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Lake Shawnee (Kansas)

Coordinates: 39°0′7.78″N 95°37′43.26″W / 39.0021611°N 95.6286833°W / 39.0021611; -95.6286833
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Lake Shawnee
LocationShawnee County, Kansas
Coordinates39°0′7.78″N 95°37′43.26″W / 39.0021611°N 95.6286833°W / 39.0021611; -95.6286833
Typeman-made lake
EtymologyShawnee County
Built1935
SettlementsTopeka, Kansas


Lake Shawnee is a man-made lake located in the southeastern side of Topeka, Kansas. The lake started construction in 1935, and finished on September 3, 1939, and was a part of a Works Progress Administration project.[1] The lake's size is approximately 416 acres (1.68 km2), and has a maximum depth of 52 feet (16 m). The lake is mostly used for recreational purposes, with it having a golf course, campgrounds, fishing docks, a garden, a swimming beach, shelters and more. The lake features animals such as walleyes, bluegills, crappies, trout, white bass, channel catfish, and black bass.

History

In 1935, Lake Shawnee was made as a Works Progress Administration project. Construction finished on September 3, 1939, and on the opening day, over 5,000 fishermen came to celebrate its opening.[1]

Recreation

Lake Shawnee and the surrounding area features many recreational activities.

  • Camping: Lake Shawnee Campground is located in the east side of the lake. The campground contains 114 campsites.[2]
  • Sports: Bettis Family Sports Complex is located in the northeast side of the lake. The complex contains soccer fields, baseball fields, and a batting cage. There is another softball complex in the west side of the lake.
  • Fishing: There are 16 fishing docks, a heated fishing dock, and a separate family pond for beginner fisherman.
  • Trails: The Lake Shawnee trail is a loop trail around the lake itself. The trail is 6.8 miles (10.94 km) long
  • Swimming: The Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove is a beach on the east side of the lake. It contains

The lake includes Ted Ensley Garden, a 37.5 acre garden with over 1,200 perennnials.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Lake Shawnee | Shawnee County Parks + Recreation - Official Website". parks.snco.us. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  2. ^ "Lake Shawnee Campground". Shawnee County Parks and Rec, KS. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  3. ^ "Ted Ensley Gardens". Shawnee County Parks and Rec, KS. Retrieved 2024-04-18.