We went for a sunset kayaking cruise recently with friends. Shawnee Mission Lake is a calm setting away from the bustling city and suburbs. The water was calm and there were several paddle boards on the lake as the sun went down.

Areas of the lake have varied wildlife and shoreline, including a secluded pond area accessed by paddling under a small foot bridge. I saw many fisherman all around the lake as well. There are great hiking trails and places to cycle.

Whether you live in the Kansas City area or other parts of the country, explore your city parks!

Park Details

Shawnee Mission Park features a 120-acre lake with swimming beach and marina, twelve shelters, numerous picnic areas, nature trails, play areas, an archery range, a 44-acre dog off-leash area, a disc golf course, mountain biking and hiking trails, equestrian trails, and is home to The Theatre in the Park

The park land was purchased through the District’s initial bond issue in 1956 and officially dedicated on May 30, 1964. It is the second largest park in the county and the most visited park in the entire state of Kansas.

Park Shelters: 12

Lake: The 120-acre lake for boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, and much more.

Fishing: Stocked with channel catfish, large and small mouth bass, wipers, and crappie. Rainbow trout are released into the lake in February, March, and October.

Shawnee Mission Park Beach and Marina: Boat rentals availabe

Dog Off-Leash Area: 44-acre off-leash area features a dog swim area along with a new paved trail to the lake and wood chip and natural surface trails through grassland and wooded areas.

Visitor Center Services: Restrooms, Water fountains, Shelter information, Park maps, Trail guides

Visitor Center Times:

March 1 – October 31     
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 6 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm             

November 1 – February 28
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm

Shawnee Mission Park Disc Golf Course: Course is an 18 hole, 54 par wooded and prairie grass course.
Shawnee Mission Campground Reservations: Available for reservation by Not-For-Profit Youth Organizations only.