10 Best Lakeside Towns in Kansas
Kansas holds more water than most people expect, and the reservoirs built along its river valleys in the mid-20th century have become the anchors of some of the state's most livable small towns. Milford Lake, the largest of them, draws bald eagles to its shores each winter and sits near a fish hatchery where visitors can trace the wildlife the water sustains. Wilson sits south of the reservoir. The town’s Czech roots still show in places like the old railroad hotel, the opera house, and the giant egg by the road. In towns like these, the lake draws attention, but local landmarks often distinguish one from the next.
Independence
Independence sits along the Verdigris River and is about 5 miles from Elk City Lake. Elk City State Park and Wildlife Area offers great fishing and watersports, and its swimming beach is a hit with swimmers of all ages. Visitors also enjoy hiking and biking the scenic woodlands and prairies, watching wildlife, camping, and testing their skills at the park's archery range and disc golf course.
The town of Independence is rich in history. Learn more about the area's roots at the Independence Historical Museum and the nearby Little House on the Prairie Museum. Enjoy local shops and restaurants along the historic Independence Main Street. Explore Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo for fun with the whole family.
Marion
Marion is sandwiched between two bodies of water: Marion County Lake and the much larger Marion Reservoir. Both lakes offer ample opportunities to fish, boat, swim, water ski, and watch wildlife. There are also various camping options, including primitive sites and RV hookups. The Willow Walk Nature Trail at Marion Reservoir and the Marion County Park at Marion County Lake are both popular destinations.
The Marion City Museum, housed in a 19th-century Baptist church, is a point of interest in town. There are many great local spots to eat and shop downtown: some places to check out include Aunt Bee's Floral and Gifts, Crafty Cactus, and Wagon Wheel Express.
Glen Elder
Glen Elder, in north central Kansas, considers Waconda Lake and the surrounding Glen Elder State Park and Wildlife Area its "backyard." The pretty region, surrounded by trees and open grasslands, is a popular lake town in Kansas thanks to its many outdoor recreational activities. Go boating, water skiing, or fishing on the lake, camp or hike along its shores, and take in the beautiful sunsets over the pristine Solomon Valley.
While in town, check out the Waconda Springs Replica, a tribute to the historic mineral spring for which the lake was named. Explore the Glen Elder City Swimming Pool, visit the Glen Elder Library, and stay at the Heritage High Lodge or one of the local RV parks.
Wilson
Wilson is famous as the "Czech Capital of Kansas," a title it earned thanks to Czech immigrant settlers during the town's early days. The town sits south of Wilson Lake, home to several parks, including Wilson State Park. The region is beautiful with rolling hills and gentle bluffs, and the lake is a great place to boat, fish, water ski, and explore scenery via the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail.
The town features the historic Midland Railroad Hotel, built in 1899, a filming location for the movie Paper Moon. The World's Largest Czech Egg, located along the Post Rock Scenic Byway, is a tribute to Wilson's heritage. The Wilson Heritage Museum and Czech Opera House give visitors a closer look at the town's history.
Burlington
Burlington is located on the south side of two sizeable lakes in east central Kansas: the John Redmond Reservoir and Coffey County Lake. Fishing is permitted at both bodies of water. Common fish include walleye, wipers, and several species of bass and catfish. Besides fishing, visitors at the reservoir can swim, boat, and water ski. Picnicking and camping accommodations are also available, along with nature trails that provide scenic views of this pretty spot on the edge of the Flint Hills.
Other points of interest in the town include the Coffey County Museum, the Aquatic Center, and various golf courses and athletic fields at the local parks. Grab a bite at restaurants like Avocados Mexican Cuisine and Vintage Sisters.
El Dorado
The town of El Dorado sits just west of scenic El Dorado Lake. The lake, which has its own state park, boasts 98 miles of shoreline and offers plenty of recreational options. Swimming, fishing, water skiing, boating, hunting, and exploring nature are all popular activities. The Teter Nature Trail and El Dorado Dam both provide up-close views of the lake.
Visitors in El Dorado can also relax in nature along the four-mile Bike/Pedestrian Path and at the Prairie Trails Golf Course. Other popular attractions include the Coutts Museum of Art, Club Vaudeville, and the nearby Walters' Pumpkin Patch.
Herington
Herington is a small community situated on the east side of Herington City Lake and Reservoir. The Herington Lake Dam creates the reservoir and separates it from Kohls Creek. There are many opportunities for fishing and swimming at these bodies of water. Crappie, walleye, bass, and catfish are common fish species. Hunting migratory waterfowl is also permitted at the reservoir. Campsites on the lake provide electric panels for convenient RV camping.
Several city parks in town, such as Westside Park and Liggett Memorial Park, offer playground equipment for kids and picnic tables for families. The Herington Municipal Swimming Pool is a great place to have swimming parties or take lessons. Grab a bite to eat at local restaurants like The Spot and Dining Car in the town's cute downtown district.
Melvern
Melvern and the Melvern Lake, located 4 miles west of the town, are great destinations for anyone seeking a relaxing waterside getaway. The US Army Corps of Engineers built the lake in the 1970s to control flooding along the Marais des Cygnes River. Today, five parks are situated around the lakeshore, supporting opportunities for camping, fishing, and boating. The Melvern Lake Marina provides boat and equipment rentals, and Eisenhower State Park on the north side of the lake is a great place for equestrian camping and horseback riding.
City parks throughout Melvern provide additional recreation areas. Melvern City Park features athletic facilities and hosts events like the annual Fall Festival and Sunflower Days. Melvern Railroad Park and Skate Park features the historic Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Pratt Truss Bridge. Riverfront Park and Trails support diverse plant and animal species, making it a great spot for nature viewing.
Milford
Milford has been called the "City of Beautiful Sunsets." It sits near Milford State Park and is close to Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas. This is a great region for catching bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish, and bald eagles are a common sight in winter. The Milford Nature Center and Milford Fish Hatchery let visitors learn more about the fish and wildlife found in the area. The Eagle Ridge Trail offers opportunities for biking, hiking, and horseback riding through the park. Eight campgrounds provide more than 200 campsites, both primitive and non-primitive.
While in Milford, consider staying at Acorns Resort in a room, cabin, yurt, or RV. Great places to eat at include Milford Tropics and The Cove Bar and Grill.
Ozawkie
Ozawkie's city website claims to be "Lake Living At Its Best." Its position near Perry Lake makes it a hotspot for boating, yachting, sailing, water skiing, and fishing. The Rock Creek Marina and Resort is a great local spot for boat and equipment rental. Visitors also enjoy exploring the lake by horseback and on biking routes.
Elsewhere in town, visitors can explore the Meriden-Ozawkie Public Library, the Ozawkie City Park, and the Village Greens Golf Course in nearby Meriden. Stop in at the Lago Vista Grill to sample the local cuisine.
Kansas Lakeside Towns Worth Visiting
Most people think of Kansas as a flat grassland, but the lakes and reservoirs throughout the state tell a more complete story. Lakeshore towns are often nestled among green hills, with stands of trees a living testament to the land's fertility. From small towns like La Cygne and Ozawkie to more well-known destinations like Burlington and Independence, thriving communities have grown up near Kansas' water sources. These communities are excellent spots to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment at the water's edge.
