Many Kansans don't know there's a stunning sapphire lake full of natural beauty right here in Kansas. Most of us are used to lakes like Cheney or Anthony, where you're more likely to see clay shores and muddy waters during the summertime. This lake, however, has clearer waters and amazing reflective quality that can't just be captured in a few photos. You'll have to see it for yourself!
The water is so clear at Milford lake that you can see reflections in almost every photo, morning, noon, or evening.
The clear, blue waters remind you of what you probably wish Cheney Lake looked like. I like clay and all, but I also like to see what's nibbling my toes!
Summer in Kansas is a blast, but it can also get quite warm, to say the least. If you're looking for the perfect way to cool off, why not go for a swim by a beach? We're about as land-locked as it gets here in the Sunflower State, but that doesn't mean we don't have some amazing places for a day out on the water. Here are a few of our favorite natural and manmade swimming lakes in Kansas that are just perfect for summer frolicking!
Cedar Bluff State Park is an amazing place to visit at any time of year. This epic state park has amazing limestone bluffs, miles of hiking trails, over 100 campsites, and an array of wildlife-spotting opportunities. However, what's really special here in the summer is the 6,000-acre reservoir that shares the park's name. The swim beach here has soft sand and will make you forget you're in a land-locked state. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, take a dip to cool off, or enjoy a bit of fishing, there's so much to love about this great state park in Ellis, KS.
HorseThief Reservoir is one of the gems of Central Kansas. This sprawling lake has tons to do along the shore, with campsites and a frisbee golf course to check out. Some of the state's best fishing can be enjoyed here, and it's a popular spot for boating and kayaking. Don't miss the swimming beach, though - it's perfect for the whole family and a great way to cool off on a hot day!
Eisenhower State Park is not among the state's most-visited state parks, but it's a wonderful place for a day of adventure, especially in the warm months! Miles of trails are perfect for explorers, and you can also enjoy archery and kayaking. The park is home to Melvern Lake, a huge reservoir. There's a sandy beach, swimming area, and even a sand volleyball court to enjoy by the lake - needless to say, it's a great summer destination.
Lovewell State Park offers up over 1,100 acres of fun, and Lovewell Reservoir is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon on the water. The campground here is great, and you'll also find an archery range, playgorund, sand volleyball court, disc golf course, and more. There's a marina here with boat ramps and fish-cleaning stations if you prefer to be out on a boat instead of swimming.
El Dorado State Park is the largest state park in Kansas, with more than 4,000 acres of protected lands. The park surrounds El Dorado Lake, a beautiful reservoir in the Flint Hills. It's a popular spot for fishing, and a variety of species live in the reservoir, including catfish, crappie, and rainbow trout. The park is divided into four areas, each of which has camping areas, boat ramps, and trails. It's at Bluestem Point Area where you'll find a swimming beach, and the Walnut River Area has a little swimming pond.
Cheney State Park is a lovely spot with hundreds of primitive campsites and miles of trails, but it's also home to an immense lake perfect for recreation. It's actually the windiest lake in the continental U.S., making it great for sail boating and windsurfing. There's tons of fish and wildlife here, and this is a wonderful place for spending time out on the water. There are several beaches for those seeking relaxation by the lake.
If you've never been to Crawford State Park, it's definitely worth a visit! This 500-acre oasis has a six campgrounds, and the 150-acre lake is one of our favorites in the Sunflower State. There are two boat ramps here and ample populations of catfish, crappie, and bass, but the lake is also great for swimming. The park offers up beautiful scenery and is an amazing place to visit any time of year, but the lake is definitely a summer gem.
Hillsdale State Park is a sprawling preserve that is home to tons of wildlife, including an abundant supply of fish. There's a lot to do here, with an equestrian area, shooting range, archery range, campgrounds, and plenty of opportunities for fishing, and it doesn't get much better than a visit to the beach here in the summer months.
Which of these swimming lakes in Kansas is your favorite? Any that you love that we didn't mention? Share your thoughts in the comments!
When enjoying summer fun, make sure to stay safe and protect your skin with a high quality sunscreen. I love Sun Bum from REI - it's lightweight and not greasy!
Summer in Kansas is a magical time, and there's a lot to do here. Even though we're not on the ocean or considered a major nationwide vacation destination, there are still plenty of great things to do in Kansas in summer that are perfect for warm weather adventures. From lakeside beaches to hikes through our majestic plains, outdoor dining to summer festivals galore, there are endless Kansas summer activities that we can enjoy here. We've gathered up a few of our favorites that you and your family will want to check out this year:
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Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Kansas
There's no reason to travel outside our state lines to enjoy a summer vacation. There are so many wonderful places to travel to right here in the Sunflower State. Whether you're searching for a perfect summer day trip in Kansas or want to stay for a few days longer for an extended getaway, you'll have no trouble finding a fun vacation destination to enjoy a little fun in the sun.
Wichita is such a delightful town with so much to enjoy. It's home to some of the best restaurants in Kansas, and the riverwalk here is a wonderful place for a stroll. The iconic Keeper of the Plains is one of the coolest statues in the Midwest, and it's practically an unofficial symbol of the Sunflower State. There's something for everyone to enjoy here, and we highly recommend a visit to the Sedgwick County Zoo and also Botanica, one of the state's top botanical gardens. Looking for an indoor attraction to cool off in the AC? The Museum of World Treasures is fascinating for visitors of all ages.
Dodge City is a town that's practically synonymous with Wild West history, and this place really leans into its roots! You'll find a myriad of attractions here that will make you feel like you stepped back in time a few hundred years. One of the best is the Boot Hill Museum, which contains a reconstructed area that now serves as a living museum. Historical reenactors allow you to experience saloons and shootouts first hand: the live entertainment here is a blast for all ages. Need to cool off in the hot summer sun? Check out Long Branch Lagoon, the western-themed water park that's perfect for adults and kids alike.
We might be a little bit biased, but we honestly think Lindsborg is one of the best best small towns in America. It's located in central Kansas and is nicknamed Little Sweden. The town was founded by Swedish immigrants and still retains much of its European charm today. You'll find adorable European stores, Swedish restaurants, and Dala horses all over the town. Visit during the summertime and you'll be treated to the marvelous Midsummer's Festival, a lovely celebration of the summer solstice that includes food, fun, and traditional Swedish dancing.
Best Beaches & Lakes To Visit In Kansas This Summer
We are about as landlocked as it gets, but that doesn't mean there aren't countless places to enjoy fun on the water in Kansas. Our multitude of lakes and rivers are great for kayaking, fishing, and simply relaxing by the shoreline. Check out a few of our favorite beaches in Kansas that are worth a visit this summer:
Need To Know: The campgrounds here are great, and if you prefer more glamorous accommodations, cabins are also available for rent.
Wilson State Park is tucked away in the quiet Smoky Hills, in a region of the state not many tourists visit, but this is a beautiful park that's worthy of exploration. There are miles of hiking trails here, a variety of campsites, a sprawling lake, and limestone canyons that will make you feel like you're on another planet. The Wilson Reservoir offers plenty of recreational opportunities, whether you're into boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the shoreline.
Need To Know: Stop by the Visitor Services center for trail guides, fishing licenses, park maps, and other important information.
Shawnee Mission Park may not be one of the many state parks in Kansas, but it's a wonderful (and expansive) preserve that's definitely worthy of a visit. The park's 120-acre lake makes it immensely popular in the summertime, and with a swimming beach and a marina, there are lots of options for fun on the water. The park also has an archery range, dog park, disc golf course, and plenty of great mountain biking and hiking trails. This is a wonderful choice for family fun in the outdoors, and it's one of our favorite summer activities in Kansas.
Need To Know: Perry State Park is located about halfway between Lawrence and Topeka, meaning it's quite easy to access for much of the state's population.
If you're looking for fun on the water, it doesn't get much better than a visit to Perry State Park. The park is located on the southwest shore of Perry Reservoir and is surrounded by wooded rolling hills that are perfect for a summertime camping adventure. With horse trails and biking and hiking trails, plus plenty of beachfront acreage and opportunities for fishing, there's something for everyone here.
Parks To Visit In Kansas This Summer
With so many great municipal and state parks in Kansas, there are virtually endless places to enjoy the outdoors. Our parks offer up so many places for hiking, fun on the water, mountain biking, or whatever it is that you love to do outside. If you're a big fan of hiking in Kansas, consider a free trial of AllTrails+. You'll enjoy benefits like downloadable trail maps, turn-by-turn directions, and more.
Need To Know: Visitors aren't allowed off-trail, so make sure to follow all signage.
One of the newest state parks in Kansas is the magnificent Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. It's home to some incredibly unique scenery. The 220 acres of badlands here look almost otherworldly. Walking through the trails here is a magical experience. The park gets its name because the rocks here look like the ancient streets of Jerusalem. They're made of Niobrara chalk, like the nearby Monument Rocks. While you're in the area, make sure to make a visit there as well, as it's also quite stunning.
Need To Know: There are more than 200 primitive campsites here, plus a few modern cabins, equestrian campsites, and sites with hookups.
Kanopolis Lake State Park sprawls thousands of acres, with dozens of miles of trails and wonderful caves worthy of exploration. The park is a great place to hang out and it's one of our favorite Kansas summer activities. The water here is perfect for
casting a line and trying to catch a few fish. The Smoky Hills region is one of the most beautiful areas in the state, and we love visiting this incredible park.
Need To Know: The beach here has a sandy volleyball court that's so much fun.
Clinton State Park is one of the most amazing parks in the state, particularly in the summer months. The beach here is right along the north shore of Clinton Lake and there's a wonderful shoreline that's perfect for relaxing or swimming. There are multiple boat ramps, and the park has boats available for rent if you don't own your own. There are 25 miles worth of trails, several fishing ponds, a disc golf course, an archery range, and more.
Best Free Summer Activities In Kansas
Times are tough, and many families are doing their best to save as much money as possible. If you're on the hunt for cheap or free things to do in Kansas this summer, we've found some excellent options that the whole family can enjoy.
Need To Know: Sunflower Summer runs from May 25-August 11, 2024
Many people aren't aware of this, but the Sunflower Summer program allows Kansas families free admission to more than 200 attractions all over the state! The program includes zoos, museums, and more. Children and up to two adults can obtain free admission to so many great sites all over the state. For more information or to download the smartphone app, check out the Sunflower Summer website. Non-residents aren't able to get free attraction admission using the app, but it's still a great resource to have that shows off some of the best family-friendly summer attractions in Kansas.
Need To Know: There's an indoor nature center here for when it's too hot to be outside and you need to cool off in the air conditioning, but you'll also find miles of trails at Chisholm Creek Park, which is right next door.
entertain for a whole day, and best of all, they're both free. You'll find 240 acres of trails and preserved land here, and the nature center even has a few critters in it. Events are hosted here throughout the summer, like bird walks and kids' programming, making it an excellent outing for the entire family.
Need To Know: North America once boasted nearly 170 million acres of tallgrass prairie, but now, only 4% of it remains - and most of that can be found in Kansas's Flint Hills.
There are around 11,000 acres to explore here, and it's so much more than just plain grass. This is such a unique ecosystem, and the landscape at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is the quintessential Kansas scenery that comes to mind when many think of the Sunflower State. There are tons of hiking paths here, and you'll spot lots of cattle and bison throughout the preserve. You'll also see small patches of forests and even abandoned buildings as you explore the preserve. This is such a beautiful area that belongs on every traveler's bucket list.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Kansas
There are year-round events and festivals in Kansas, whether you love to celebrate occasions like the arrival of spring or the winter holidays. The warm weather brings about plenty of great festivals that are some of the biggest of the year, with concerts, kids' events, and so much more. Here are a few of our favorites that are worth marking your calendar for:
Need To Know: This year's festival runs from June 13-16, 2024.
The Smoky Hill River Festival is an arts festival featuring music, crafts, kids' activities, and a "food row" with more than 30 different vendors. There's something for everyone at this event, which started back in 1976 and attracts 60,000 attendees annually. Find out more from the Smoky Hill River Festival website.
Need To Know: This year's Midsummer's Festival takes place June 15, 2024.
The Midsummer's Festival is one of the best annual events in Lindsborg, a small town known as "America's Little Sweden." The town was founded by Swedish immigrants, and still celebrates its European heritage today. Midsummer's Festival is scheduled in late June to commemorate the summer solstice. The whole town gets together and you can enjoy traditional Swedish dancing, food, a maypole dance, and a kubb tournament (traditional Swedish sport). You can learn more and check out the schedule of events at the Midsummer's Festival website.
Need To Know: This year's event takes place from July 3-6, 2024.
The Wild West Festival is one of the most fun Fourth of July celebrations in Kansas. The entire Hays community gets together to put on an epic parade, huge concert, and, of course, a massive fireworks show. You can also catch other events throughout town during the weekend, like a 5K run. To purchase tickets or learn more about this great summer festival in Hays, KS, check out the Wild West Festival website.
