Perry Lake (Kansas)
| Perry Lake | |
|---|---|
 Aerial view of the Perry Lake dam. |
|
| Location | Jefferson County, Kansas |
| Coordinates | 39°10′03″N 95°27′07″W / 39.1676°N 95.4520°WCoordinates: 39°10′03″N 95°27′07″W / 39.1676°N 95.4520°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 11,000 acres (4,500 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 891.5 ft (271.7 m) |
Perry Lake is a US Army Corps of Engineers operated reservoir in northeast Kansas. Its primary purposes are flood control, water reserve for nearby areas and regional recreation. The lake is approximately 11,150 acres (45 km²) in size, with over 160 miles of shoreline.[1] Perry Lake is 891.5 ft deep at full multi-purpose pool. Perry Lake is located about 40 miles west of Kansas City, just northwest of Lawrence, Kansas. Its close proximity to Kansas City, Lawrence, and the state capitol, Topeka, make it a very popular destination, with the nickname "Paradise on the Plains".[2]
History
The dam was constructed on the Delaware River to help control flooding downstream in both the Delaware and Kansas rivers.[1] Completed in 1966,[2] the rolled earth fill dam is 7,750 feet long and rises to 95 feet in height above the stream bed, abating flooding for over 1,117 square miles of northeast Kansas.[1] In 1968 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reached a long term land usage lease with the Kansas Parks and Resources Department, allowing for the development of Perry State Park.[3]
Activities
Perry State Park, located along the southwest part of Perry Lake, offers a wide variety of water recreation and outdoor activities:
- Boating: Boats and personal watercraft of all types are allowed. No limits are placed on horsepower, however boaters must follow all applicable state laws. Three marinas and multiple boat launch ramps are available around Perry Lake.
- Camping: The Army Corps of Engineers Slough Creek Campground offers 265 campsites in a mix of walk-in tent sites, sites with full electrical and water hookup, and two large designated group campsites.[2] Perry State Park offers a further 102 campsites with full utility hookups and over 200 primitive campsites.[3] Cabin rentals are also available from the state park.
- Equestrian activities: Perry State Park and the public use Corps of Engineers land has over 25 miles of horse trails for exploration. Primitive camping is allowed at select locations along the trails.
- Fishing: Bassmaster.com has named Perry Lake one of America's 100 best bass lakes.[4] In addition to the white bass and largemouth bass, many other species of fish are also available to anglers including bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, sauger, and walleye.[3]
- Hike/Bike trails: Nine bike trails of varying length and difficulty are provided. The Perry Lake Trail system for hikers has been nationally recognized.
References
- ^ a b c "Welcome to Perry Lake". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Kansas City District website. 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
- ^ a b c "Slough Creek, KS". Recreation.gov. 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
- ^ a b c "Perry State Park". Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism website. 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ "Perry Lake named among top bass fishing lakes in the country". JeffCounty News website. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
