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Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
&
McPherson State Fishing Lake
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The prairie at Maxwell, seen from the observation tower
- All photos by Jim Mason
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The 4 1/2 square miles of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and adjacent
McPherson State Fishing Lake provide one of the best viewing opportunities in the state
for large mammals. |
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Today at Maxwell approximately 200 bison and 50 elk give visitors a
rare look into the past. The observation tower (red dot
on map below) is a good place to
scan the rolling hills for wildlife. |
Observation Tower at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge |
Visitors on the refuge are not allowed to leave the roadway by
vehicle or by foot. A portion of the road through the refuge is open range. If
bison are near the road, view them only from the safety of your vehicle.
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The bison can be seen up close from the tram.
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For a
modest cost the private group "Friends of Maxwell" offers guided tram
rides onto the Refuge to see the bison. These are available on most weekends and by
appointment otherwise. Call (620)
628-4455 or visit their web site listed below for
more information. Also see their
special event list. |
New calves are rusty brown in color.
They change to the darker adult color by fall.
Calves are born from late April through early June.
One of the most impressive times to experience the elk is during the
breeding season, or rut. From mid-September until mid-October the dominant bulls are
gathering cows into harems. Their bugling can be best heard on calm mornings and evenings.
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McPherson State Fishing Lake |
The area around McPherson State Fishing
Lake (46 surface acres) is ideal for prairie wildflowers. In May and June
there are impressive displays of yucca, spiderwort, yellow star-grass, catclaw sensitive
brier, purple prairie clover, coneflowers and the uncommon Virginia Tephrosia.
Abundant butterfly milkweed attract insects and butterflies, including the large, rare,
Regal Fritillary. |
An eastern bluebird "trail" of numerous nesting boxes
attached to the fence provides an opportunity to see these attractive birds. While
traveling the roads or exploring the prairie be alert for the plentiful ornate box
turtles. Lizards such as six-lined racerunners and legless slender glass lizards are also
found here. Common snakes include black rat snakes, gopher snakes, and prairie king
snakes.
At the southwest corner of the lake is the Gypsum Creek Nature Trail.
Watch for white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels, and woodland birds.
Beaver sign is impressively abundant on this trail. If you walk slowly and quietly at
night and use a strong flashlight you may gain some insight into the secret life of the
largest Kansas rodent.
 | Picnic tables, Grills, Pit toilets, Boat ramp.
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 Primitive camping
only at the lake.
 Gypsum Creek Nature
Trail (3/4 mile one-way)
Click the icon to find a birding list for McPherson County.
Click the icon to locate nearby Geocaches
For more Wildlife Watching sites in the Flint
Hills, click here
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Directions:
From Canton (50 miles north of Wichita) travel 6 miles north on McPherson County 304.
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Ownership:
The entity responsible for management of Maxwell Refuge
and McPherson State Fishing Lake is the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Contact them at (620) 628-4592
if you have specific questions about use or management of these sites.
You may download the KDWP brochure for Maxwell Wildlife
Refuge and McPherson State Fishing Lake from
their web site.
2,560 acres
The Friends of Maxwell
hosts several events during the
year, including:
2008
Dates:
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June 7 & 8, 9am - 4pm:
Prairie Days
See bison with young calves up close and personal roaming the beautiful
Smoky Hills dotted with wildflowers!
Admission $2 per person at the gate, children under 4 free.
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Prairie tours every hour - $5 per person
Your guide will relate local history, identify wildflowers and offer information
about the bison and other animals found on the prairie.
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Stagecoach rides - $3 per person
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Primitive camps with mountain men & traders
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Wildflower and bird displays and guided hikes
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Arts and crafts
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Music, concessions and more!
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October 3 &
4,
9am - 4pm:
Mountain Man Rendezvous
Return to the early 1800's and experience the
lifestyles of the Mountain Man era. This is an excellent school or scout
field trip for hands-on Kansas history.
Admission $2 per person at the gate, children under 4 free.
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Buffalo tours
every hour - $5 per person
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Flint-knappers from
several states will demonstrate their skill
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Traders
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Arts & Crafts
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Music, concessions and
more!
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Top of page
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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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