Edness K. Wilkins

Edness K. Wilkins SP https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/places-to-go/edness-k-wilkins https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edness_K._Wilkins_State_Park Edness K. Wilkins State Park is on the North Platte River located six miles (9.7 km) east of the city of Casper in Natrona County, Wyoming. The state park occupies the site of a former rock quarry and offers picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, and bird watching.

Photo by Art Van Rensselaer WYOPARKS.STATE.WY.US WYOPARKS.STATE.WY.US Open daily from 7am to 10pm Day use only; no camping PARK FEES & PERMITS The daily use fee is $6 per Wyoming resident vehicle, or $9 per non-resident vehicle, and is required to enter and use park areas and facilities. An annual daily use permit is available. BIRDS, BIRDS, BIRDS Located on the Central Flyway, this park is a gem for birdwatchers looking to add to their life lists. The park contains several different habitats: it offers a river, as well as a cottonwood grove and open areas. Therefore, many bird varieties are drawn to the park year-round. PARK RULES • Park dumpsters are for park use only. Litter must be disposed of in provided containers. • Keep motorized vehicles on designated roads. A valid driver’s license is required. • All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. • Firearms and fireworks are not allowed. • Obey posted signs, traffic barriers and speed limits. • No glass containers • All pets must be kept on a leash and remain in designated areas. • No motorized boats allowed in the ponds. • No fishing allowed in the ponds. For a complete listing of park rules, visit park headquarters. Birdwatching, hiking, fishing and relaxing are just a few of the many ways you can enjoy your stay. Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park is administered by the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails; Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. 3/16 Photo by Lona Patton In a cooperative effort with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, a nesting pond and wildlife viewing blind have been developed in conjunction with the Wyoming Wildlife “Worth the Watching” program. A riparian habitat area for water-type birds has been included. The local chapter of the National Audubon Society has identified over 50 different kinds of nesting birds, and a list of more than 200 different species of smaller birds. It is possible to see yellow billed cuckoos, cormorants, bald eagles, golden eagles, sharp shinned hawks, and as many as 16 species of ducks. In 2004, the chapter designated EKW as an Important Bird Area. As you walk along the paths through the park, notice the many bird houses placed on trees at strategic heights to attract specific birds. Patient bird watchers may be rewarded with sightings of birds from both the eastern and western areas of the United States. Photo by Traci Rood HOURS LOCATION Edness K. Wilkins State Park is a serene day-use park and the perfect picnic area located six miles east of Casper off Interstate 25, where families, nature lovers and those looking for solitude can enjoy the huge cottonwoods as they cast reflections on the historic North Platte River and lend shade to visitors. ACCESSIBLE Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park provides many accessible amenities. The park features 2.8 miles of accessible, hard-surfaced paths and an accessible fishing pier, the only one like it in the state. HISTORY The park is named after Edness Kimball Wilkins, a 25-year Wyoming legislator and area resident who died in 1980 at the age of 84. In 1981, the land was purchased by the state for approximately $380,000. Containing 362 acres, Edness K. Wilkins State Park was once nothing but a rock quarry. However, since master planning began in 1982, the area has taken on a massive transformation. An additional 2.8 miles of handicapped accessible hard-surfaced paths provide visitors with an opportunity to view some of the best wildlife in the area. Anglers can try their luck fishing in the North Platte River. Swimmers can take a refreshing dip at the park swimming area. ER ADA Boat ramp Camping Dam NO Drinking Water Fishing RTH NO Group Picnic Shelter Park Headquarters TTE PLA T AT L HP RT PHONE NUMBERS EMERGENCY ..................................................... 911 Park Headquarters ........................... (307) 577-5150 IV ER ER RIV Platte River ND Phone PO Picnic Area ND PO Playground Restrooms Trailer Sanitary Station Viewing area Visitor Information PRIVATE LAND Cottonwood Volleyball Court Horse trailer parking area Public access PO Paved Road ND Gravel Road Mountain View Walking/biking trail 20 Centennial Park Headquarters Park e anc Entr 26 EDNESS K. WILKINS STATE PARK