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Lake Afton
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Lake Afton - All photos on this page by Jim Mason
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Located near the largest city in the state, Lake Afton can be crowded
with picnickers, campers, boaters, and swimmers. In spite of the people, the trees
surrounding the lake are ideal for nesting eastern and western kingbirds, northern
orioles, and American robins. Watch for thirteen-lined ground squirrels in the open
areas and ornate box turtles in the meadows. |
| Great egrets, great blue herons and other waders are commonly seen
along the shoreline. In spring and fall observe migrating white pelicans. Ducks, Canada
geese, and gulls are present through the winter. |
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The coves at the upper end of the lake offer cattail marshes and
mudflats that can be productive when water levels are just right. Bullfrogs may be
found along the edge of the water.
Wildflowers are also abundant in the prairie meadows east of the
access road on the east side of the lake. In early June as many as 50 species can be
identified in a short walk.
Of special interest is the
Lake
Afton Observatory open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. It is located just
north of Macarthur Road (red dot on map.) Share the
excitement of the night sky through the observatory's 16-inch telescope.
 | Picnic tables, Shelters, Grills, Swimming beaches, Playgrounds,
Showers,
Modern toilets, Boat ramp.
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 Utility and
primitive camping.
 No developed trails.
Click the icon to find a birding list for Sedgwick County.
Click the icon to locate nearby Geocaches
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Directions:
Lake Afton is about 25 miles southwest of downtown Wichita on MacArthur Road at 247th
Street West. It can also be reached from U.S. 54 by turning south at the Lake Afton sign
at Viola Road 3 miles west of Goddard. Travel 3 miles south and 1 mile east to reach the
lake.
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Ownership:
Sedgwick County is responsible for management of Lake Afton.
Contact them at (316) 794-2774
if you have specific questions about the use or management of the site, or
use the response form on
their website.
720 acres
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Click here for a brochure! |
©2007
Kansas Nature-Based Tourism Alliance
Re-publication of site content in any form other than for personal use
requires written permission.
This web site is underwritten by the Kansas
Department of Wildlife and Parks through the Chickadee Checkoff Program. If you are
a Kansas resident, please assist with this and other wildlife viewing and conservation
programs by contributing to the Chickadee Checkoff on your state tax form. |
Questions or comments about Natural Kansas may be directed to Jim Mason
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