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Kansas’ Prairie Dog State Park
and Norton Wildlife Area is located near the Keith Sebelius Reservoir,
which draws its water from Prairie Dog Creek. Visitors to the
park can expect to see a wonderful diversity of Kansan wildlife,
but the first thing they’ll notice is the prairie dog town
itself. It’s home to countless Black-tailed Prairie Dogs,
many of which are bound to be standing guard on their little mounds,
ready to alert the rest of the colony if a hungry coyote or eagle
comes by looking for a meal. Other wildlife found here include
deer, numerous kinds of water fowl, and all manner of squatters
who just love to occupy abandoned prairie dog tunnels, like snakes,
tortoises and the decidedly unusual Burrowing Owls.
There’s plenty to do besides appreciate the animals, though.
Horseback riders and hikers have the 7.5-mile Braded Cedar Horse
Trail and the 1.4-mile Prairie Dog Nature Trail it enjoy. There’s
swimming beach and boat ramps at the Keith Sebelius Reservoir.
Campers can either stay at one of the 58 utility campsites, featuring
running water, restrooms and showers, or rough it with a little
primitive camping. There are use fees to pay, however, so stop
by the Park Office before pitching tents.
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