There aren’t too many lakes in Kansas, but we have a list of some of the best lakes to explore from the water. Have you always wanted to go kayaking or has it been a while since you’ve gone? To be honest, we’re not very picky about whether you have a kayak or a canoe, we know that both are equally fun and some prefer one over the other. If you have one or just want to rent one, these parks are great for both of those options.
- Tuttle Creek State Park - Manhattan
Nemesis 11FP/Google Enjoy a beautiful day out in the Manhattan area at Tuttle Creek State Park, a spot where horse trails, golf, and plenty of open water are here for you to enjoy. Let’s get out on the water?This park has canoes/kayaks available for rent or loan. Tuttle Creek State Park, 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
- Cross Timbers State Park - Toronto
Carol Ottinger/Google This gorgeous park has lots of tree-lined waterside, perfect for a relaxing tour on the water. Whether you rent or bring your own, this is a beautiful spot to explore. This park has canoes/kayaks available for rent or loan. Cross Timbers State Park
- Eisenhower State Park - Osage City
Dannell Hughes/Google Eisenhower has plenty to do, but we’re still always drawn to the water. Let’s head out before sunset to enjoy the beauty of the sky! This park has canoes/kayaks available for rent or loan. Eisenhower State Park, 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS 66523, USA
- Wilson State Park - Sylvan Grove
Delia Dunphy/Google Wilson’s beautiful rocks look great from the waterside, especially when you can see how the water has shaped them from below. It’s definitely one of the best places to go kayaking in Kansas! Ready to head out? Wilson State Park, 3 State Park Road, Sylvan Grove, KS 67481, USA
- Clinton State Park - Lawrence
Owen Kelly/Google Clinton Lake is a stunning area with lots to do, but it is a lot calmer if you take the canoe or kayak route. What a way to explore, where you’re at water level and see the park from a whole other angle. Clinton State Park, 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA
- Kanopolis Lake State Park - Marquette
Outtside KS/Google Speaking of beautiful, Kanopolis is known for red rock and plenty of caves, but did you know it’s also fun to kayak? All the best scenery comes from the waterside, we think. Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
- Milford Lake and State Park - Milford
Acorns Resort/Flickr Milford is a good lake to explore, but have you ever been this close to the water as you go? Kayaking Kansas is a great way to relax and keep you out on the water even if algae is blooming. Milford Lake, Kansas, USA
Have you ever gone canoeing in Kansas (or kayaking) on any of these lakes? If you’re ready for a great day out but you prefer a different lake other than these options, tell us about what you do there! We want to hear all about adventures in places we may not cover often.
Nemesis 11FP/Google
Enjoy a beautiful day out in the Manhattan area at Tuttle Creek State Park, a spot where horse trails, golf, and plenty of open water are here for you to enjoy. Let’s get out on the water?This park has canoes/kayaks available for rent or loan.
Tuttle Creek State Park, 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Carol Ottinger/Google
This gorgeous park has lots of tree-lined waterside, perfect for a relaxing tour on the water. Whether you rent or bring your own, this is a beautiful spot to explore. This park has canoes/kayaks available for rent or loan.
Cross Timbers State Park
Dannell Hughes/Google
Eisenhower has plenty to do, but we’re still always drawn to the water. Let’s head out before sunset to enjoy the beauty of the sky! This park has canoes/kayaks available for rent or loan.
Eisenhower State Park, 29810 S Fairlawn Rd, Osage City, KS 66523, USA
Delia Dunphy/Google
Wilson’s beautiful rocks look great from the waterside, especially when you can see how the water has shaped them from below. It’s definitely one of the best places to go kayaking in Kansas! Ready to head out?
Wilson State Park, 3 State Park Road, Sylvan Grove, KS 67481, USA
Owen Kelly/Google
Clinton Lake is a stunning area with lots to do, but it is a lot calmer if you take the canoe or kayak route. What a way to explore, where you’re at water level and see the park from a whole other angle.
Clinton State Park, 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA
Outtside KS/Google
Speaking of beautiful, Kanopolis is known for red rock and plenty of caves, but did you know it’s also fun to kayak? All the best scenery comes from the waterside, we think.
Kanopolis Lake State Park, 200 Horsethief Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA
Acorns Resort/Flickr
Milford is a good lake to explore, but have you ever been this close to the water as you go? Kayaking Kansas is a great way to relax and keep you out on the water even if algae is blooming.
Milford Lake, Kansas, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Kansas Lakes May 10, 2022 Katie Lawrence Where can you go kayaking in Kansas? When it’s nice and warm outside, nothing quite compares to going kayaking in Kansas. Luckily, our state is full of beautiful bodies of water - from vast lakes to swift, narrow streams - that are best explored via kayak or canoe. One of our absolute favorite places to go kayaking in Kansas is Milford Lake, the largest lake in the state. With a surface area of nearly 25 square miles, this man-made wonder is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day on the water. Does Kansas have any natural wonders? Kansas is often stereotyped as being an entirely flat state with not much to see, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We happen to live in one of the most naturally beautiful states in the nation, with unique rock formations, boundless prairies, and even the largest wetland in the mainland U.S. All of these natural wonders in Kansas (and many others we didn’t mention) are worth seeking out and marveling at. Are there any good swimming holes in Kansas? In addition to kayaking, swimming is one of the very best warm weather activities. We’re so fortunate to have so many ways to make a splash here in Kansas! One of our favorite swimming holes in Kansas is the 100-acre spring-fed lake at Scott State Park near Scott City. The park has been named among the top 50 must-visit parks in America by National Geographic, and we have to say that we agree. The refreshing oasis is only one of the park’s noteworthy attributes - it also boasts other outdoor recreation opportunities, plus tons of fascinating history.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kansas Lakes
May 10, 2022
Katie Lawrence
Where can you go kayaking in Kansas? When it’s nice and warm outside, nothing quite compares to going kayaking in Kansas. Luckily, our state is full of beautiful bodies of water - from vast lakes to swift, narrow streams - that are best explored via kayak or canoe. One of our absolute favorite places to go kayaking in Kansas is Milford Lake, the largest lake in the state. With a surface area of nearly 25 square miles, this man-made wonder is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day on the water. Does Kansas have any natural wonders? Kansas is often stereotyped as being an entirely flat state with not much to see, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We happen to live in one of the most naturally beautiful states in the nation, with unique rock formations, boundless prairies, and even the largest wetland in the mainland U.S. All of these natural wonders in Kansas (and many others we didn’t mention) are worth seeking out and marveling at. Are there any good swimming holes in Kansas? In addition to kayaking, swimming is one of the very best warm weather activities. We’re so fortunate to have so many ways to make a splash here in Kansas! One of our favorite swimming holes in Kansas is the 100-acre spring-fed lake at Scott State Park near Scott City. The park has been named among the top 50 must-visit parks in America by National Geographic, and we have to say that we agree. The refreshing oasis is only one of the park’s noteworthy attributes - it also boasts other outdoor recreation opportunities, plus tons of fascinating history.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it’s nice and warm outside, nothing quite compares to going kayaking in Kansas. Luckily, our state is full of beautiful bodies of water - from vast lakes to swift, narrow streams - that are best explored via kayak or canoe. One of our absolute favorite places to go kayaking in Kansas is Milford Lake, the largest lake in the state. With a surface area of nearly 25 square miles, this man-made wonder is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day on the water.
Does Kansas have any natural wonders?
Kansas is often stereotyped as being an entirely flat state with not much to see, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We happen to live in one of the most naturally beautiful states in the nation, with unique rock formations, boundless prairies, and even the largest wetland in the mainland U.S. All of these natural wonders in Kansas (and many others we didn’t mention) are worth seeking out and marveling at.
Are there any good swimming holes in Kansas?
In addition to kayaking, swimming is one of the very best warm weather activities. We’re so fortunate to have so many ways to make a splash here in Kansas! One of our favorite swimming holes in Kansas is the 100-acre spring-fed lake at Scott State Park near Scott City. The park has been named among the top 50 must-visit parks in America by National Geographic, and we have to say that we agree. The refreshing oasis is only one of the park’s noteworthy attributes - it also boasts other outdoor recreation opportunities, plus tons of fascinating history.
