Cedar Bluffs State Park

Near Cedar Bluff State Park, dining options are limited but offer a variety of cuisines. Cancun Mexican Grill in Ellis provides a casual setting with Mexican and American dishes, known for its fajitas and burgers. For a quick bite, A&W of Ellis is a convenient fast-food option offering classic burgers and root beer. Roosters Sport Haven is a local convenience store with basic supplies and snacks. For those willing to travel a bit further, Dutch Country Cafe in Garnett offers a cozy atmosphere with breakfast and lunch options.

Accommodation options near Cedar Bluff State Park are primarily located in Ellis. The Days Inn by Wyndham Ellis offers basic amenities like an indoor pool and free breakfast, though recent reviews highlight some maintenance issues. For those looking for more options, nearby towns like Hays or Wakeeney might provide additional choices, though specific hotels in these areas are not listed in the immediate vicinity of the park.

Cedar Bluff State Park offers a range of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The Bluffton Area features two large shower houses, multiple picnic areas, and a public fishing dock. There are also playgrounds, a BMX track, and a youth/disabled fishing pond. The park provides boat ramps and courtesy docks for water activities. Additionally, there are several rental cabins available, offering a mix of modern and rustic accommodations.

The Page Creek Area is less developed but still offers essential amenities like picnic tables, public restrooms, and two shower houses. Both areas provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Visitors to Cedar Bluff State Park can enjoy a variety of activities. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular on the reservoir, with designated areas for each. The park also offers hiking trails, including a 5-mile interpretive trail in the Page Creek Area. For families, there are playgrounds and a BMX track in the Bluffton Area. Additionally, the park supports wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of deer, turkey, and eagles.

Water sports like skiing and jet-skiing are also available, making it a comprehensive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cedar Bluff State Park offers several accessibility features. Both the Bluffton and Page Creek areas have wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, and restrooms. Additionally, some of the rental cabins are designed to be handicap accessible, providing options for visitors with mobility needs. The park's facilities are generally well-suited for visitors with disabilities, though specific details about additional accommodations like wheelchair rentals are not provided.

Parking at Cedar Bluff State Park is generally accessible, with designated parking lots in both the Bluffton and Page Creek areas. The park requires vehicle permits, which can be obtained at the park office or through self-pay stations. Parking is typically convenient and close to amenities, though specific capacity details are not provided. Fees for parking are included in the overall park access charges.

Cedar Bluff State Park is named after the limestone bluffs that line the reservoir, which were often mistaken for cedar trees by early settlers. The reservoir was constructed in 1951 for flood control, irrigation, and recreation, and it has become a premier spot for walleye fishing in Kansas. The park's unique geology is a result of the Fort Hays Limestone, formed from an ancient inland sea during the Cretaceous Period.

Historically, the area was significant for Native American tribes and early settlers, with Threshing Machine Canyon being a notable site for its role in the Smoky Hill Trail.

One of the main attractions near Cedar Bluff State Park is Threshing Machine Canyon, a site of historical significance with carvings dating back to the mid-19th century. The canyon is accessible via a road west of the park and offers a glimpse into the region's past. Additionally, the park itself is a major attraction, with its dramatic limestone bluffs and expansive reservoir providing scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The nearby towns of Ellis and WaKeeney also offer local attractions and historical sites, though they are not directly within the park.