Your Guest Guide
Antler Creek Lodge
25733 Dempsey Road · McLouth, Kansas
“Tucked below a timbered ridge — a custom-built lodge for the ones who love the outdoors.”
Welcome to Antler Creek
Welcome — we're glad you chose Antler Creek.
You're staying in a custom-built lodge on 5 private acres in rural Jefferson County, Kansas— tucked below a timbered ridge with a creek winding through the land. Inside, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace anchors a great room under soaring cathedral ceilings, with a chef's kitchen, buffalo-check lodge comforts, and mounts on the walls. It was built from the ground up for people who love the outdoors.
Whether you're here to hunt whitetail during the November rut, gather around the fire pit under a wide Kansas sky, or simply unplug from the city, this lodge is built for all of it — and downtown Lawrence and the greater Kansas City area are both an easy drive when you want them.
I'm David Swanson, your host and point of contact throughout your stay. I've been Superhost-rated for 12 years running — please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Your Host
David Swanson — Superhost for 12 years, available throughout your stay for any questions or needs.
913-461-3283Need Help?
Message first through your booking platform. For urgent matters, call or text David directly.
913-461-3283
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency: 911
- Jefferson Co. Sheriff: 785-863-2765
- Nearest ER: LMH Health, 325 Maine St, Lawrence (~28 min, 24/7)
- Same-Day Care: LMH clinic, 313 S Union St, McLouth
Quick Reference
Arrival & Access
Finding the Lodge
GPS: 25733 Dempsey Road, McLouth, KS 66054
The property is about 5 minutes from downtown McLouth and 14 minutes from Tonganoxie. Look for the gated entrance and the Antler Creek sign at the head of the asphalt drive — the gate will be open during your stay window.
Open in Google Maps →Self Check-In
- Check-in is self-service, any time after 4:00 PM. Your keypad door code will be sent via your booking app before arrival.
- Enter the code on the front-door keypad — wait for the green light, then open.
- The lodge is single-level, so there are no interior stairs to manage with your gear or luggage.
- If you have any trouble getting in, call or text David at 913-461-3283 and we'll get you sorted right away.
Check-In
4:00 PM
Check-Out
10:00 AM
Early/Late Check-In?
Message in the Booking App
Parking
- Vehicles: park free on the asphalt drive inside the gated entrance — plenty of room for the whole group.
- Trucks & trailers: the maintenance-free asphalt drive handles full-size trucks and trailers comfortably.
- A car is essential out here — the lodge is rural, and there's no rideshare or transit service to the property.
The Lodge
A single-level, custom-built lodge — open great room under cathedral ceilings, chef's kitchen, three bedrooms, and two full baths. Sleeps up to 6.
Great Room, Kitchen & Dining
The heart of the lodge is an open great room, kitchen, and dining area under soaring cathedral ceilings, anchored by a striking floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The chef's kitchen has stained cabinetry, dark granite counters, a big island with seating, and stainless appliances, with a live-edge dining table alongside for group meals. Deer, turkey, and pronghorn mounts and a 65" smart TV round out the room.
Wood-Burning Fireplace
The stone fireplace is fully functional and wood-burning. A starter supply of firewood is often on hand, but to be sure, plan to bring your own or source it locally. Make sure the flue is open before lighting, never leave a fire unattended, and extinguish it completely before bed.
Bedrooms
Primary Bedroom
A comfortable king bed dressed in buffalo-check lodge bedding, with nightstands, reading lamps, and its own en-suite bath (double vanity and a jetted soaking tub).
Bedrooms 2 & 3
Two more bedrooms with full/double beds, ceiling fans, and lodge-style touches — one with a wall-mounted smart TV and additional fold-out seating for extra sleeping. Sleeps 6 in all, with linen and coat closets throughout.
Bathrooms & Laundry
Two full bathrooms — the primary en-suite has a double granite vanity and a jetted soaking tub, and the guest bath has a tub/shower. Fresh towels are provided in both. There's also an in-unit washer and dryer and a dedicated gear/mud room by the side entrance — handy for boots, packs, and coming in from the field.
WiFi
Connect using the network name and password below, or just scan the QR code with your phone's camera. If you have trouble connecting, call David at 913-461-3283.
Network
Antler Creek
Password
bowhunter23
Cell Service
Coverage in the McLouth area is generally solid on the major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), though it can dip in the timber.
Scan to Connect
What We Provide
Kitchen
- Full cookware, knives & utensils
- Coffee maker & toaster
- Dishwasher, microwave & full fridge
- Dish soap, detergent pods & trash bags
Bathrooms
- Toilet paper & hand soap
- Shower towels, hand towels, washcloths
- Hair dryer
- Basic bath amenities
Sleeping
- Fresh linens on all beds
- Extra pillows & blankets
- Hangers & closet space
- Ceiling fans in bedrooms
Comfort & Outdoors
- In-unit washer & dryer
- Central heat & A/C
- Fire pit & covered porch
- First-aid kit, flashlights, fire extinguisher
Please leave unused consumables in place for the next guests.
On the Property
5 private acres below a timbered ridge, with a creek running through the land.
Your own slice of the Kansas countryside
The lodge sits at the center of the acreage, with the fire pit and its ring of chairs just off the covered porch, mowed fields opening toward the tree line, and the timbered ridge and creek beyond. It's quiet, dark-sky private, and made for slow mornings and long evenings outdoors.
🔥
Fire Pit
A large outdoor fire pit with seating sits just off the porch — the natural gathering spot after dark. A starter supply of firewood may be on hand; bring your own or source locally to be sure. Never leave a fire unattended.
🌿
Covered Front Porch
Cedar-sided and set with Adirondack chairs and whiskey-barrel tables, the covered porch is made for slow mornings with coffee — and a favorite spot for watching deer and turkey in the early hours.
🌊
Antler Creek
A creek winds through the property below the timbered ridge, adding to the peaceful natural setting. Great for exploring on foot — stay aware of the terrain, especially after rain.
🌄
Timbered Ridge
The wooded ridge above the property is the highlight — timber-to-field transitions create a natural wildlife corridor. Explore by foot and take in views of the surrounding agricultural landscape.
🚗
Gated Entry
The property is gated with a maintenance-free asphalt drive. Privacy is built in from the moment you turn off Dempsey Road.
📷
Trail Cameras
Trail cameras are active on the property to monitor wildlife. These are host property cameras — please don't disturb or move them.
Hunting at Antler Creek
A Proven Wildlife Funnel
The property sits at the intersection of timbered ridge and surrounding agricultural fields — a natural travel corridor for eastern-Kansas whitetail and turkey. Trail cameras have confirmed consistent quality wildlife activity, and the November rut along the ridge is exceptional.
What's on the Property
🦌 Whitetail Deer
Proven rut activity along the timber edge. The ridge-to-field transition is a classic November funnel.
🦃 Wild Turkey
Gobbling turkeys are consistently active on the property, particularly in the timber and along field edges.
Hunting Rules
- Kansas hunting license required. All guests hunting must be licensed.
- Stay within property lines at all times. Know your boundaries.
- Always identify your target and what is beyond it. Neighboring agricultural land is active.
- Firearms must be stored safely when not in use — lock them in your vehicle.
- Respect the land — pack out all trash from stands and blinds.
- Questions about stand locations or property boundaries? Contact David before your hunt.
Kansas Hunting Resources
Area Guide
You're in rural Jefferson County — small-town quiet, with Tonganoxie close by and Lawrence and Kansas City both an easy drive.
Food & Restaurants
McLouth (~5 min)
McLouth is a small rural town — great for a quick stop at the local Casey's for gas, snacks, pizza, and coffee, but limited full-service dining. Plan on Tonganoxie or Lawrence for sit-down meals.
- Casey's General Store — gas, snacks, made-to-order pizza
Tonganoxie (~14 min)
1863 Bar & Grill
A local favorite for burgers, bar food, and cold beers — a great spot after a long day on the property.
Flashbacks Diner
Classic diner at 630 E 4th St — a breakfast and lunch staple with a retro feel and solid home cooking.
Rice House
Well-rated Chinese restaurant at 1208 Front St — one of the most popular spots in town.
Gambino's Pizza
Pizza and wings — good for a casual night in or a quick takeout order back at the lodge.
Ajuua Mexican Grill
Tonganoxie's spot for tacos, fajitas, and margaritas.
Lawrence (~28 min)
Lawrence has everything — a full downtown of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops along Massachusetts Street, plus the University of Kansas. Ask David for specific recommendations based on what you're in the mood for.
- Massachusetts Street — the main dining & bar strip
- Numerous coffee shops and craft breweries
- Full grocery stores: Hy-Vee, Dillons, Checkers, Natural Grocers
Things to Do
Perry Lake
~25 minA 12,000-acre reservoir with boat ramps, camping, fishing, and miles of shoreline trails. Less crowded than Clinton and excellent for bass fishing — the closest big-water outdoor escape.
Clinton Lake State Park
~35 min (Lawrence)A 7,000-acre reservoir with excellent fishing (bass, crappie, catfish), boating, swimming beaches, and hiking. One of the best outdoor days in eastern Kansas.
Downtown Lawrence & KU
~28 minHistoric Massachusetts Street shopping and dining, plus the University of Kansas campus up on the hill — an easy afternoon or evening out.
Spencer Museum of Art
~28 min (Lawrence / KU)Free admission at the University of Kansas — over 45,000 objects spanning European, American, and East Asian art. One of the best free museums in the region.
KU Natural History Museum
~28 min (Lawrence / KU)One of the top natural history museums among public universities — a large mammal hall, fossil exhibits, and natural Kansas history. Free admission.
Historic Downtown Leavenworth
~30 minThe oldest city in Kansas — a historic downtown with locally owned shops, the Carroll Mansion museum, and the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum.
Kansas City Metro
~45 minThe full KC experience — world-class BBQ (Joe's, Q39, Jack Stack), the Country Club Plaza, the Power & Light District, and Chiefs and Royals games — all within reach.
Grocery & Supplies
- Casey's & Dollar General — McLouth (~5 min)
- Grocery & Walmart — Tonganoxie (~14 min)
- Hy-Vee / Dillons — Lawrence (~28 min)
Hunting & Outdoor Gear
- Orscheln Farm & Home — Lawrence (~28 min)
- Bass Pro Shops — Olathe (~50 min)
- Cabela's — Kansas City, KS (~45 min)
House Rules
These keep the lodge in great shape for every guest. Thank you for respecting them.
- No smoking or vaping inside the lodge.
- No pets on the property.
- No illegal drugs on the property.
- Hunting only within property lines. Valid Kansas license required.
- Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM. Please be respectful of neighbors.
- No parties or events beyond your registered guest count (max 6).
- Firewood is not guaranteed — bring your own or source locally for the fire pit and fireplace.
- Septic system: flush toilet paper only. No wipes, feminine products, or foreign objects.
- Drains: no cooking oils, grease, or food debris. Discard all food in the trash.
- Bag all trash before placing it in the outdoor bins.
- Stay on the mowed or established paths when exploring, and respect agricultural land boundaries.
- Trail cameras on the property are host property — do not move or tamper with them.
- Lock the front door and close the gate when leaving the property.
- Return the thermostat to its default setting at checkout.
Safety & Emergencies
- Fire, medical, or police emergency: dial 911 immediately, then notify David at 913-461-3283.
- Nearest ER: LMH Health Emergency Department, 325 Maine St, Lawrence (~28 min, open 24/7). For same-day, non-emergency care, the LMH clinic in McLouth (313 S Union St) and Tonganoxie (~14 min) are closer.
- Smoke & CO detectors are installed, and a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit are on hand. Never leave the fireplace or fire pit unattended, and extinguish completely before bed.
- This is a rural property — keep an eye on children and pets near the creek, timber, and driveway, and use a flashlight after dark.
Checkout
Checkout Time
10:00 AM
These steps take about 10 minutes and make a big difference for the next guests. Thank you.
- Wash any used dishes and put them away, or leave the last dishwasher load running.
- Place used towels in the laundry area or on the bathroom floor.
- Leave used beds unmade — linens will be laundered by the cleaning team.
- Wipe down countertops and pick up the common areas.
- Bag all trash and place the bags in the outdoor bins.
- Extinguish any fire in the fireplace or fire pit completely.
- Turn off all lights and fans, and return the thermostat to its default setting.
- Check drawers, closets, and the gear room for personal items.
- Lock the front door using the keypad, and close and latch the gate on your way out.
“Thank you for staying at Antler Creek. We hope you sat by the fire, watched the ridge at first light, and unplugged for a while — we'd love to have you back.” — David Swanson, Porch Light Reserve
Leave a Review
If you had a great stay, a 5-star review on Airbnb means the world to us and helps other guests discover the lodge. If anything wasn't right, please reach out to David at 913-461-3283 before leaving a review so we can make it right.