Perry

Perry Park is a recreational day use area, situated near the dam on the south end of Perry Lake. It is located next to a marina and the lake information center, and features a picnic shelter, making it ideal for a large party or family function. The park is surrounded by the lake and a beach on one side, offering plenty of access to the shoreline. Perry Lake has a reputation for being one of the best sailing lakes in the region; however, boaters of all types will enjoy the many opportunities offered here, whether it's sailing, power boating or canoeing. Fishing is excellent — white crappie, flathead catfish, walleye, white bass, channel catfish and sauger are in abundance throughout the lake. In addition to the vast lake, the area has approximately 27,000 acres of public land dedicated to wildlife management: turkey, deer, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, duck and geese are all found on these federal lands. Perry Lake Dam was completed in 1969 to help with flood control for the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Today the lake boasts 159 miles of shoreline and 12,000 surface acres of water, earning it the nickname "paradise on the plains." Several popular trails, including the 29-mile Perry Hiking Trail, are located nearby, along with a public marina. Perry Lake is also a short drive from Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City.