Summary
Kansas is renowned for its agricultural contributions, which has earned it the designation of ‘The Wheat State’. It is also affectionately called ‘The Sunflower State’, primarily due to its iconic Mount Sunflower. Beyond this notable peak, Kansas showcases various landscapes including hills, forests, plains, and numerous rivers.
Approximately two-thirds of Kansas is situated within the Great Plains, while the remaining segment comprises elevated areas and forests. Nestled amid the flatlands, hills, and woodlands are several rivers and lakes. Visitors may not often consider the lakes of Kansas in their travel plans; however, there are several stunning options that deserve attention. Herein are the 15 most remarkable lakes in Kansas.
1. Wilson Lake; Russell & Lincoln Counties
Originally constructed for flood management, Wilson Lake has evolved into a favored recreational destination. It also plays a role in wildlife management.
The lake’s 160-kilometer shoreline features four parks, with Wilson State Park being the most prominent. This public recreational space offers swimming areas, hiking paths, boat access, and camping amenities.
Located at the northeast section of the 3,660-hectare lake is Lucas Park, which encompasses the Rocktown Natural Area, in addition to hiking trails, swimming areas, and boat access.
2. Milford Lake; Geary, Clay & Dickinson Counties
Spanning 6,400 hectares, Milford Lake represents the largest artificial lake in Kansas, formed during the construction of the Milford Dam on the Republican River.
Situated on the southeast corner is Milford State Park, a favored retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, offering birdwatching, fishing, and various water sports.
Individuals frequent the lake for picnicking, viewing wildlife, and engaging in hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping.
3. Tuttle Creek Lake; Pottawatomie, Riley & Marshall Counties
This 5,000-hectare lake is located alongside the Big Blue River in northeast Kansas. Originally built for flood control, Tuttle Creek Lake now serves as a highly frequented recreational site.
Tuttle Creek State Park is positioned at the northern end of the lake and features a man-made beach, also hosting the annual Country Stampede Music Festival.
Fancy Creek State Park, located at the northern end, boasts a 13-kilometer mountain biking trail, alongside numerous other parks accommodating picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
4. Perry Lake; Jefferson County
Affectionately referred to as ‘Paradise on the Plains’, Perry Lake is a sought-after retreat for residents of Topeka and Lawrence. Nestled in the Dissected Till Plains region, it serves as an ideal weekend getaway.
The esteemed 47-kilometer Perry Lake Trail is well-suited for hiking, while Perry State Park provides camping facilities. Horseback riding, boating, and fishing are additional popular activities enjoyed at the 4,511-hectare lake.
The lake lies adjacent to the Delaware River, with Perry Dam positioned at its southern end. Although mainly utilized for recreational purposes, its primary function remains flood control.
5. Kanopolis Lake; Ellsworth County
Located within the Smokey Hills region, Kanopolis Lake is situated at an elevation of 446 meters. This 1,378-hectare lake was formed by Kanopolis Dam, which regulates the Smoky Hill River.
The reservoir is supervised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which also manages three adjacent parks. Venango Park, the largest, features a beach, boat ramp, and camping opportunities.
Kanopolis State Park is positioned at the northeastern portion of the lake. It forms part of the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and wildlife observation.
6. Clinton Lake; Douglas County
Located just southwest of Lawrence, Clinton Lake serves both water supply and flood management purposes. It has gained popularity as a recreational lake, with Clinton State Park established along its northern shoreline.
The park facilitates extensive hiking and biking trails, providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation. Additional amenities include boat launches, picnic areas, and camping sites.
Swimming, boating, and fishing are viable activities on the lake, which also serves as the annual venue for the Ironman Kansas 70.3 triathlon.
7. El Dorado Lake; Butler County
This 3,200-hectare water body was engineered on the Walnut River to assist with flood management and to support water supply alongside recreational pursuits.
El Dorado State Park occupies the southern shores, offering boating, camping, and hiking facilities. Anglers particularly target species such as walleye, crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.
Swimming areas are provided within the state park, complemented by an amphitheater and picnic spots. The park also accommodates horseback riding and includes a horse campground.
8. Big Hill Lake; Labette County
Located in the southeast corner of Kansas, Big Hill Lake is positioned between the cities of Cherryvale and Parsons. This 500-hectare lake is a prime destination for recreational activities, appealing not only to locals but also to visitors.
Features include a sandy beach, picnic areas, boat ramps, and campsites. Many attendees partake in fishing and water skiing, in addition to other water-based sports.
The 27-kilometer Big Hill Horse Trail traverses the surrounding area, offering diverse terrain for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
9. Fall River Lake; Greenwood County
Bordering the Fall River, Fall River Lake serves as a favored venue for recreational activities, welcoming visitors of all ages who enjoy swimming, water skiing, boating, and picnicking.
It is also highly regarded by anglers for its rich population of white bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. The scenic surroundings are particularly appealing to birdwatchers.
Camping amenities are accessible at Fall River State Park, located along the lake’s southern shoreline. The park also features six hiking paths!
10. Elk City Lake; Montgomery County
This 1,800-hectare reservoir was built primarily for flood management, and has since become a favored recreational spot. Elk City Lake is also visually captivating, surrounded by lush meadows.
Surrounding the lake are six hiking trails, two of which hold National Trails recognition. Additionally, a 6.5-kilometer biking trail follows the river’s path.
Elk City State Park occupies the eastern side of the lake, offering swimming, boating, and camping opportunities.
11. Hillsdale Lake; Miami County
Located merely 48 kilometers from Kansas City in northeast Kansas, Hillsdale Lake is recognized for its V-shaped configuration and is home to Hillsdale State Park.
Hillsdale State Park is situated at the bottom of the ‘V’, at the southern end of the lake. It features two excellent hiking trails and an equestrian area.
The park includes a beach, four camping areas, boat access points, and a day-use area. Additionally, there are 82 kilometers of shoreline designated for fishing.
12. Council Grove Lake; Morris County
Constructed in 1964 for flood control and water supply, the 1,309-hectare Council Grove Lake has become a prominent recreational area.
Eight parks surrounding the lake are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, all of which provide camping facilities and fishing access.
Three parks—Canning Creek Cove, Richey Cove, and Neosho Park—offer hiking trails, while Richey Cove features a unique swimming beach, the only one on the lake’s 64-kilometer shoreline.
13. Cheney Reservoir; Sedgwick, Kingman & Reno Counties
Spanning across three counties in central Kansas, Cheney Reservoir encompasses 3,860 hectares and rests at an elevation of 433 meters within the Great Plains region.
The reservoir is situated along the North Fork Ninnescah River, initially constructed for flood management and water supply, while currently serving as a popular locale for recreational activities.
Cheney State Park occupies both sides of the lake’s southern end, offering two divisions (East Shore Area and West Shore Area) that include camping sites, boat launch facilities, and swimming beaches.
14. Lake Afton; Sedgwick County
Situated just west of Wichita, Lake Afton is an artificial reservoir predominantly utilized for recreational purposes. The 104-hectare lake is easily accessible, making it popular among both local residents and visitors from afar.
A state-run park along the southern end offers swimming, boating, and picnicking facilities. Multiple campgrounds are located within the park, as well as along the shoreline of the lake.
Fishing is prevalent here, with notable quantities of crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Anglers also have opportunities to catch saugeye, wiper, and flathead catfish.
15. Lone Star Lake; Douglas County
This 75-hectare lake is located just southwest of the town of Lone Star in northeast Kansas. Although modestly sized, its tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by picturesque natural surroundings.
Surrounding Lone Star Lake is the Lone Star Lake Park, providing a variety of recreational activities including camping, water skiing, boating, fishing, and swimming.
The complete shoreline is enveloped by the park, rendering it an inviting locale for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat. It is noteworthy that campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
