A Place to Get Some Sun on Your Face

In Clay County, the dark sandstone of Kansas’ smoky hills meets the flint and limestone of the state’s rolling flint hills. The Republican River meanders through the county, feeding our streams, lush river valley and wetlands before emptying into Milford Lake. Consequently, we are home to some of the most stunning scenery Kansas has to offer, as well as some of its liveliest outdoor activity.

Go boating, camping or skiing on Milford Lake. Take a stroll through Wakefield’s Kansas Landscape Arboretum. Whoop it up at the PRCA-sanctioned Longford Rodeo. Play a few rounds at one of Clay Center’s two nine-hole golf courses. Go hunting on miles of public land or on private game preserves. Bring your binoculars for a day of birding on the Steve Lloyd wetlands, or spend some time canoeing and fishing on the Republican River.

Whatever your outdoor interests, we can accommodate you.

Recreation Links

• Kansas Birding Festival
• Milford Lake
• Kansas Landscape Arboretum
• Browndale Farms
• Clay Center Country Club
• Kansas Recreation Finder

Hunting and Fishing at Milford Lake

Milford lake, which spans over 16,000 surface acres, is the largest lake in Kansas. The surrounding area is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including blue herons, bald eagles and whitetail deer. While the lake is a popular fishing spot (Walleye tournaments are frequently held at Milford), it is also a place for family fun and recreation. The lake is easily accessible, providing a perfect place for campers and those looking for some fun in the water.

The public land surrounding Milford lake, known as the Milford wildlife area, contains approximately 19,000 acres of tall grass, wetlands and wooded terrain. The entire area is open to public hunting (game fowl and deer reside in abundance), as well as wildlife observation and photography. The Milford Nature Center is available for scheduled tours and provides a wealth of knowledge on the area.

Located within the wildlife area, the Milford and Steve Lloyd Wetlands are the largest partnership with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers of a wetland restoration project in America. The wetlands are inhabited by birds from both the Central and Mississippi Flyways. For information concerning the Milford Wetlands, visit http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/projects/milford/.

The Kansas Birding Festival will be held in Wakefield on April 25th-27th, 2008. Guided birding and wildlife trips will be available at several locations nearby, including Milford Lake, Milford and Steve Lloyd Wetlands, Milford Nature Center, Kansas Landscape Arboretum, Konza Prarie and Fort Riley.

Hunter’s Accommodations

Cedar Court Motel

Ninth and E. Highway 24
Clay Center, KS 67432
Phone: 785-632-2148

Deacon’s Lodge

302 Third St.
Wakefield, KS 67487
Phone: 785-461-5665

Deacon’s Lodge is a full service lodge. It accommodates up to 12 people and allows dogs. The lodge features a full-service kitchen and plenty of parking. This is a year-round facility for all types of visitors.

Sunrise Motel

12th and E. Highway 24
Clay Center, KS 67432
Phone: 785-632-5611

Outfitters

Dieck’s Catering and Clay Center Locker

212 Sixth St.
Clay Center, KS 67432
Phone: 785-632-5550
Wild game processing.

McNeil’s Game Farm and Outfitting

1850 Cherokee Rd.
Clay Center, KS 67432
Phone: 785-632-5040
e-mail: tmcneil@dsoelectricwb.com.
Ringneck pheasants and a controlled shooting area.

T&H General Store

674 Sunflower Rd.
Wakefield, KS 67487
Phone: 785-461-5267
Hunting supplies, ammo, and licenses/stamps.