The 7 Best Kansas Lakes For Swimming

The state of Kansas has earned the moniker “The Wheat State” due to its rich agricultural history. This state is nicknamed “The Sunflower State” for its namesake mountain. Mountains like this one aren’t the only natural features in Kansas; the state also features hills, woods, flatlands, and rivers.

The Great Plains make up around two-thirds of the state of Kansas, while the other third consists of hills and woods. There are various rivers and also lakes scattered across the landscape’s flatlands, hills, and forests. Lakes in Kansas are generally overlooked by tourists, yet there are a few truly stunning ones in the state. Below is a list of the top seven lakes in Kansas for swimming!

1. Wilson Lake

Wilson Lake is located in Russell and Lincoln Counties. It was constructed with the purpose of reducing the risk of flooding, but it has now found additional use as a recreational lake. It’s also put to use in the realm of wildlife control. The lake has four parks, the longest of which is 160 kilometers, and is called Wilson State Park. There are bathing beaches, boat ramps, hiking trails, and camping spots available at this public recreation area.

Lucas Park, where the Rocktown Natural Area is located, is located at the northeastern extremity of the 3,660-hectare lake. There are also places to swim and launch boats.

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2. Milford Lake

With 6,400 hectares, Milford Lake is the state’s largest artificial lake. It is located in Geary, Clay, and Dickinson counties. During the building of the Milford Dam on the Republican River, a lake was formed. In addition, Milford State Park is located on the southeastern tip of the lake. Birdwatchers and anglers frequent the park because of its peaceful atmosphere and the opportunities it provides for spending time in nature.

People from all around flock to the lake to swim, picnic, and also watch the wildlife. Camping, cycling, horseback riding, and hiking are also viable options.

3. Tuttle Creek Lake

Beside the Big Blue River located in northeast Kansas is this large lake, which spans an area of 5,000 hectares. It is located in Pottawatomie, Riley & Marshall Counties. While its original purpose was to reduce flooding, today Turtle Creek Lake serves a far more recreational purpose. Tuttle Creek State Park, at the lake’s northern edge, features a man-made beach. The Country Stampede Music Festival is held there annually as well.

Fancy Creek State Park, located at the lake’s northern edge, is well-known for its 13-kilometer mountain biking track. Picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, and camping are all available at a number of different parks in the vicinity of the lake.

4. Perry Lake

Locals in Topeka and Lawrence often refer to Perry Lake as “Paradise on the Plains” because of its idyllic setting. It is located in Jefferson County. It’s a terrific weekend getaway and a popular destination in the Dissected Till Plains. Perry State Park is an excellent place to pitch a tent after a day of hiking the nationally recognized 47-kilometer Perry Lake Trail. The 4,511-hectare lake is a popular destination for horseback riding, boating, and fishing.

The Perry Dam, near the lake’s southern end, is located on the Delaware River. Many people enjoy its recreational benefits, but flood prevention remains its principal function.

5. Kanopolis Lake

Situated at an altitude of 446 meters, Kanopolis Lake can be found in the Smoky Hills located in Ellsworth County, Kansas. Kanopolis Dam detains the Smoky Hill River to create the 1,378-acre lake. The lake and its three adjacent parks are maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The largest of the parks, Venango Park offers campsites, a boat launch, and a beach.

Northeast of the lake is where you’ll find Kanopolis State Park. Located near the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, this area is great for exploring on foot, on a bike, or on horseback, and for seeing all kinds of wildlife.

6. Cedar Bluff Reservoir

The limestone cliffs that tower over a hundred feet at the edge of Cedar Bluff Reservoir are a beautiful natural feature. The bluffs are a fantastic starting point for a hike around the lake and a stunning vantage point for the sun rising or setting. Cedar Bluff Reservoir is a large body of water that is ideal for water sports and fishing, especially for species like walleye, crappie, bass, wiper, and catfish.

Cedar Bluff State Park, which has land on both the northern and southern coasts of the lake, is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors and take in some of the lake’s expansive 10+ square miles of water.

7. El Dorado Lake

Lake El Dorado is an 8,000-acre reservoir, making it one of the state’s largest lakes. It’s located just to the northeast of the city of El Dorado. About a hundred miles of El Dorado Lake’s shoreline are open to leisure. The lake itself is bordered by the tall grasses and rolling prairies for which Kansas is famed. Visitors to the natural regions along the lake’s banks may see warbles, geese, and majestic bald eagles, as well as deer, prairie fowl, mink, and vultures.

There is a lot of fish in the lake to entice anglers, and the lake is a popular site for watersports including jet skiing, boating, and waterskiing. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can enjoy the trails that circle the lake and, depending on the time of year, see a variety of colorful wildflowers.

Summary Of The 7 Best Kansas Lakes For Swimming

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