What swimming beaches are open in NE Kansas?
TOPEKA (KSNT) - With warmer weather on the way, what beaches and swimming lakes can you visit in the northeast Kansas area?
27 News asked the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) and Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) about swimming beaches and when they'll be open.
In Topeka, Lake Shawnee's Adventure Cove will be opening on Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 25. The beach has a $3 entry fee plus additional fees to access other activities.
KDWP shared a list of popular swimming beaches that are currently available to the public:
Hillsdale State Park
Hillsdale State Park has more than 12,000 acres of park and wildlife area, 4,500 acres of water and 51 acres of shoreline open to fishing. The park also features Saddle Ridge which has 32 miles of marked trails for horseback riders.
- 26001 West 255th St. Paola KS, 66071
- One of the largest and most popular swimming beaches in the state park system.
- Two picnic shelters and bathroom nearby.
- Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Clinton State Park
Clinton State Park is open year-round and features a 25-mile hiking and biking trail, archery range, 18 hole disc golf course, swimming beach and more. The park offers more than 350 camping sites with 135 sites offering water and electricity.
- 798 N 1415 Rd. Lawrence KS, 66049
- Smaller swim beach.
- One shelter and bathroom nearby.
Perry State Park
Perry State Park is located between Lawrence and Topeka and features Lake Perry, an 11,000 acre reservoir where visitors can fish and enjoy 160 miles of shoreline. The park is known for its crappie and channel catfishing.
- 5441 West Lake Rd. Ozawkie KS, 66070
- Medium size swim beach.
- No shelter or bathroom nearby.
Pomona State Park
Pomona State Park is a 490 acre park found 30 miles south of Topeka. The park sits on the shore of the 4,000-acre Pomona Reservoir. The park is in a transition zone featuring both prairie and eastern woodlands. The lake is popular for crappie, catfish, white bass and wiper fishing.
- 22900 S. Highway 368 Vassar KS, 66543
- Medium size swim beach.
- Bathroom nearby.
Eisenhower State Park
Eisenhower State Park is home to Melvern Lake which features a diverse array of wildlife and a network of hiking, biking and horseback trails. The park has more than 1,700 acres in addition to the more than 6,900 acres of Melvern Lake. The park features shelter houses, campsites with water and electric, equestrian campsites and more.
- Eisenhower State Park
- 29810 S. Fairlawn Road Osage City KS, 66523
- Large swim beach.
- Bathroom nearby.
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