Milford State Park offers a very generous public lake with so many options for family friendly fun. Located just 30 minutes west of Manhattan, the lake is great for both a day trip or weekend getaway.
Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery
The Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery boasts an indoor museum, outside butterfly garden and fish hatchery. This is such a great learning experience for both children and adults. The self-led museum tour is free and is open year round though hours vary seasonally.
After you tour the Milford Nature Center, make use of the amazing Nature Playground which sits just outside of the main museum. This playground is fun for all ages and features a jumbo eagles nest, the option to climb on the back of a giant spider and even live birds to visit as well. There is a picnic area close by.
Dining Options
Grab lunch at a local favorite, The Cove! Enjoy the beautiful views of the water and take a turn on everyone’s favorite, the extra-large, double glider swing! Open daily at 11 a.m., you can arrive by boat, car or foot. The restaurant sits right on the water and has amazing views! Try your hand at cornhole, karaoke or watch their live music. Be sure to try out the fried mushrooms or the country fried elk steak.
Beach Options
Bring some sand toys and walk right into the water to play or consider renting pontoon boats, kayaks, stand-up boards, and more from The Cove. Other rental options include the Thunderbird Marina and On the Docks Milford Lake Marina as well!
Fishing and Hunting
Don’t forget to try your hand at fishing to see if you can beat the local record for the largest fish coming in at a whopping 82.05 pounds! The blue catfish is a local catch you just might beat for size. Make sure to check out the fishing forecast to best plan your trip.
Milford State Park also offers hunting as long as you have your hunting license. Hunters can expect to find variety of game including quail, pheasant, prairie chicken, duck, goose, rabbit, turkey, deer, and squirrel.
Overnight Options at Milford Lake
Need more time to explore all of the options in the area? Check out the rental options for both day and overnight rental accommodations on this map, which includes cabins, campsites and RV options. Here are some of our top choices:
- Acorns Resort features a selection of RV campgrounds, custom-made cabins, a lodge facility with hotel style rooms adjacent to a boat ramp and Pacific Yurts overlooking rocky shores!
- With the option of both cabin rentals and RV sites, Flagstop Resort & RV Park is a great option. Located close to both the beach and boat slips, as well as a restaurant, store and park, you will be among a tiny town for your stay.
- If you are looking for more traditional tent camping, check out the Milford State Park Cabins and Campgrounds. With over 200 options to choose from, you will be sure to find your perfect campsite or cabin for the weekend.
Additional Local Options
Take some time away from the water and enjoy some time on the green at Rolling Meadows Golf Course.
