Located 3.5 miles northwest of Council Grove. Fisherman will be hooked on the bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie, in this well stocked 500 acre lake. A public boat ramp, beach, and picnic areas are available. With its beautiful cabins and home sites that surround the lake, Council Grove Lake is home to many and for others home away from home. A visit may reveal the lake home of your future.
Legend has it that while patrolling the Santa Fe Trail with his famous 7th Cavalry Regiment, George Armstrong Custer camped under the huge elm that flourished at this site. The massive trunk is all that remains of this tree that measured more than 100 feet tall and 16 feet around. Custer bought 120
Council Grove, KS LandmarksDesperadoes, ruffians, robbers and horse thieves all "bunked" here in this early day calaboose (jail), built in 1849. It was said to be the only jail on the Santa Fe Trail at the time. Other Durland Park attractions:
Council Grove, KS Pioneer LifeThe Kaw (or Kansa) Indians lived in three villages southeast of Council Grove from 1848 until their removal south to Indian Territory in 1873. Methodist Episcopal missionaries built this school for Kaw children in 1851
Council Grove, KS MuseumsLike its name warns, this store was once the "last chance" for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail to buy supplies for their journey to New Mexico. Built in 1857, the limestone structure is the oldest commercial building in Council Grove and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Council Grove, KS Pioneer HistoryEl Dorado Reservoir has been stocked wth a variety of sportfish, including walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel...