Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Launches Outdoor Recreation Challenge for Kansas 250 Celebration
For Immediate Release:
October 3, 2025
Contact:
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
laura.roseclawson@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Launches Outdoor Recreation Challenge for Kansas 250 Celebration
STATEWIDE–In honor of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is inviting residents and visitors alike to join the Kansas Outdoor Recreation Challenge, a celebration of outdoor adventure across the Sunflower State.
Participants can join the challenge by registering at https://ksoutdoors.gov/Outdoor-Activities/Kansas-250-Challenge and then begin exploring Kansas’s state parks and other public lands through their favorite outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, curious birdwatcher, weekend angler, or simply someone who loves fresh air and open skies, this challenge is your chance to connect with nature, discover new places, and celebrate Kansas’s rich legacy of outdoor recreation.
“Connecting people to meaningful outdoor experiences is at the heart of our mission,” said Conner O’Flannagan, Kansas State Parks director. “This challenge encourages you to enjoy our public lands responsibly and strengthens the connection between people and the outdoors.”
To complete the challenge, participants must log at least ten outdoor activities, anything from hiking and camping to attending a KDWP-sponsored event, between now and July 4, 2026. Those who complete the challenge will receive a certificate of completion and a few fun surprises (while supplies last). But the real reward? The memories made along the way.
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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
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