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Baker University Wetlands
4.8 ★★★★★ 247 Google reviews · Running trail in Lawrence, Kansas · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 11 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Baker University Wetlands' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Spacious wetlands covering 927 acres, popular for bird & wildlife viewing, hikes & other recreation.
What runners say about Baker University Wetlands
“It is a beautiful facility, very well kept, clean, and full of information about wetlands, and all the critters that live in them!”
“It is a beautiful facility, very well kept, clean, and full of information about wetlands, and all the critters that live in them!”
“A large wooden overlook as well; the scenery is absolutely peaceful.”
I hate to say that I have lived in Lawrence all of my life; walked the trails of the baker wetlands countless times, and had no idea that there was actually a Discovery Center until just recently!
I have been driving from Lawrence to KC for years and never knew this place was here!! We went here for a girls day outing. One of my friends uses a motorized wheelchair and she was able to use the paved trail and the gavel trail on the far north side. The area is very calm, not a lot of noise, low traffic.
Nice place for a walk - trails from less than 1 mile to over 4 miles - up to you
Took the kids here and walked the diagonal trail over Labor Day weekend and had a good time. There’s cool trails and lots of informative checkpoints about the wildlife in the wetlands. We saw lots of birds, frogs, small fish, some snakes and there’s even some bee hives.
Trail conditions & character
“It is a beautiful facility, very well kept, clean, and full of information about wetlands, and all the critters that live in them!”
“A short boardwalk weaves around some of the ponds, and then there is a mowed trail (gravel in some areas) that cuts across the rest.”
“A large wooden overlook as well; the scenery is absolutely peaceful.”
“A short boardwalk weaves around some of the ponds, and then there is a mowed trail (gravel in some areas) that cuts across the rest.”
“One of my friends uses a motorized wheelchair and she was able to use the paved trail and the gavel trail on the far north side.”
Plan your run at Baker University Wetlands
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance11 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebakeru.edu
- Phone(785) 594-4700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–12 PM, 1–3 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–12 PM, 1–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–12 PM, 1–3 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–12 PM, 1–3 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–12 PM, 1–3 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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