The Baldwin Backpatch 152 +/- Acres Near Tuttle Creek Lake

Property Description

Located along Baldwin Park Road in Riley County, just one-quarter mile west of Tuttle Creek Lake, this remarkable 152 +/- acre property offers an extraordinary combination of premier hunting, abundant water, rugged terrain, mature timber, rich local history, and tremendous potential for a secluded homesite. With approximately 140 acres of mature timber and 12 acres of native meadow, the property possesses the habitat, privacy, and natural beauty that define a truly special recreational tract.

From the air, the scale and diversity of the landscape become even more impressive. An expansive canopy of mature timber stretches across the rolling countryside, interrupted only by strategically positioned meadows, natural openings, and winding travel corridors. Deep draws, timbered ridges, protected hollows, and changes in elevation provide exceptional bedding and security cover for wildlife. The timber stand consists primarily of burr oak, Chinquapin oak, black walnut, cottonwood, and cedar, offering a combination of hardwood mast production, thermal cover, and year-round habitat.

The property lies in an area widely recognized for producing top-end whitetail genetics. Its extensive timber, secluded interior, dependable water, and varied terrain create the components necessary to hold mature deer throughout the year. The ridges, draws, and narrow openings naturally concentrate wildlife movement, creating ideal funnels and pinch points for carefully planned hunting setups. Turkeys are also abundant throughout the area, with additional opportunities for trapping, wildlife observation, and year-round outdoor recreation. The family has enjoyed the farm over the years, with hiking trails, camping, and limited hunting.

Two existing clearings provide excellent locations for destination food plots. One of the most notable is Kenny’s Holler, a secluded opening surrounded by heavy cover and natural wildlife travel corridors. With thoughtful habitat management, these clearings could be developed into highly effective food sources positioned deep within the property. This is more than land where deer simply pass through; it has the cover, water, terrain, and seclusion required to serve as a true sanctuary for mature whitetails.

Baldwin Creek, a tributary flowing toward and feeding into Tuttle Creek Lake, winds throughout the property. Several natural springs further enhance the dependable water supply and provide additional habitat diversity. The combination of flowing water, timbered creek corridors, protected draws, and nearby lake habitat strengthens the property’s ability to support deer, turkey, and other wildlife throughout every season.

A maintained internal trail system provides access throughout the acreage and connects the primary features of the property. These trails allow a future owner to reach hunting locations, food plots, creek crossings, and remote portions of the tract while also creating excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, ATV use, and general land management.

Beyond its exceptional recreational qualities, the property carries a meaningful connection to the history of the surrounding Big Blue River Valley. A trail running through the tract was once a roadway leading toward the original town of Randolph. Established during the Kansas territorial era, Randolph grew into a thriving agricultural community near the mouth of Fancy Creek. Many of its residents were of Swedish and German descent, including skilled craftsmen responsible for the limestone structures that became part of the town’s identity.

Construction of Tuttle Creek Reservoir forever changed the valley. In 1960, Old Randolph and ten neighboring communities were displaced as the reservoir covered historic townsites, farms, homesteads, and roadways. Although Randolph was rebuilt on higher ground, portions of the original community now rest beneath the waters of Tuttle Creek Lake. The former roadway crossing this property offers a tangible connection to that important chapter of Riley County history, a quiet reminder of the families, farms, and communities that once occupied the valley.

The property also presents an outstanding opportunity to establish a private residence, hunting lodge, or weekend retreat. The native meadow and other openings offer potential building locations surrounded by timber and scenic countryside. A future owner could create a homesite overlooking the wooded landscape while preserving the interior of the tract for hunting and wildlife management. With Tuttle Creek Lake visible just beyond the property, the setting provides an uncommon combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and proximity to one of the region’s most recognized recreational destinations.

Electric service runs along the southern property line, providing an important advantage for future improvements. Private access will be provided by an easement from Baldwin Park Road and recorded with the county. The property is fenced with five-strand barbed wire along the southern, western, and northern boundaries.

All mineral rights are intact and will transfer to the buyer. Approximate 2025 property taxes are $393.94.

Conveniently situated approximately 17 miles from Riley, 21 miles from Manhattan, and 22 miles from present-day Randolph, the property feels remarkably remote without sacrificing access to nearby communities and amenities. Whether envisioned as a serious trophy-whitetail property, private recreational retreat, future homesite, or generational land investment, these 152 +/- acres deliver exceptional wildlife habitat, live water, beautiful timber, commanding scenery, and a rare connection to the history of Tuttle Creek Lake and Old Randolph.