Parks and Recreation in Olsburg

The area around Olsburg is among the most beautiful in Kansas! It includes the northern Flint Hills, the Blue River Valley, and the upper end of Tuttle Creek Reservoir.

Olsburg is the hub for visitors to the northern end of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, which lies just west of the town. This part of the lake offers Randolph State Park, the Olsburg Marshes and a 12,000 acre Wildlife Refuge only a short distance away.

Randolph State Park boasts campgrounds for both tent and RV camping, many striking scenic vistas overlooking the lake and over 12 miles of horseback, hiking and biking trails.

The Olsburg Marsh is a major migratory waterfowl and songbird nesting area.

The expansive Wildlife Refuge is home to large populations of deer, as well as turkey, quail, coyotes, bobcats, and other wild creatures indigenous to the area.

During season, the marsh and Wildlife Refuge are a highly productive hunting areas for migratory waterfowl, game birds and deer.

The marsh and the refuge are open to the public throughout the year for hiking, exploration and wildlife viewing.

A major hiking-biking trail route has been mapped along rural gravel and dirt roads around Olsburg. "The Rolander Express Trail" is 28.6 miles long, virtually all lying along little traveled rural roads. It is rated "moderately" difficult, offering 9 miles of hills along its route. This trail makes a circuit around Olsburg and includes many scenic points overlooking the valley of the Big Blue River. The trail can be easily hiked or biked in shorter segments. Maps are available and in Olsburg, through the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, or through Pathfinder Sports in Manhattan.

Olsburg abounds with scenic drives! Carnahan Creek Road, from Olsburg south to Highway 13 is one of the most strikingly beautiful drives in the State of Kansas! 

Those who "love to dirt" can take advantage of another beautiful drive north;up Shannon Creek Road, then around Southeast on Spring Creek Road; approximately 20 miles of well-graveled backcountry roads with examples of the some of the best "highlands" in Kansas and access to the rich waterfowl marshes and wildlife areas at the far north end of Tuttle Creek reservoir.