Historic Lake Scott State Park
On June 25, 2026, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a stream advisory for Ladder Creek and its unnamed tributaries in Scott County from the Scott-Wichita County line to Scott Lake in northern Scott County due to elevated e. coli bacteria levels in the water caused by heavy rains washing bacteria from a feedlot into the watershed. KDHE will lift the advisory once follow-up testing confirms the water is safe for recreational contact.
The public are advised to avoid contact with the water at this location until further notice. Children and pets should not enter the lake or the creek during the advisory period.
06/29/26: KDWP is aware of recent fish deaths at the lake which can be caused by these high bacteria levels.
Located along the Western Vistas Historic Byway about 11 miles north of Scott City, west of US-83 on K-95
Listed by National Geographic as one of the country's 50 must-see state parks and hidden in a canyon in the western Kansas prairie, Scott State Park is a stunning oasis of natural springs, deep wooded canyons, craggy bluffs and early American history. The 1,020-acre park surrounds the 100-acre, spring-fed Scott State Fishing Lake, and a 160-acre wildlife area lies west of the park.
The park is one of the most historic locations in Kansas. More than 26 archeological sites have been documented in and adjacent to the park. The remains of the northernmost known Native American pueblo – El Cuartelejo, a National Historic Landmark – are located in the park. The Steele home, the dwelling of the original settlers on the area, has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. About 1 mile south of the park is Battle Canyon, the location of the last Native American battle in Kansas.
The park is an ideal setting for camping, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Nature trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders, and naturalists and provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in natural habitats. Wild turkey, deer, bobcat and beaver are common in the area. A horse camp area has amenities for equestrian visitors.
Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.
