Marion Wildlife Area

The Marion Wildlife Area is located along the western edge of the Flint Hills in the Cottonwood River Valley of central Kansas. Sitting in the Neosho Basin, the area consists of 3,700 acres of mixed native grass and riparian timber, 2,350 acres of cropland, and 6,160 acres of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Marion Reservoir. Lying in close proximity to Wichita, Salina, Hutchinson, and McPherson, visitors can enjoy the abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities without having to travel far from home.

Anglers have ample opportunity to catch walleye, crappie, wipers (a hybrid between white and striped bass) and channel catfish throughout the year. The area is also managed for various game species including pheasants, quail, rabbit, turkey, and white-tail deer. Waterfowl hunters will find good populations of Canada, snow and white-fronted geese as well as all species of ducks found within the Central Flyway. An 800 acre Waterfowl Refuge that is managed to attract and hold waterfowl is located along French Creek. This area is closed to hunting all year and closed to all activities from October 1 to March 1. There is handicapped accessible fishing at Broken Bridge on the river, and 171 campsites are located in four parks that are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.