City of Milford, Acorns Resort, USACE

Photo Courtesy of Acorns Resort

The City of Milford, KS and Acorns Resort, in coordination with official data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Kansas City, MO, are excited to announce a landmark year for North Central Kansas tourism. In 2025, Milford Lake welcomed 1,374,209 visitors, officially cementing its status as a top-tier destination in the Sunflower State.

This visitation surge places the state’s largest lake among the elite tier of Kansas outdoor attractions. Outpacing many of the state’s metropolitan cultural icons, Milford Lake’s 1.37 million visitors highlight a growing national trend of travelers seeking high-quality outdoor recreation and “lake life” experiences.

“Welcoming 1.37 million people is a massive achievement that underscores the importance of Milford Lake to the local, regional, and state economy,” said Mike Harris, Owner of Acorns Resort. “Whether they are here for our fishing, boating, hunting, or hiking the Flint Hills, it is clear that Milford Lake is the heavyweight champion of the Kansas outdoors.”

The growth is translating into more than just weekend tourism; it is driving a shift in the regional housing market.

“The impact of Milford Lake’s growth is visible everywhere, even in our housing market,” stated Brad Roether, Mayor of the City of Milford. “We are seeing growth across Geary and Clay County because our natural resources, especially the fishing—have turned us into a multi-state regional attraction. People are buying homes here just to be closer to our outdoors; I don’t know if that is good or bad, but it is certainly taking place.”

The economic impact of this visitation level is a vital engine for the region, supporting local businesses, infrastructure, and job creation through a massive influx of tourism dollars into North Central Kansas.