use areas, as well as two large group shelters that can be reserved.

Lovewell is popular with campers. The area offers excellent shade and provides utility hookup sites including freeze-proof water and sewer hookups at designated sites, long-term sites, improved primitive sites, primitive camping area, and five rustic and four deluxe Camping Cabins. Designated electrical sites may be reserved; Buffalo and Walleye Point primitive camp areas are reservable for camping groups. Four shower-toilet buildings, two vault toilets, and two trailer dump stations are centrally located in the park. A year-round unisex shower and restroom facility is also available at the park maintenance building.

Lovewell is for people who love water. The south shore’s high bluffs block the summer winds and help calm the waters. You’ll find a full-service marina with double-lane boat ramp and daily or season boat slip rental. Lovewell Marina serves a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu from April to September, and boasts the best barbecue around!! Also available is a double lane boat ramp at Cedar Point, with floating breakwater structures to calm the water for loading and unloading ease. This boat ramp can also be used at any water level. Two lighted fish cleaning stations (with outlets for your electric fillet knives) are also available.

Course, what would a chapter be without the Google snap shot and review clip!!!

"A shorter blog?"

Shaddup!!!

Lovewell State Park is a state park in Jewell County, Kansas, United States. It is located near the city of Webber. Established in 1967, the 1,160-acre state park features utility camping, cabins and a beach. The park has access to Lovewell Reservoir. WikipediaAddress: 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS 66970
Established: 1967
Phone: (785) 753-4971
Management: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

And here's a video from the folks at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

Looks like a great place to hang out, maybe hide a body or ten, and just relax.

Till next time, I'll see you ON THE ROAD!!!

Chapter 15 - Prairie Dog State Park

CHAPTER 15 - Prairie Dog State Park

The other day I recieved a travel package from the great state of Kansas, so it sparked my interest in continuing to write once more in the traveler's guide.

I opened up the State Parks Guide (there's quite a few guides included in this travel pack, so expect some runs into Kansas in the next few chapters!) and hit some random page, that page --- Prairie Dog State Park!!Th

As with most of these guides, I cruise the Net and steal the information, in the true American way of publishing (but I nice, I give the source, cause I nice that way!)

I sit here drinking my coffee and cruise the Net, looking at all the cool details of this park; couple of primitive camp sites, some modern cabins for those of you who like to pretend you're roughing it by bringing generic toilet paper and not the Macy's toilet paper! ;)

There's wild life to see ---owls, coyotes, turkey, water fowl, bald eagles, golden eagles, and of course the prairie dog. 

Some of these are seasonal.

There's fish to catch from the large mouth bass to channel cat fish.

Location: GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
39.81278, -99.96389
39°48'46"N, 99°57'50"W

From Norton, Kansas, the park is located four miles west on Highway 36 and one mile south on Highway 261.

Mailing Address:

Prairie Dog State Park
13037 State Highway 261 P.O. Box 431
Norton  KS  67654

Phone Number:

Information:  (785)877-2953

Stolen from ---- https://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/prairie-dog-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=KS&parkId=519130

Description: 

A prime place to experience the shortgrass prairies of western Kansas, Prairie Dog State Park occupies 1,150 acres on the shores of Keith Sebelius Reservoir in Norton County. The park is home to a thriving prairie dog colony and is the site of the last remaining adobe house in Kansas. The renovated adobe house was built on the site in the early 1890's.

Campsites at Prairie Dog include 4 reservable cabins (two modern and two primitive), 67 electric/water sites, 12 electric-only sites, and more than 130 primitive sites. Shower and restroom facilities are conveniently located, as are two RV dump stations. A 1.4- mile nature trail complete with interpretive signage is a great way to explore the park and observe wildlife.

Historical interpretation is a hallmark of this park. Two vintage 19th century buildings are preserved here, including a one room school and renovated adobe house. Sebelius Reservoir is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities. In recent years, anglers have found productive fishing for black bass, walleye, wiper, crappie, catfish and saugeye.

---More information!!!!  Go to http://www.naturalkansas.org/prairie.htm 

Prairie Dog State Park and Norton Wildlife Area are located around Keith Sebelius Reservoir. The lake is an impoundment of Prairie Dog Creek, which flows through the rolling mixed grass prairie of the High Plains. Drive south of the park office and over the railroad gorge to reach the sizable prairie dog town. The black-tailed prairie dog, named for its black-tipped tail and dog-like bark, uses mounds as sentinel stations from which to watch for predators such as coyotes, prairie falcons, golden eagles, and badgers. When the burrows are no longer used by the prairie dogs they are taken over by other animals including black widow spiders, ornate box turtles, gopher snakes, and the comical burrowing owl. If you drive along the lake roads during migrations you can expect to see a great variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. On occasion, a migrant osprey can be spotted fishing the waters. Ring-necked pheasants are abundant in the surrounding wildlife area, as are deer and wild turkeys. In early summer, reptiles, including six-lined racerunners, western hognose snakes, and plains garter snakes, can be found around the rocky ridges and open grasslands of the range management area. Lots more information found here ---- https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Prairie-Dog

From the Wikipedia entry --- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prairie_Dog_State_Park

Prairie Dog State Park is a state park located southwest of Norton, Kansas, United

States. Located in western Kansas, the Prairie Dog State Park had no prairie dog populations living there when it was established. After multiple failed attempts at introducing the species to the park, a pair of prairie dogs entered by themselves and since then the park has been populated with over 300 prairie dogs.

Prairie Dog State Park is a 1,150-acre (470 ha) park that is located around Keith Sebelius Lake in Norton County. The last remaining adobe house is located at the Prairie Dog State Park. The renovated house was built sometime in the 1890s.

NORTH DAKOTA - Chapter 14 - A GREAT STATE TO VISIT

- Chapter 14 -

North Dakota

A Great State to Visit

How many people can answer "North Dakota!" when asked where they went for their vacation, especially in the middle of the winter?

Not too many people because, well, it can get kinda cool in the winter time here in the Dakota of the North.

Don't believe me, ask any resident, they'll tell you.

"Freeze your nuts off!" 

"What can you do in North Dakota?"

Glad you asked random stranger fellow!

You can gamble!

"Oh boy!!! Sweet!!"

Yes, table games and slots will make you drool and go, "Vegas? Who needs that!!"

Go check out the official "Gambling your kids' college funds away in North Dakota!"

When someone asks you, "What the fuck are you going to do in North Dakota?" you can tell them, "Watch my penis freeze off!!"

There's more to do than gamble, you can go get drunk in Fargo and fall down and start all over again the next day!

"Oh boy!! A true western adventure!!"

Exactly!!

There's also art to see!

"Really?"

Yep! Art Fullton will tell you tales about the time he made 8 touchdowns in one game against the Minnesota Penny Loafers.

"Sounds neat! Where do I sign up?"

Need a place to stay?

"Do I!"

We recommend South Dakota.

"Huh?"

It's a joke!! Lots of places to stay in North Dakota, like Ramada Inn or Hotel NoTell.

Use to be able to stay in motel in Steele, North Dakota but sadly the Lone Steer was burned down in 2012

"Bastards!!"

But click here for more places!!

"North Dakota sounds awesome!! Can I bring my kids?"

Hell yea!! And your grandmother too!!!

A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO STATES YOU WOULDN'T THINK OF VACATIONING TO CHAPTER THIRTEEN - PARIS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO STATES YOU WOULDN'T THINK OF VACATIONING TO

- CHAPTER THIRTEEN-

PARIS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - CAUSE WHY THE HECK NOT!

Ah, Paris, the most romantic city in the world; a place where anyone can get laid just by saying like, "Lets go to Paris, Idaho!" 

Welcome to the Thirteenth Blog of the Traveler's Guide to Everything!!!

"So how many cities are there named Paris in the United States?"

A lot apparently!!

I was going to write about Paris, Texas but thought, well, maybe I'd just be a generic tucker and write about all the Paris in the U.S.

Here's a list - as stolen from Yahoo! Answers!!

Paris, Georgia Paris, Maine Town of Paris, New York Paris, Tennessee Paris, Virginia New Paris, Indiana New Paris, Ohio New Paris, Pennsylvania Paris, Arkansas Paris, Dakota Territory Paris, Idaho Paris, Illinois Paris, Kentucky Paris, Michigan Paris, Missouri Paris, New York Paris, Ohio Paris, Pennsylvania Paris, Tennessee Paris, Texas Paris, Grant County, Wisconsin Paris, Kenosha County, Wisconsin Paris Township, Michigan South Paris, Maine St. Paris, Ohio West Paris, Maine

Ohhhhh, lookeeeee at them Paris!!!!

Which ones should we mock, oops, I mean explore??

PARIS, IDAHO ----

(Because we love Idaho!!!)

"Tell us about Paris, Idaho oh great guide of wonderful knowledge!! Should we visit there naked?"

According to the Wikipedia --- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris,_Idaho

Paris is a city and county seat of Bear Lake County, Idaho, United States. Located on the western side of the Bear Lake Valley, the city's population was 513 at the 2010 census, down from 576 in 2000.^[4] Paris was settled on September 26, 1863, by pioneer settlers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Paris was settled by a group of dedicated Mormons led by Charles C Rich. During early years, pioneers suffered difficulties with the harsh cold climate, however their determination and faith kept them from leaving the area.
Paris sports an impressive landmark for a city of its size: the LDS Bear Lake Stake Tabernacle, a sandstone church designed by Joseph Don Carlos Young and built between 1884 and 1889. It seats around 1,400 people.

So to answer your question --- yes, visit there naked!! The 513 people there as of 2010 will be very appreciative!!

"Really?"

No, probably not!!!

But maybe, while visiting Bear Lake ( https://bearlake.org/loc/paris/ ), you could run naked there!!

So get on the road my friends and go check out the Paris USA!! From Paris, Maine to Paris Idaho down to Paris Texas and all between, good travels!!

And remember, tell them we sent you, and get a free piece of apple pie!!

"Wait, isn't this entry kind of short?"

Well, kinda but what else is there to say?

"Can't we have another review of another Paris??"

Well, I guess!! 

PARIS, MAINE

Hello and welcome to Paris (Maine).

"Hi!!"

According to Wikipedia ----- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris,_Maine

Paris is a town in and the county seat of Oxford County, Maine, United States.^[4] The population was 5,183 at the 2010 census. The census-designated place of South Paris is located within the town. Because the U.S. Post Office refers to the entire town as South Paris, the town as a whole is commonly referred to as South Paris. The main exception is the area known as Paris Hill, which is a scenic historic district popular with tourists.

Excited yet?

"You bet!!! What else is there to do besides build a time machine so we can go back to 1909 to check out the scene where the above photo was taken?"

There's the McLaughlin Garden (https://mclaughlingarden.com/about/)

Also, there's the Stars and Strikes Bowling Center (https://m.facebook.com/starsandstrikesme/ )

And just butt loads more to see and do.

"Really?"

Sure!!

"Like what?"

You could go check out Norway, Maine!!

"Wow!! Do they have bowling too??"

Maybe!!

So are you ready now for a wonderful trip!?

"We sure are!!"

Safe Travels!!!

A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO STATES YOU WOULDN'T THINK OF VACATIONING TO CHAPTER TWELVE KEARNEY NEBRASKA

A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO STATES YOU WOULDN'T THINK OF VACATIONING TO

- CHAPTER TWELVE-

KEARNEY NEBRASKA - CAUSE WHY THE HECK NOT!

So another travel brochure made its way into my mail box so I decided HI TRAVELERS, WELCOME TO MY BLOG! COME ON IN AND ENJOY!

So what is the big deal about Kearney?

It's the midpoint between San Francisco, California and Boston, Massachusetts at 1733 miles from each place to the mecca of whatever!!

Isn't that exciting?

"You bet!!"

What else about Kearney?

LETS GO TO GOOGLE!!

Kearney is a city in and the county seat of Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 30,787 at the 2010 census. It is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The westward push of the railroad as the Civil War ended gave birth to the community 

Can you feel the excitement? 

"Like watching paint dry without the paint!"

That's the key!!!

You have the Classic Car Collection with over hundreds of cars! (Website can be found here ---- http://www.ccckearney.com/ 

There's the Archway!

"The what? Tell me more!!"

The Archway is a museum of and monument to Nebraska's and the Platte River valley's role in westward expansion. The Archway is directly over Interstate 80 three miles east of Kearney, Nebraska. 

There's Yanney Heritage Park -the finest family park between Omaha and Denver, Colorado!!  

FREE WIFI even!!! 

Life is good with free wifi!

"Isn't it though? What else is there to do in Kearney?? It sounds fun!!"

There's the Museum of Nebraska Art!!

The Museum of Nebraska Art is the official art museum of the state of Nebraska. The museum is located in Kearney, Nebraska, and is administratively affiliated with the University of Nebraska at Kearney. 

"Oh my!! So much better than watching paint dry!! Why wasn't I told about Kearney before now? Everybody is like LETS GO TO PARIS, FRANCE!!! when we have Kearney right here, in the good ole United States of America!!!"

I know!! What the hell!!

Visit Kearney, Nebraska, the sandhill crane capital of  THE WORLD!! (Offical website can be found here --- https://visitkearney.org/  Tell them we sent you and they'll chase you out of town with a broom, so maybe don't do that!!!)