Cheney State Park straddles the breezy, open waters of Cheney Reservoir just west of Wichita, and consistent winds off the plains have made it one of Kansas's premier sailing and windsurfing destinations. Two marinas serve the lake, reflecting the strong boating culture that has grown up around the reservoir. Beyond sailing, the lake supports strong fishing for crappie and walleye, drawing anglers throughout the season, while twelve rental cabins provide lodging options beyond standard camping. Nature trails wind along sections of the shoreline, offering quieter recreation away from the boat traffic on the open water. Given its proximity to Wichita, Cheney functions as a major recreational outlet for the metro area, seeing heavy weekend use for boating, fishing, and camping. Its combination of strong wind conditions, marina infrastructure, and accessible location has made it one of the more specialized and heavily used lake parks in south-central Kansas.