LASR.net Homepage




Menu


Tanko Lake


category : Recreation
Tanko Lake Santa Fe Tanko Lake was built in 1870 to draw fresh water for the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston Railway steam locomotives and later for the Atchison Topeka Santa Fe Railway's steam locomotives. The 45-acre lake was deeded by the Santa Fe Railway to the city as a New Years gift in 1954. Prior to being deeded to the city, by some sort of lease arrangement, it became the water supply for the entire town until 1900 when the the new municipal water lake was put into service.

During the depression years, the old lake was seized by a group of volunteers and huge amounts of fish were distributed among those who hardly knew where their next meal was to come from. After the Santa Fe Railway discontinued use of the old lake, for years its served no practical use. In April 1, 1957, public fishing opened at the lake. The Cherryvale News, April 28, 1881, stated: "Last week the fish commissioner for this state, Mr. Long, put 10,000 fish in the lake south of town."

The lake is still an ideal fishing spot for young and old alike with its fishing berms and a small boat ramp. The National Guard has built a bridge to the island for added fishing access. But largemouth bass under 18 inches and channel catfish under 15 inches must be returned into the water.

Tanko Lake is now part of Cherryvale's Recreation Commission with three baseball fields, a pitching batting cage, basketball and tennis courts, playground and a picnic shelter with fire pit. The commission organizes youth baseball, softball, football, and basketball leagues each season. Guests at the lake can enjoy the migratory waterfowl which make the lake a regular stop on their mysterious seasonal journeys. Sometimes "Tanko" even provides an ideal skating place. Overnight Camping, Swimming, and Hunting is prohibited.


Hours: OPEN YEAR ROUND
Address: Roads end at South Galveston Street

Come visit us in Cherryvale, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Santa Fe Depot

The Santa Fe Depot remains as an icon to the bygone days of railroading with memories of steam locomotives, doodlebugs and cabooses. Built in 1910, it is the only depot of this style left standing on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway'

Cherryvale, KS Railroad History

Leatherock Hotel and Museums

The Leatherock Hotel is the only local hotel left among the 19 hotels built in Cherryvale's bygone era. This 1912 historic hotel, adjacent to the crossing tracks of AT&

Cherryvale, KS Museums

Tanko Lake

Santa Fe Tanko Lake was built in 1870 to draw fresh water for the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston Railway steam locomotives and later for the Atchison Topeka Santa Fe Railway's steam locomotives. The 45-acre lake was deeded by the Santa Fe Railway to the city as a New Years gift in 1954

Cherryvale, KS Recreation

Bloody Bender Family 1871-1873

Ruthless Keepers of the Devil's Inn "Near here are the Bender Mounds, named for the infamous Bender family, John, his wife, son, and daughter Kate, who settled here in 1871

Cherryvale, KS Notables

Louise Brooks Birthplace

Born Mary Louise Brooks on November 14, 1906

Cherryvale, KS Famous People

Things to do Recreation near Cherryvale, KS

City Parks

Kiwanis Park Playground tables, grill and rest room are adjacent to soccer fields. Located at the east edge of B...

Walking Stations

Walking Stations: Fredonia Southeast City Park (2 blocks south of Washington on 15th St.) and Pryor Field (11th and Robinson)...

Lebo City Lake

The Lebo City lake was rebuilt in 1997. Originally constructed as the citys' water supply, the lake is being developed as a r...

Chanute City Lake

The Chanute City Lake is an 80 Acre lake located on the South edge of Chanute in Santa Fe Park. It has a free Municipal Campg...