Kansas City's Best Recreational Lakes

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The school year is approaching and the summer heat has peaked. What better way to enjoy the last days of summer than with a day on the lake? Here are some of the best recreational lakes in the Kansas City area.

Tips Before You Go:

  • If you plan on fishing, you will need to have a valid permit.
  • Be sure to check the lake’s website beforehand—you may need to sign up for a time-slot.
  • Harmful algae and E. coli can occasionally grow in lakes. Before you go, look at the lake's website and Facebook to ensure that it is safe to swim. 
  • Fewer items are available for purchase at marinas due to the pandemic. Be sure to bring your own sunscreen and water bottles!
  • Stay safe, wear a mask when possible, and remember to social-distance!

NOTE: If an amenity is marked with an asterisk*, it is currently unavailable due to the pandemic.

Blue Springs Lake: 1700 NE Bowlin Rd., Lee's Summit, MO.

Located in Fleming Park, this 720-acre lake has ample space for power boating, waterskiing, tubing, and windsurfing. It is also an excellent place to fish, as the lake contains bass, bluegill, carp, and catfish. The marina provides a bait shop and a fish-cleaning station. Other pastimes at the Blue Springs Lake include swimming at the beach*, hiking the surrounding trails, and camping.

Kill Creek Park Marina: 11670 Homestead Ln., Olathe, KS.

Kill Creek Park Marina has a number of boat rental options, including kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and canoes. You can fish at the lake, which is stocked biannually with rainbow trout, as well as at the nearby fishing pond. Other amenities include a swimming beach*; hiking, biking, and equestrian trails; and a playground.

Lake Jacomo: 7401 West Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO.

This 970-acre lake in Fleming Park is a go-to spot for boating, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle-boarding. The lake contains a wide variety of fish, including bass, bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, and walleye. The marina provides boat rentals, bait and tackle, concessions, and gasoline. If you don’t want your day at the lake to end, you can make a reservation to spend the night at the campgrounds.

Lake Olathe: 13510 S. Lakeshore Dr., Olathe, KS.

In addition to providing a large number of amenities, Lake Olathe is also wheelchair accessible! The lake’s swim beach contains an accessible pathway for wheelchair-users and parents with strollers. One of the most popular attractions at the swim beach is Aqua Park, a giant floating obstacle course. Lake Olathe also provides boat rentals at the marina, allows fishing, and contains a free spray ground.

NOTE: Due to the pandemic, Lake Olathe’s swim beach is currently only open to Olathe citizens.

Longview Lake: 9898 Longview Rd., Kansas City, MO.

If you like power boating, jet/waterskiing, and windsurfing, you’ll love this lake. In addition to providing boat rentals, the marina has all the supplies you need to fish. For some fun in the sun, head over to the swimming beach*, which is home to Rowdy Ribbit’s Inflatable Water Park*. The lake is part of Longview Lake Park, which also features campgrounds, a softball complex, a golf course, and Longview Lake Horse Park.

Shawnee Mission Park Marina: 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS.

Enjoy a day of canoeing, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing, or pedal-boating at Shawnee Mission Park. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout, and more. The swimming beach includes a sand volleyball court, a shaded concession area, and restrooms.

Smithville Lake: 17201 Paradesian St., Smithville, MO.

At 7200 acres, Smithville Lake is by far the largest lake on our list! It contains two swimming beaches, two marinas with boat rentals, and one sailboat-only marina. The lake is also stocked with fish, including bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and walleye. Additional amenities include campgrounds; two golf courses; four disc golf courses; and hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

Do you know of any other fantastic recreational lakes in the Kansas City area? Please share them in the comments below!

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