A Sacred Spring Became One of Kansas' Most Beautiful Lakes
Why Rent On Glen Elder Reservoir
Glen Elder Reservoir, also known as Waconda Lake, covers 12,500 acres in Kansas’ Solomon River Valley on a site that was once home to a sacred mineral spring and a Victorian-era sanitarium. The history here is as interesting as the recreation, and the lake itself is outstanding for fishing, boating, and hunting across a 13,000-acre surrounding wildlife area. A vacation rental near Waconda Lake gives your family a genuinely distinctive Kansas destination.
Cozy Rentals in a Rural Kansas Setting
Vacation rentals near Glen Elder Reservoir offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and peaceful outdoor spaces set against the open Kansas countryside and the lake’s beautiful horizon. Pet-friendly options are available, and the rural, unhurried character of this part of the Solomon Valley gives the whole stay a quality of calm that busy families find genuinely restorative. The park’s serene setting and stunning sunsets are reasons enough to book.
Fishing, Boating, Hunting, and Eagle Watching
The reservoir holds crappie, walleye, black bass, and catfish in strong numbers, making it a reliable and rewarding fishery throughout the season. Bald and golden eagles, deer, and a wide variety of waterfowl inhabit the surrounding wildlife area, and eagle watching here is among the best available at any Kansas lake. Hunting opportunities in the Glen Elder Wildlife Area draw serious outdoor families throughout the appropriate seasons.
Waconda Trail and the Heritage Village
The Waconda Trail is a five-mile hiking route through grasslands with lake views that gives families an excellent way to experience the landscape on foot. The Waconda Springs Replica and the Waconda Heritage Village, featuring the historic Hopewell Church, provide fascinating historical context for a site that has been significant to human communities for centuries. The beach at Cheyenne Campground adds a traditional lake recreation option for younger swimmers.
A Kansas Lake with Layers Worth Exploring
Glen Elder Reservoir offers something unusual for a Kansas lake destination: genuine historical depth alongside outstanding natural beauty and recreation. A vacation rental here gives your family the space to absorb all of it, from morning fishing to afternoon trail hikes to evening stories about the springs that once drew thousands of visitors to this same valley. That is a rich travel experience by any measure.
- Surface area (mi)
- 12.53
- Max depth (ft)
- 54.99
- Elevation (ft)
- 1246.72
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 99.42
Popular activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Glen Elder Reservoir has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake). The Osage Area of Glen Elder State Park has a swimming beach, providing a safe and designated area for swimming.
-
Glen Elder Reservoir, or Waconda Lake, is a popular destination because it offers various recreational activities. It provides opportunities for camping, boating, hunting, and fishing, as well as bird watching and trail walking. The reservoir is also surrounded by a large wildlife area, making it a great spot for seeing diverse wildlife species.
-
Floatline fishing in Glen Elder Reservoir is allowed year-round, 24 hours a day. Anglers are limited to no more than eight floatlines, which must be under immediate supervision and removed from the water when fishing ceases. All float material must be made from plastic, wood, or foam with a closed-cell construction.
-
The Osage Area beach at Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake) is best for families. It has a swimming beach, reservable group shelter, and amenities like restrooms and picnic areas. This setup makes it convenient and comfortable for family outings.
-
Towns near Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake) include Salina, Hays, and Junction City in Kansas, as well as Hastings and Kearney in Nebraska. These towns are within a reasonable driving distance, offering various amenities and services. The reservoir is located in north central Kansas, near the city of Glen Elder itself.
