Wide open skies and effortless scenic beauty are what Kansas is all about, despite many considering it a flyover state. Between stunning rock formations and hiking trails, lakes are another popular feature to visit for not only fun but beauty as well. To find the most beautiful lakes in Kansas, we decided to ask the state itself! Our readers over at the Only In Kansas Facebook Page have been polled to find everyone’s favorite lakes, and these 12 are the cream of the crop. Beauty might be in the eyes of the beholder, but Kansans cherish the beauty of these lakes the most.
- Wilson Lake
Cori Miller/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Known as Kansas’ clearest and most beautiful lake, Wilson Lake is a gem in the Smoky Hills. 9,000 acres of lake provides colorful rock formations along the shore as well as plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. Anyone that feels like Kansas is plain and empty has never been to Wilson Lake before. Wilson Lake, Kansas, USA
- Lake Scott
Byron Porter/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Lake Scott is another fan favorite, with beautiful spring-fed waters and plenty of local history. Whether you’re here to visit the El Cuartelejo Pueblo ruins or enjoy a hike along the water’s edge, there are plenty of adventures to have out here. Lake Scott State Park, 101 W Scott Lake Dr, Scott City, KS 67871, USA
- Kanopolis Lake
Brandon Patterson/Only In Kansas Facebook Page 3,500 acres of Kanopolis Lake and 12,500 acres of wildlife area cover some of Kansas’s best scenery. The rocky edges and trees framing the lake really bring out the best colors of the Smoky Hill River Valley. Kanopolis Lake, Kansas, USA
- Cedar Bluff Reservoir
Hannah Enslow/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Cedar Bluff is another lake known for stunning rock formations, and the bluffs that give this lake its name are a big part of the draw. The reservoir covers 6,000 acres with a beautiful blue hue that makes for great photos no matter the season. That’s the best part about lakes with bluffs, they will be beautiful year-round. Cedar Bluff State Park- Bluffton Area, 32001 KS-147, Ellis, KS 67637, USA
- Tuttle Creek Lake
Brad Gaughan/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Everyone loves the Flint Hills’ effortless beauty, and nestled in the Flint Hills is none other than Tuttle Creek Lake. As the second largest lake in Kansas, there are plenty of angles for photos, not to mention lots of water for boating, fishing, and watching the sunset on. Tuttle Creek Lake, Kansas, USA
- Melvern Lake
F Louise Atchison/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Melvern lake, despite not being the largest, never lacks in things to do. The trees lining the water provide an excellent backdrop when the wind calms enough for photos, and mother nature always paints the sky with ease. Kayaking, camping, and more await you. Melvern Lake, Kansas, USA
- Geary State Fishing Lake
Austin Sumner/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Next on the list is Geary Lake, known for its great fishing options and beautiful waterfall. When you’re done watching the water flow by, a kayak or fishing trip on the lake is a must. Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, US-77, Junction City, KS 66441, USA
- Marion Reservoir
Patsy Boyce/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Marion Reservoir is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also hunting opportunities here as well, but most lake visitors who come for lakeside scenery are more likely to be shooting waterfowl with cameras. Marion Reservoir, Kansas, USA
- Council Grove Lake
Ronald Bozarth/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Out in the tallgrass prairie, you’ll find a beautiful bit of lake and plenty to do for a day of fun. With a stunning rocky shoreline and plenty of great picnic spots, you’ll find endless angles to see of this beautiful reservoir. Council Grove Lake, Township 2, KS 66846, USA
- Milford Lake
Jarad Allen/Only In Kansas Facebook Page With over 15,000 acres of surface area, Milford Lake has plenty of space to go around. Among the flint hills, this lake still brings all sorts of beauty to the picture. If you can catch it in the fall, it’s worthy of a postcard. Milford Lake, Kansas, USA
- El Dorado Lake
Randall Kelley/Only In Kansas Facebook Page When it comes to beautiful lakes in Kansas, many overlook El Dorado Lake in their lists. As an underrated gem, this lake isn’t to be overlooked. The trees coming through the water are a unique scene that’s hard to beat. El Dorado Lake, Kansas 67042, USA
- Hillsdale Lake
Benjamin Granger/Only In Kansas Facebook Page Just south of the KC Metro area, one of Kansas’s newer reservoirs is a pretty sight to see in any season. Between the fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and hunting opportunities, you’re in for a treat no matter how you enjoy the lake. Hillsdale Lake, Marysville, KS 66071, USA
Kansas might have many manmade water features, but that doesn’t change what nature does to the sunflower state’s scenery. If you want to see more Kansas scenery in your Facebook feed or want to share photos from your own adventures, consider joining the Kansas Nature Lovers Facebook group we’ve created. Additionally, if you want to read more about Kansas’s natural beauty, you can also check out the best natural attractions in Kansas to add to your travel bucket list.
Cori Miller/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Known as Kansas’ clearest and most beautiful lake, Wilson Lake is a gem in the Smoky Hills. 9,000 acres of lake provides colorful rock formations along the shore as well as plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. Anyone that feels like Kansas is plain and empty has never been to Wilson Lake before.
Wilson Lake, Kansas, USA
Byron Porter/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Lake Scott is another fan favorite, with beautiful spring-fed waters and plenty of local history. Whether you’re here to visit the El Cuartelejo Pueblo ruins or enjoy a hike along the water’s edge, there are plenty of adventures to have out here.
Lake Scott State Park, 101 W Scott Lake Dr, Scott City, KS 67871, USA
Brandon Patterson/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
3,500 acres of Kanopolis Lake and 12,500 acres of wildlife area cover some of Kansas’s best scenery. The rocky edges and trees framing the lake really bring out the best colors of the Smoky Hill River Valley.
Kanopolis Lake, Kansas, USA
Hannah Enslow/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Cedar Bluff is another lake known for stunning rock formations, and the bluffs that give this lake its name are a big part of the draw. The reservoir covers 6,000 acres with a beautiful blue hue that makes for great photos no matter the season. That’s the best part about lakes with bluffs, they will be beautiful year-round.
Cedar Bluff State Park- Bluffton Area, 32001 KS-147, Ellis, KS 67637, USA
Brad Gaughan/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Everyone loves the Flint Hills’ effortless beauty, and nestled in the Flint Hills is none other than Tuttle Creek Lake. As the second largest lake in Kansas, there are plenty of angles for photos, not to mention lots of water for boating, fishing, and watching the sunset on.
Tuttle Creek Lake, Kansas, USA
F Louise Atchison/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Melvern lake, despite not being the largest, never lacks in things to do. The trees lining the water provide an excellent backdrop when the wind calms enough for photos, and mother nature always paints the sky with ease. Kayaking, camping, and more await you.
Melvern Lake, Kansas, USA
Austin Sumner/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Next on the list is Geary Lake, known for its great fishing options and beautiful waterfall. When you’re done watching the water flow by, a kayak or fishing trip on the lake is a must.
Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, US-77, Junction City, KS 66441, USA
Patsy Boyce/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Marion Reservoir is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also hunting opportunities here as well, but most lake visitors who come for lakeside scenery are more likely to be shooting waterfowl with cameras.
Marion Reservoir, Kansas, USA
Ronald Bozarth/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Out in the tallgrass prairie, you’ll find a beautiful bit of lake and plenty to do for a day of fun. With a stunning rocky shoreline and plenty of great picnic spots, you’ll find endless angles to see of this beautiful reservoir.
Council Grove Lake, Township 2, KS 66846, USA
Jarad Allen/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
With over 15,000 acres of surface area, Milford Lake has plenty of space to go around. Among the flint hills, this lake still brings all sorts of beauty to the picture. If you can catch it in the fall, it’s worthy of a postcard.
Milford Lake, Kansas, USA
Randall Kelley/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
When it comes to beautiful lakes in Kansas, many overlook El Dorado Lake in their lists. As an underrated gem, this lake isn’t to be overlooked. The trees coming through the water are a unique scene that’s hard to beat.
El Dorado Lake, Kansas 67042, USA
Benjamin Granger/Only In Kansas Facebook Page
Just south of the KC Metro area, one of Kansas’s newer reservoirs is a pretty sight to see in any season. Between the fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and hunting opportunities, you’re in for a treat no matter how you enjoy the lake.
Hillsdale Lake, Marysville, KS 66071, USA
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Address: Wilson Lake, Kansas, USAAddress: Lake Scott State Park, 101 W Scott Lake Dr, Scott City, KS 67871, USAAddress: Kanopolis Lake, Kansas, USAAddress: Cedar Bluff Reservoir, Kansas, USAAddress: Tuttle Creek Lake, Kansas, USAAddress: Melvern Lake, Kansas, USAAddress: Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, US-77, Junction City, KS 66441, USAAddress: Marion Reservoir, Kansas, USAAddress: Council Grove Lake, Township 2, KS 66846, USAAddress: Milford Lake, Kansas, USAAddress: El Dorado Lake, Kansas 67042, USAAddress: Hillsdale Lake, Marysville, KS 66071, USA
