Information
Landmark: Lake ShawneeCity: Topeka
Country: USA Kansas
Continent: North America
Lake Shawnee, Topeka, USA Kansas, North America
Overview
Lake Shawnee, a 416-acre man-made freshwater lake in Shawnee County, sits just south of Topeka, Kansas, its calm surface often dotted with ripples from an afternoon breeze.Built by the Works Progress Administration between 1935 and 1939, at the height of the Great Depression, the lake first served to control floods and manage the flow of water, holding back muddy spring runoff.It opened on September 3, 1939, and more than 5,000 people showed up, rods in hand, for the very first fishing event.Today, Lake Shawnee sits at the center of a sprawling 1,100-acre park, where families paddle past cattails and enjoy one of Kansas’s largest recreation spots.Covering 416 acres, the lake reaches about 30 feet deep in its deepest spots, where the water turns a cool, shadowy blue.The park, nestled among forested hills, wide meadows, and quiet wetlands, shelters a rich mix of wildlife-deer stepping through tall grass, waterfowl skimming the pond, turtles sunning on logs, and countless birds overhead.Winding trails and quiet overlooks let visitors soak up the landscape’s beauty and enjoy a bit of adventure, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers.Lake Shawnee is one of Kansas’s top spots for anglers, offering bluegill, largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, crappie, walleye, plus seasonal rainbow and brown trout-sometimes you’ll see the trout flash silver just below the surface.There are 16 fishing docks here, one with a heater so you can stay warm in the winter, and a small family pond where beginners can cast their first line.The lake draws anglers from all over the state, hosting fishing tournaments and seasonal events where you can hear the splash of a hooked trout.At Adventure Cove, you’ll find spots set aside for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating-perfect for slipping into cool water or gliding past the reeds.An inflatable playground bobs on the water, turning it into a lively obstacle course splashed with bright colors.You can rent a boat, and the lake allows kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats in marked areas where the water stays calm.They manage the waterways so quiet, heron-filled coves stay separate from the busy spots where people kayak and swim, keeping both visitors safe and the environment protected.Camping and Trails features 114 sites for tents, RVs, or group stays, and a few come equipped with electricity and water-perfect for plugging in a coffee maker on a cool morning.A 6.8‑mile loop winds around the lake, perfect for hiking, jogging, or spotting deer moving quietly through the trees.More trails twist through shady woods and quiet wetlands where the air smells faintly of pine.The park draws birdwatchers, photographers, and school groups, and along its main trails you’ll spot signs explaining the calls of warblers or the history of the old oak grove.Lake Shawnee Park packs in plenty of ways to play, from an 18‑hole championship golf course where you can hear the crisp thwack of a drive, to tournaments that draw competitors from across the region.We’ve got tennis courts and sand volleyball courts ready for both casual games and league matches-you might hear the pop of a serve echo off the fence.Soccer and baseball fields stretch alongside wide, open lawns where you might hear the thud of a kicked ball or the crack of a bat in a casual game.Shaded picnic shelters and a playground where families can gather, share lunch, and listen to kids laughing on the swings.The park’s facilities are perfect for hosting big tournaments, yet they’re just as inviting for a relaxed afternoon tossing a frisbee on the grass.Ted Ensley Gardens spread across 37.5 acres, with themed beds bursting with over 1,200 perennials, shady ornamental trees, and paths that curve gently past bright blooms.Seasonal displays showcase bright flowers, neat shrubs, and carefully tended gardens, creating a peaceful spot where visitors can pause and breathe in the fresh scent of blooms.Every year, the park comes alive with festivals, concerts, and neighborhood gatherings, from music echoing under the oaks to lanterns glowing at dusk, keeping visitors coming back in every season.More than a million people visit Lake Shawnee each year, making it one of Kansas’s busiest public parks, with summer weekends buzzing like a county fair.The park blends fun with care for the land, offering trails where you might spot a red fox while protecting its forest home.Crews keep the facilities, trails, and lakes in good shape, updating them often so visitors can enjoy the space while the environment stays healthy.Lake Shawnee blends rich history, scenic views, and plenty of ways to play-picture sailboats skimming across the water-making it one of Topeka’s favorite outdoor spots.Families, anglers, hikers, campers, and sports lovers will all feel at home here, whether they’re casting a line at dawn or setting up a tent under the pines.
