Outdoors

Brilliant auburn leaves, a blanket of sparkling snow, velvet purple crocuses, the warm summer breeze. There's nothing better than the changing of the seasons in McPherson. Our prairie land treasures provide a refreshing welcome to a community where outdoor adventure flourishes. Spend an afternoon discovering flowers, native grasses, birds and more at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge or at the McPherson Valley Wetlands.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
2577 Pueblo Road
Canton, KS 67428
Phone: 620-628-4455
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Looking for an opportunity to view the Kansas prairie up close and personal? Take a short drive northeast of McPherson and visit Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Located six miles north of Canton, Kansas, the 2,800 wildlife refuge is home to bison and elk. Public access includes occasional tram tours, horse back rides and the observation tower. Special tours on wildflowers, bird life and other topics are available by reservation. The McPherson State Fishing Lake is located on the west border of the refuge where fishing and primitive camping sites are available.

McPherson Valley Wetlands
967 Mohawk Road
McPherson, KS 67460
Phone: 620-241-7669
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The McPherson Valley Wetlands encompasses over 4,000 acres and is managed intensively for waterfowl. The area currently holds 51 independently managed wetland pools. Spring migration provides a spectacular sight for viewing migratory birds in full plumage. In 1995, whooping cranes visited the site for the first time in 100 years. A handicapped-accessible viewing area is available. A strong pheasant, quail and dove population attracts seasonal hunters. Sportsmen are asked to check with the wildlife manager before each visit to determine changes in areas open to hunting.

Hiking & Biking

Enjoy a refreshing, peaceful view of our community by hiking or biking one of the corridors in the McPherson area. The Meadowlark Trail is a work in progress along a former Union Pacific railroad corridor stretching for 12.6 miles between the cities of McPherson and Lindsborg. To access the trail from McPherson, parking is available in a grass lot located at the corner of Moccasin Road and U.S. Highway 81. The Sunflower Santa Fe Trail includes 33 miles of trail across a scattering of small cities in central Kansas, ultimately connecting the communities of McPherson and Marion. Parking can be found at the trailhead located 100 yards west of S. McPherson Street in Galva. Both trails are maintained throughout the year by community volunteers.

Hunting

The McPherson area is abundant with wildlife, which provides quality hunting options. The McPherson Valley Wetlands Wildlife Area , located 6 miles west of McPherson, offers 4,455 acres of marshes and lakes. While managed intensively for waterfowl, the wetlands also provides access to pheasants, quail and doves. Pheasant hunters will also enjoy the McPherson Valley Uplands featuring 46 acres of nature trails and in-season hunting. White-tail deer hunting is also available. All hunters are asked to adhere to Kansas hunting regulations and license requirements .

Birding

McPherson Valley Wetlands
967 Mohawk Road, McPherson, KS 67460

The 4,455-acre wetland complex is ideal for viewing waterfowl, shorebirds and pheasants year round. Hunting is permitted during season. For more information, call 620.241.7669.

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
2565 Pueblo Road, Canton, KS 67428

Located six miles north of Canton, Kansas, Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is home to elk, bison, birds and wildflowers. More than 100 species have been identified. Tram rides, horseback trails and an observation tower are available to the public. Fishing and camping are available at nearby McPherson State Fishing Lake.

Lakeside Park
511 N. Lakeside Drive, McPherson, KS 67460

Composed of 46 acres, Lakeside Park is one of the largest parks in McPherson and provides an event cabin, six (6) picnic shelters, three (3) playgrounds, a volleyball area, a frisbee golf course, fishing and restrooms. The Kids with Dreams Playground is dedicated to making the playground accessible to disabled children. Lakeside Park is home to many community activities including Movies in the Park, McPherson Festival of Cultures and All Schools Day May Fete . The August San Romani Band Shell is host to seasonal outdoor concerts.

Swimming

McPherson Water Park
511 Lakeside Drive, McPherson, KS 67460

Spend an afternoon relaxing at the McPherson Water Park where you will discover fun for all ages in a safe environment featuring a 500-foot lazy river, 188-foot water slide and children's spray area. The zero-entry pool is inviting to children while providing eight (8) 50-meter lanes for the experienced swimmer. Older children will enjoy the diving boards. The McPherson Water Park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, seven days a week.

McPherson Family YMCA
220 N. Walnut, McPherson, KS 67460

The aquatics program at the McPherson Family YMCA provides two (2) indoor swimming pools, swimming lessons, lifeguard training and access to a local youth swim team.

Baseball & Softball

The McPherson Recreation Commission was organized in 1946 to provide recreation programs to the community of McPherson. Numerous baseball and softball diamonds are available for recreational games and tournaments. Local sports teams representing USD 418, McPherson College and Central Christian College also utilize the facilities for routine practices and games. For more information, contact the McPherson Recreation Commission at 620.241.0363.

Grant Sports Complex
1800 N. Main, McPherson, KS 67460

Grant Sports Complex boasts two (2) baseball fields, two (2) softball fields and two (2) T-Ball fields. Batting cages, concessions and playgrounds are also available. Access to the baseball fields are limited and may not be used without authorization. Restrooms are open throughout the year from 7 a.m. to dusk.

Homeside Park Field
1300 N. Wheeler, McPherson, KS 67460

Homeside Park Field houses a T-Ball and Coach Pitch practice field where families often spend their summer evenings cheering on their little league champions.

Light Capital Complex
551 S. Fisher, McPherson, KS 67460

Light Capital has one (1) baseball field with stadium seating and concessions. Batting cages and a T-Ball field are also available.

Rolf Softball Diamond
614 N. Mulberry, McPherson, KS 67460

Rolf Softball Diamond is reserved for softball and youth baseball for ages fifth grade and younger.

Wall Park Complex
500 S. Maxwell, McPherson, KS 67460

Wall Park Complex houses four (4) baseball/softball diamonds, concessions and a playground. Coin-operated batting cages are also available.

Basketball

The gymnasium located in the McPherson Community Building served as home court to the McPherson Globe Refiners Basketball team in the 1930s. The team, sponsored by the local oil refinery, won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in 1936. Since those early days, McPherson has consistently produced state-winnning high school teams. Many of those young women and men began their journey on a basketball court maintained by the City of McPherson or by the McPherson Family YMCA .

Challenger Park
300 E. Kansas, McPherson, KS 67460

Challenger Park provides two (2) lighted outdoor basketball courts provide space for impromptu basketball games for youth and adults.

Community Building
121 E. Marlin, McPherson, KS 67460

The Community Building offers one (1) large or two (2) practice hard-surface indoor courts. Reservations are required to use the gymnasium. For more information, call 620.241.245.2535.

McPherson Family YMCA
220 N. Walnut, McPherson, KS 67460

The McPherson Family YMCA has one (1) large or two (2) practice hard-surface indoor courts. The facilities are available to members or can be rented by guests. For more information, call 620.241.0363.

Disc Golf

McPherson embraced the popularity of disc golf by establishing two courses. A 9-hole disc golf course surrounds Turkey Creek located in Lakeside Park, offering challenging obstacles. After completing the course, travel south along Turkey Creek where you will discover an 18-hole disc golf course at Wall Park. Both courses are available for personal use and tournaments.

Golf

McPherson has three (3) area golf courses to suite individual and group golfing needs. Spend personal time on the greens or plan your next group outing at one of the locations. Professionals at each course are committed to helping you determine tee times, organize a corporate golf event or plan a charity golf tournament.

Turkey Creek Golf Course
1000 Fox Run, McPherson, KS 67460

Built in 1990, Turkey Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole facility with gorgeous bluegrass fairways and bent grass greens. There are four sets of tees ranging from 4,597 yards to over 6,300 yards with a par of 70. Native grass areas on numerous holes add to the beauty of the well-manicured course. There is also a 300-plus yard driving range, which has natural grass tees and a full length hitting mat that is used during inclement weather conditions. Golf lessons, driving and putting ranges, pro shop and concessions are available. Call 620.241.8530 for more information.

R olling Hills Acres
1461 Pioneer Road, McPherson, KS 67460

Established in 1959, Rolling Acres Golf Club is located north of McPherson along U.S. Highway 81. The member-owned facility offers a 9-hole course, putting green, club house and cart rentals. The course features 2,906 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Well-groomed fairways and greens are open to the public and offer a convenient location for regular rounds of golf or a new destination for family and friends visiting the area. Call 620.241.0630 for more information.

McPherson Country Club
1396 Pioneer Road, McPherson, KS 67460

Built in 1960, the McPherson Country Club provides a private 9-hole golf course located north of McPherson. From the back tees, even the best golfers encounter challenges. Call 620.241.3541 for more information.

Soccer

The McPherson Recreation Commission (MRC) was organized in 1946 to provide recreation programs to the community of McPherson. MRC coordinates seasonal youth soccer leagues. Six (6) soccer fields are available for recreational games and tournaments at Grant Sports Complex, 1800 N Main. For more information, contact the McPherson Recreation Commission at 620.241.0363.

Spectators can enjoy soccer games affiliated with sports teams at McPherson High School , Central Christian College and McPherson College .

Tennis

Outdoor tennis courts are available throughout the city and are used for individual and team recreation.

Challenger Park
Four (4) lighted courts
300 E. Kansas, McPherson, KS 67460

Wall Park
Six (6) unlighted courts
478 S. Park, McPherson, KS 67460

McPherson High School
Eight (8) lighted courts
898 N. High Drive, McPherson, KS 67406

McPherson College Doris Coppock Tennis Courts
Four (4) lighted courts
1600 E. Euclid, McPherson, KS 67460

Central Christian College
Two (2) tennis courts
1320 S. Maple, McPherson, KS 67460