Cedar Lake Park

Natural Features

Found in Olathe, Kansas, Cedar Lake Park is a little touch of tranquility featuring a 67-acre lake surrounded by 57 acres of natural landscape. Dating back to 1920, this park has been offering locals a peaceful escape from everyday hustle for over a century.

The park is a gateway to the 2.8-mile Cedar Creek Trail that connects to Lake Olathe. This scenic trail meanders through wooded groves, bottomland forest, and yes, even some soybean fields. If you're lucky, you might spot some local residents - herons standing majestically in the shallows, deer browsing at the forest edge, or perhaps even a coyote if you're there at the right time.

One of the cozy locations here is Cedar Lake Falls, although you'll need to channel your inner explorer and navigate through some brush to find it. The trail access point is tucked away at the back of the parking lot on the north side of the lake/dam.

Recreation Amenities

Whether you're looking to relax or get active, Cedar Lake offers various options. Several park shelters are available to reserve - excellent for anything from a quiet family picnic to a larger gathering with friends.

If fishing is your thing, you'll appreciate the three docks scattered around the lake. The waters here are particularly known for catfish, and while we can't promise you'll always come away with a prize catch (that's fishing for you!), many visitors regularly reel in something worth bragging about. Plus, there's something special about casting a line in such peaceful surroundings.

For the more energetic visitors, two sand volleyball courts await your best serves. The park also features a boat ramp if you want to explore the lake - just remember, only electric motors are allowed here.

There's also a fire ring available, creating a great spot for gathering around with friends on a cool evening, sharing stories, or maybe roasting a marshmallow or two.

Additional Facilities

Families with young ones will find a small playground on the grounds. It's nothing fancy, but it's enough to keep children entertained while you enjoy the fresh air.

It's worth noting that the restroom facilities are limited to portable toilets rather than permanent structures - something to keep in mind when planning longer visits.

Dog parents will be happy to know that Cedar Lake Park is dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join you on the trails and around the park, as long as they're leashed.

Visitor Experience

What really makes Cedar Lake special is its calm atmosphere and natural charm. If you time your visit right, you can catch some breathtaking sunset views over the water. And unlike some of the more popular parks, Cedar Lake rarely feels crowded.

The wildlife viewing opportunities here are fantastic - many visitors regularly spot diverse bird species and occasionally larger animals going about their day. The grounds are clean and well-maintained, making it an ideal spot for a morning jog, an afternoon of fishing, or simply sitting back with a good book in a natural setting.

Cedar Lake Park offers that balance between accessibility and escape - it's a little pocket of nature that doesn't require you to venture far from city comforts.