The Incredible Road Trip Through Kansas That Leads You To 6 Stunning Lakes
By Lisa Sammons|Published May 23, 2024
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
We may not be along the coast, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great bodies of water in Kansas. If you’re looking to spend a bit of time relaxing by the water – or fishing, boating, or otherwise enjoying a lake or river – you certainly have no shortage of places to spend the day. We have a number of amazing lakes in the Sunflower State, and today, we’ve put together a great road trip that will show you some of the best! Next time you’ve got a few days free, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss out on. Check it out:
This is quite the lengthy drive, at about 420 miles in length, but if you need to shorten it up, check out the itinerary on Google Maps to remove or rearrange stops.
Our first stop is one of the most popular recreational lakes in Kansas: Wilson Lake. This mighty man-made lake has a surface of more than 9,000 acres, and more than 100 miles of shoreline. You'll find several parks along the shoreline here, the largest of which is Wilson State Park. Whether you're looking to fish, kayak, or just enjoy time by the shore, this is a gorgeous lake that's demanding attention.
Next up on this road trip is Milford Lake, the largest man-made lake in Kansas. It's best enjoyed from Milford State Park, a huge park that's a nature lover's paradise. If you're looking to find somewhere to spend the night, the campground at the park is pretty great.
Tuttle Creek Lake lies along the Big Blue River and is bordered by Tuttle Creek State Park, which is divided into four areas. It's got tons of campsites, plus hiking trails, hunting, and so much more.
Clinton Lake is a man-made lake along the Wakarusa River. Along the lake's north shore, you'll find the beautiful Clinton State Park, a 1,500-acre park with tons of opportunities for fun. There's even a sand volleyball court here, and the on-site marina offers up boat rentals if you don't have your own.
The John Redmond Reservoir lies along the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, and you'll find three parks here: Riverside East Park, Riverside West Park, and the Dam Site Park. The parks have various amenities, including boat ramps, campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic facilities. This whole area is perfect for a few hours spent out in nature.
The lovely El Dorado Reservoir lies within the sprawling El Dorado State Park, a 4,000-acre natural wonderland that encompasses the lake's eastern and western shores. The park has boat ramps and beaches, and is among the most popular spots in the state for fishing.
Wow! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to grab my keys and head out on this epic road trip. Which of these lakes in Kansas is your favorite?
Of course, no road trip is complete without a few bites to eat! Check out our list of favorite road trip snacks and make sure you pack a few for your journey!
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