Marion County Park and Lake offers a quiet change of pace to visiting families. The lake was built in 1935-1940 as a civilian Conservation Corps project after Marion County residents approved a bond election to purchase the 300-acre site. Located southeast of Marion (north of Florence on US77), the lake covers about 153 acres, with depths ranging to 40 feet. Marion County owns and operates everything within the four-mile blacktop road circling the lake. The park and lake are surrounded by privately-owned farms and residences.
The superintendent's office is at the west end of the lake above the public boat dock. All activities are governed by Kansas laws and county regulations. Visitors are expected to behave in a safe and courteous manner. The lake is patrolled by the Marion County Sheriff's Department and County Lake Patrol.
For those times when the summer sunshine burns like an oven, the county lake offers a beach are for swimming. You may want to bring along a picnic basket loaded with all the favorite fixings because picnic tables are plentiful.
A shower and rest-room facility was added in the late 1990's for greater camper convenience. No longer do you have to go home bathed only in lake water. The addition make camping more comfortable.
For fishermen who don't know the meaning of quit, the county lake offers continuous opportunity for angling pleasure.
We have a heated dock that is open 24 hours a day so that those who live to fish can do so whenever they want.
To enjoy vacation time at the lake, stop by the Lake Office to purchase licenses for fishing and permits for camping.
Most people would consider the Marion County Park & Lake a great place for a family vacation. "Quiet hours" or curfew, is in effect between 11 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., which contributes to a more restful environment.
CAMPING AND PICNICKING
Most of the numerous campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, some with electrical and water hookups. Toilets are located throughout the park, and a modern shower/restroom facility is also available for greater camper convenience. A dump station is available.
Two shelter houses with picnic tables and fireplaces/grills may be reserved. The lake hall, an air-conditioned metal building with toilets and kitchen is available to groups from April through October. A swimming beach is located near the lake hall, as is a playground.
FISHING AND BOATING
Species available include walleye, saugeye, crappie, white bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass (state record), wipers, sunfish, bluegill, channel and flathead catfish, and drum. A 24-hour heated fishing dock operates year round just east of the dam, providing inside and outside fishing. Boat ramps and a public dock are available. Non-county residents are limited to operating boats at speeds that do not exceed 10 miles an hour. Scuba diving is allowed in certain areas.
HUNTING AND HIKING
All hunting (except bow fishing) is prohibited. Hiking is allowed throughout the park. A variety of waterfowl may be seen, including geese, herons and ducks.
SUPPLIES & CONCESSIONS
State and county licenses, food, fuel, bait, tackle and camping supplies are available at the Marion County Lake Office, and also in the Marion County communities.
For more information, call 620 382-3240, Marion, Kansas 66861
What's New For 2008
Sports equipment checkout now available at the Lake Office. crochet set and horse shoes. giant checkers and shuffleboard kit.
New courtesy dock located at the south boat ramp. This dock is intended for loading and unloading only.
Slip rental is now available. $10.00 per slip, per day. Four slips are available for reservations at the lake office.
Boat beach landing with camping spots, fire ring, picnic table and vehicle accessable. Located on the south side of the lake in the Flats Area.
Now open - Historical Museum representing the Civilian Conservation Corps. Stone building museum located west of the Lake Office. For inquiries, contact Dwight or Helen Beckam, 620-382-2671.
Bluegrass Festival scheduled for Saturday, June 21st at the beach area. Everyone welcome!
Sunday, August 30th, Labor Day Fireworks Extravaganza, carnival games for all ages, fireworks at dusk.
Saturday, October 4th, Chili Cook-off, 12:00pm - 3:00pm, Horshow Tournament, 8:00am, Lake-wide garage sales.
Caught by Harry Ensminger around 3:00 PM 9/14/07 with 17 lb test line and using a jig and pork, trying to catch some bass in waner cove. It was released back into the lake on 9/15/07.
