Fall is a great time of year to go hiking. The weather is cool, there aren't as many bugs as in the summer, and there is beautiful foliage to look at. The Salina, Kansas, area has many places to hike with trails for all experience levels. Here are some of the best places for a fall hike in Salina. more Salina Levee Trail The Salina Levee Trail is a 4.8-mile trail that makes its way along the flood control levee on the west bank of the Smoky Hill River. You can park at the Bill Burke Sports Complex or Oxbow Park on McAdams Road. There is also access to the trail from the Salina Soccer Complex on East Magnolia Road. This trail provides views of the river, and it connects to several local parks along the way. You can also view part of downtown Salina. If you want to shorten your hike and just walk a portion of the trail, start at Bill Burke and hike to Magnolia for 2.25 miles. Alternatively, you can start at East Magnolia Road and head over to East Schilling Road for a quick 1-mile hike. Marquette Pioneer Trail Marquette, Kansas, is not far from Salina and is home to the Marquette Pioneer Trail. This trail features asphalt millings and runs along an old railroad corridor for 2.8 miles. It also connects to the Wolverine Loop nature trail which loops around a local sports complex, which you can take if you want to expand your hike. To get started, park at the sports complex on Harold Street. This is an easy hike or walk with mostly flat surfaces and crushed stone, making it accessible for almost any fitness level. Lakewood Park Trails The Lakewood Park trails offer a variety of hiking experiences. The trails work their way around an old sandpit and feature woodlands, some prairies, and even water features with an ag-line surface that is solid and simple to walk on. You are sure to see several different types of animals including white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, and even some raccoons. This area has 3.5 miles of trails designed for a relaxing stroll or a more vigorous hike. Indian Rock Park You can also head to Indian Rock Park which is just a short distance from the Lakewood Park trails. If you park at the south end of the hill, there is a kiosk where you can get a trail map with information about the 100 different species of flowers in the park. Hike up the hill and take the loop trail that brings you to the river overlook for some beautiful views of the Smoky Hill river gorge. The trails at Indian Rock Park are well-marked right on the ground to help guide you along, and there are restrooms at the park for your convenience. These are a few of the best places for a fall hike in and around the Salina area. Whether you want to spend the day out on the trail or just make it a quick one, there is something for everyone.
Camping is a great time-honored tradition for the warmer months of the year. Although summer is close to its end, fall is still a perfect time for you to go camping in the right areas. The area around Salina, KS, is good for fall camping as it is not too hot or cold. The weather is fairly consistent as well which makes it possible for you to go camping well into the season. If you are looking for a place to go camping this fall, here are the three best places for fall camping in Salina, KS. more Salina KOA Campgrounds Many cities have specific areas set aside for camping. Salina is no exception and developed the KOA Campgrounds. The KOA Campgrounds have a wide range of amenities that make camping more enjoyable. The camping area where you will sleep and set-up your sleeping arrangements has electrical hookups and Wi-Fi so that you can stay connected. It is great for people who travel a lot and need to continue working, or for people who want to be more connected to nature and technology at the same time. Several activities like fishing, swimming, and biking are made easier by the centrally located water areas. There is also a bike rental place nearby if you didn't bring a bike with you. Fuel sources including propane and firewood are available for purchase by on-site vendors as well. Lakeside Recreational Park If you are traveling with a camper or RV, then finding a place to camp can be difficult. Fortunately, the Lakeside Recreational Park located at 1288 E. Lapsley Road in nearby Assaria. It provides full hookups for all of the resources that you need. The park has beach and lake access where you can go fishing or swimming. There is a range of nature trails for hiking as well. If you want to ditch your RV for the night, there are campsites available as well. Lakeside Recreational Park is limited to 25 RV sites, so you will want to get there at a reasonable time to make sure that you get a spot. Sundowner West Campground Salina Sundowner West is another great place to go camping in Salina. It provides a spacious 79 campsites for RVs and tents. It also has a wide range of amenities including swimming pool, playground, and laundry facilities. Restrooms have been built in convenient locations across the campsite. If you are concerned about the weather, there is a weather monitoring system in place. In the case of inclement and dangerous weather in the area, there is a storm shelter for your protection. It is well prepared for any possible issues that you may face. Camping in the fall can be a lot of fun for you and your family. In fact, it can be more enjoyable than summer camping. The weather is slowly changing so that it will be cooler outside, making it easier for you to enjoy nature. The best way to find out more about these campsites is to visit them. They are affordably priced and offer you a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the environment.
Residents of Salina are lucky in that there are plenty of activities you can do in the area to keep your kids occupied. Better still, many of the main activities are either cheap or completely free, meaning you can help your kids avoid boredom without breaking the bank. Find out below about some great cheap family attractions in Salina. more Smoky Hill Museum There is nothing quite like a good museum for combining both fun and education in the one attraction. The Smoky Hill Museum is a great place to take your kids to learn about the history of Salina through a series of exhibits that explore topics including immigration, agriculture, and education. Located on West Iron Ave., Smoky Hill Museum attracts 35,000 visitors to its doors each year, and the museum's exhibits date back to the 1800s. One of the best things about the Smoky Hill Museum is that it is absolutely free to visit. There's even a designated interactive children's area sure to keep your kids occupied and engaged for an hour or two. The museum opens Tuesday to Friday from noon until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sculpture Tour Salina Exercise is a great way for you and your kids to spend time considering its numerous scientifically proven health benefits. But kids often find exercise alone quite boring. Thankfully, residents of Salina and visitors to the city get the chance to combine exercise and engagement with Salina's unique Sculpture Tour. Essentially, Sculpture Tour Salina features some intriguing sculptures scattered throughout the downtown area of the city, and it's your job to explore them on foot. The sculptures change each spring, which keeps this activity fresh and interesting. As a completely free activity, Sculpture Tour Salina is another great way to keep your kids occupied in Salina without breaking the bank. You and your family also get the chance to vote for your favorite sculpture, with the annual winner receiving a special "People's Choice" award that nets them $5,000 and a permanent place in the city's sculpture collection. Oakdale Park Located on Oakdale Drive, Oakdale Park is perhaps the most popular park in Salina. The park features multiple playgrounds with different swings and climbing frames, making it a great place to bring your kids on a pleasant day. The large swathes of green spaces make Oakdale Park great for a picnic too. A slew of musicians perform at Oakdale Park throughout the year. Additionally, the park plays host to the annual Smoky Hill River Fest, a hugely popular four-day entertainment event held each June, with live music, food, and a range of great kids activities. As another attraction in Salina that costs absolutely nothing to do, a visit to Oakdale Park is a superb way to keep your kids entertained on a pleasant day in the city. In addition to playgrounds, there are tennis courts, fishing opportunities, and a botanical garden. Having fun in Salina doesn't have to cost a dime, making it a great city to help your kids avoid boredom without breaking the bank.
