HIT THE TRAILS

The first Saturday in June is National Trails Day, which is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful weather and early summer wildflowers. Wichita plays host to some incredible trails — get out and explore!

Chisholm Creek Trail

Located in Great Plains Nature Center, the largest natural park in Wichita, the Chisholm Creek Trail is an easy way to feel like you have left the city behind. The trail passes through a variety of habitat types found in the Great Plains. There are over two and a half miles of paved trails in the 282-acre park, which crosses

through native and restored environments. To find the park entrances and learn more about park etiquette, go to gpnc.org/chisholm-creek-park. Keep an eye out for the picturesque Tunnel of Trees, which is a natural formation made by a row of native Osage trees!

Redbud Trail

The Redbud Trail travels along what was once the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail corridor, and stretches for 11 miles through Wichita. The trail is very much a local asset, as it passes by multiple city parks, employment hubs and the WSU campus, as well as intersecting with the K-96 bicycle path. The Andover

Augusta Rail Trail Initiative, Inc., (AARTI) partners with local communities to strengthen and maintain the trail so all can enjoy it. Visit redbudtrail.org for trailhead history and locations.

Sedgwick County Park

This beautiful and diverse park, located just west of I-235, includes recreation for all, including fishing lakes, designated sport areas, playgrounds, and of course walking and biking trails. With something to offer everyone, it would be easy to spend a whole day in this popular area. There are three connected trails and a bike path that runs through and around the park, with distances ranging from 1.86 to 3.46 miles. Explore all this wonderful park has to offer at sedgwickcounty.org/parks.

Pracht Wetlands Park

This underrated park is one of the few wetlands remaining in the Midwest. Elevated boardwalks give visitors a chance to view the wetlands in a way that does not intrude on the natural haven. This fascinating environment is home to migratory birds, muskrats, frogs, and many other species of wildlife. The 90-acre park gives visitors a unique sensory experience of this unique area. Visit wichita.gov/ParkandRec/CityParks/Pages/PrachtWetlands.aspx for pictures and more information about the beautiful Pracht Wetlands Park.

here are many other parks and trails in the Wichita area, including the K-96 trailhead, Prairie Sunset Trail, Pawnee Prairie Park, Riparian Woodland Nature Trail, Swanson Park, and Oak Park. Together these parks boast over 100 miles of bicycles paths, lanes and other scenic trails. Create a goal for yourself and your family to visit each one this year, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kansas.