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Pomona State Park adventures

Pomona State Park Adventures

Pomona State Park is a scenic recreational area surrounding Pomona Lake in northeastern Kansas, offering diverse outdoor activities including fishing, boating, camping, and hiking along its wooded shoreline.

1,100
Acres Protected
10
Miles of Trails
150,000
Annual Visitors
1963
Year Established

About Pomona State Park

 

Pomona State Park is situated along the southern shore of Pomona Lake in Osage County, Kansas. Established to provide public access to the lake and surrounding natural areas, the park covers a blend of forested hills and open water environments. The area was developed following the construction of Pomona Dam, completed in 1963, which created the 4,847-acre reservoir. The park’s geography features rolling hills covered largely with oak-hickory woodlands, intermixed with open grasslands and wetlands that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors are drawn by the ample water opportunities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing, especially for species like largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. On land, Pomona State Park offers multiple campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails that weave through wooded sections and along the lake’s shoreline, providing fall color and birdwatching opportunities. Historically, the nearby Osage River Valley holds significance for local Native American tribes, and remnants of early settlement history can be found in nearby communities. The park supports seasonal events and outdoor education programs, making it a popular weekend destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts from the Kansas City and Topeka metropolitan areas. With its combination of water-based recreation and shaded forest areas, Pomona State Park is a versatile natural escape in the heart of Kansas.

Highlights

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Pomona Lake with over 4,800 acres of water for boating and fishing

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Oak-hickory forest ecosystem along scenic shoreline trails

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Historic Pomona Dam overlooking the Osage River Valley

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Quiet backcountry campsites accessible via hiking trails

Notable Natural Features

Pomona Dam

A large earth-fill dam that creates Pomona Lake and offers scenic overlooks of the Osage River Valley.

Vineyard Ridge Trail

A moderate hiking trail providing forest views and access to quiet lake overlooks.

Rock Creek Campground

A developed campground with electric and water hookups located near the water's edge.