Lake Shawnee - Sunset

Beautiful Lake Shawnee is one of Topeka’s star attractions, full of picture-perfect scenery, fun recreational activities and helpful amenities. This ever-evolving lake is perfect for your family’s next outdoor excursion in the capital city!

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In 2017 Expedia.com dubbed “Relaxing at Lake Shawnee” the best thing to do in Kansas. Citing the “babbling brooks, boating, swimming” and more as a major draw, the travel website touted the lake’s picturesque setting and many family-friendly events that take place annually.

Copy of Lake Shawnee - Green

Lake Shawnee offers both fun on water and land. Take the family for a ride on the water at Adventure Cove. Paddle boats, water trikes, canoes and kayaks are available to rent; rates are by the half hour. In addition to fishing, sailing and swimming, your family can visit the 1,100-acre park surrounding the lake. Explore foot trails, a golf course, a marina, tennis courts, shelter houses, ball diamonds and a campground that has 140 sites and is visited each year by people from 48 states and several countries which features 30 and 50 amp hookups and a dump station just across the road. 

Adventure Cove - Lake Shawnee | Topeka, KS

Lake Shawnee hosts an 11-acre arboretum and 9.5 acres of beautiful gardens. In April, the Ted Ensley Gardens come alive with color during Tulip Time! With over 50 varieties of tulips in bloom not only at Lake Shawnee but all over the city, this annual celebration draws in visitors from all over the country. Although you can find beauty at the lake year-round, Tulip Time, and springtime in general, is prime selfie season at the lake. So, go ahead and choose that perfect filter and get snap-happy!

selfie tulip family

Looking for even more outdoor escapes to visit in Topeka? Check out our Outdoors!