Plan Your Visit
Map & Directions
Use this guide to find your way to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. We’ll help your GPS get it right and make sure you arrive with time to relax, stretch your legs, and get ready for your prairie adventure.
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge · Canton, Kansas
About 6 miles north of Canton in the Smoky Hills prairie.
Contact
Phone: (620) 628-4455
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge /
2565 Pueblo Road, Gypsum, KS 67448
Search in maps for:
“Maxwell Wildlife Refuge” or “Friends of Maxwell”.
Map Coordinates
38°28’40” N – 97°26’53” W
Driving Directions
Most visitors will approach from Canton, McPherson, Salina, Wichita, or Hutchinson. Follow the brown refuge signs and use the steps below as a quick guide.
From Canton, KS (Closest Town)
- From US-56 in Canton, follow the brown signs for Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and McPherson State Fishing Lake north out of town.
- Continue north for about 6 miles.
- Watch for signs directing you west toward Pueblo Road and the refuge entrance.
- Turn in at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge / Friends of Maxwell sign and follow the drive to the Visitor Center.
From McPherson, KS
- Take US-56 east toward Canton.
- In Canton, follow the brown signs for Maxwell Wildlife Refuge north out of town.
- Continue about 6 miles north of Canton, then turn west following signs to Pueblo Road and the refuge entrance.
From Salina, KS
- Take I-135 south toward McPhersson
- Exit at Smokey Valley Road and head east toward Roxbury Approx. 10 Miles
- At Roxbury turn right at the intersection of 27th Ave and Smokey Valley Rd
- Go 5 miles to the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge entrance Turn Right into the facilty, head east until you see the office on the left side of the Rd.
From Wichita, KS
- Take I-135 north toward McPherson.
- Exit toward McPherson and travel east on US-56 toward Canton.
- In Canton, follow the brown signs north to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
- Drive about 6 miles north, then follow signs to Pueblo Road and the refuge entrance.
From Hutchinson, KS
- Travel north toward McPherson and connect to US-56 east toward Canton.
- In Canton, follow brown signs directing you north to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.
- Continue about 6 miles, then follow signs to Pueblo Road and the refuge entrance.
Using GPS & Maps
Some GPS systems may try to route you to nearby ranches or just to the fishing lake.
- Use the full address for best results.
- Search for “Maxwell Wildlife Refuge Canton KS”.
- Confirm your destination before you leave town.
Parking & Arrival
Free parking is available at the Visitor Center, with space for most vehicles.
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before tram tours.
- Bus and group parking is available; confirm when booking.
- Use this time for restrooms and getting your group ready.
Road & Weather Notes
You’re heading into true Kansas prairie country—conditions can change with the weather.
- Some approach roads are gravel or chip-and-seal.
- Heavy rain, snow, or ice can affect travel time.
- Check the homepage or call ahead if weather looks questionable.