In 1990 Melvern State Park was renamed Eisenhower State Park by the Kansas legislature to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower our homegrown 34th US President. The park is a short 30 minute drive northeast from Emporia on Interstate 35 and 35 miles south on Hwy 75 from Topeka and one and one-half hours from Kansas City Metro area on Hwy 35 south. The Outdoor Store has wildlife T-shirts, specialty items and a variety of nature books which include songbirds, trails in Kansas, wildlife identification guides and more. Nine lane boat ramps located on each side of the park provide excellent access to the many coves and the dam. A full-service marina is located on the south shore.
Anglers catch walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass and channel catfish.
Check the current fishing report for Melvern Reservoir before packing the tackle. Approximately 800 acres of land is available for archery deer and bird hunting as well as horseback riding. Wildlife areas around Melvern Reservoir offer over 10,000 acres of additional hunting opportunities and access to fishing. Hike or bring your horse and experience the beauty of IKE's 20 miles of trails. Camping with horses is permitted in Cowboy Campground and on the north loop of Westpoint Campground - 4 sites have water and 10 sites have electrical only.