Clinton State Park
State park · Kansas
Cottonwoods and bur oak line the north shore of Clinton Lake at the edge of Lawrence, a reservoir formed by damming the Wakarusa River a few miles above its meeting with the Kansas River. Nearly 25 miles of shoreline trail loop through the color, and on calm October mornings the turning trees double themselves in the water.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 18–November 3
Climatological window from published records. The weather model’s elevation extrapolation isn’t reliable on this terrain, so this is the long-run normal rather than a season-specific forecast.
Source: https://takingthekids.com/the-best-times-and-spots-to-see-kansass-fall-foliage-in-2025/
When to go to Clinton State Park
In an average year, peak color falls between October 18 and November 3.
From Kansas City it is about 42 mi, close enough for a morning drive.
Clinton State Park on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Kansas, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
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Frequently asked
- When does Clinton State Park peak?
- In a typical year, color peaks around October 18–November 3. The weather model's elevation extrapolation isn't reliable on this terrain, so this is a climatological window (source: https://takingthekids.com/the-best-times-and-spots-to-see-kansass-fall-foliage-in-2025/) rather than a season-specific forecast.
- How do I get to Clinton State Park?
- The closest city is Kansas City, about 42 mi away. It's part of Kansas's fall lineup.
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