Potter Lake
A serene campus oasis on the KU grounds, perfect for relaxation, naps, and witnessing unique traditions like the goalpost ceremony.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Potter Lake
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene campus oasis on the KU grounds, perfect for relaxation, naps, and witnessing unique traditions like the goalpost ceremony.
"Best place on campus to escape from academia. Bring a hammock or a sleeping bag."
Bring a Hammock! :sleeping_in_bed:
Many visitors rave about napping here. Find a shady spot and relax in a hammock for the ultimate chill experience.
Check for Algae Blooms :face_with_thermometer:
In warmer months, algae can sometimes affect the lake's smell. Be prepared for this possibility.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Campanile's Serenade
Near Potter Lake
Listen to the melodic chimes of the campanile, a signature sound that enhances the lake's peaceful ambiance.
Post-Game Tradition
Potter Lake
Witness the iconic tradition of the goalpost finding its way into Potter Lake after significant KU football victories.
Hammock Haven
Shaded areas around Potter Lake
Find your perfect spot under a tree and relax in a hammock for a truly tranquil campus experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Hammock! :sleeping_in_bed:
Many visitors rave about napping here. Find a shady spot and relax in a hammock for the ultimate chill experience.
Check for Algae Blooms :face_with_thermometer:
In warmer months, algae can sometimes affect the lake's smell. Be prepared for this possibility.
Post-Win Celebration Spot :trophy:
If KU football wins big, you might see the goalpost end up in the lake! A unique campus tradition. 
It's More of a Pond :water_wave:
Some visitors humorously note it's more of a pond than a lake, but still a beloved campus spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Hammock! :sleeping_in_bed:
Many visitors rave about napping here. Find a shady spot and relax in a hammock for the ultimate chill experience.
Check for Algae Blooms :face_with_thermometer:
In warmer months, algae can sometimes affect the lake's smell. Be prepared for this possibility.
Post-Win Celebration Spot :trophy:
If KU football wins big, you might see the goalpost end up in the lake! A unique campus tradition.
It's More of a Pond :water_wave:
Some visitors humorously note it's more of a pond than a lake, but still a beloved campus spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Potter Lake is cherished as a peaceful campus retreat, perfect for naps and relaxation, enhanced by the campanile's chimes. However, some visitors note potential algae issues in warmer months, leading to an odor, and humorously point out it's more of a pond than a lake.
"Best place on campus to escape from academia. Bring a hammock or a sleeping bag. Peaceful location for a quick nap. Features preset alarms from the campanile."
Maddy
"It's a algae mess it was a great lake until they mowed the grass and grass clippings created algae moss you can smell it too such ignorant environmentalist"
Darin Wade
"clearly a pond, not a “lake.” i’m going to have to remove a star for this. potter pond sounds much better anyway. rolls off the tongue. otherwise, i love it here."
Emily Sanguinetti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Potter Lake is centrally located on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kansas. It's easily accessible by foot from most campus buildings. If driving, look for nearby parking garages like the Mississippi Street Garage or the Sunflower Garage.
Yes, Lawrence public transit (LnT) serves the KU campus. Several bus routes stop near the main campus area, from which you can walk to Potter Lake. Check the LnT website for specific route information and schedules.
Absolutely! KU campus has numerous bike racks. Cycling is a great way to get around campus, and Potter Lake is a scenic destination to pedal towards.
The pathways around Potter Lake are generally paved and accessible. However, some areas might have uneven terrain. It's advisable to stick to the main paths for the smoothest experience.
Potter Lake is situated between the Campanile and the main academic buildings. If you have a campus map or use a GPS app, searching for 'Potter Lake, University of Kansas' will guide you directly there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Potter Lake is a public space on the University of Kansas campus and does not require any tickets or admission fees. You can visit anytime.
Potter Lake is an outdoor campus feature and is accessible to the public at all hours. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight for safety and ambiance.
There is no fee to enter or enjoy Potter Lake. It's a free public amenity for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the KU campus.
Potter Lake is a public area, and spots cannot be reserved. You can find a peaceful place to relax, especially if you visit during off-peak hours.
As it's on a university campus, standard campus rules apply. Please be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Swimming is generally not permitted.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Potter Lake is ideal for relaxation. Popular activities include reading, napping in a hammock, enjoying the scenery, and listening to the campanile's chimes. It's also a site for post-game celebrations where the goalpost is sometimes placed in the water.
Yes, Potter Lake offers picturesque views, especially with the campanile in the background. It's a lovely spot for nature photography and capturing campus life.
Picnics are welcome at Potter Lake. Please be sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of all trash properly to maintain the beauty of the area.
Restroom facilities are available in nearby campus buildings. You may need to walk a short distance to access them, depending on your exact location around the lake.
After significant KU football victories, fans often carry the opponent's goalpost and place it in Potter Lake as a celebratory act.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Environment
You might spot various bird species, ducks, and other small urban wildlife around Potter Lake. It's a small ecosystem within the campus environment.
Yes, some reviews mention that Potter Lake can experience algae blooms, particularly in warmer months, which can affect the water's appearance and smell.
Swimming is generally not advised or permitted in Potter Lake due to its nature as a campus pond and potential water quality issues. It's primarily for aesthetic and recreational relaxation.
The lake is maintained by the university. While efforts are made for upkeep, environmental factors like grass clippings have been noted to contribute to algae in the past.
Fishing is typically not permitted in Potter Lake, as it is a decorative campus feature rather than a designated fishing spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the water's edge, as it's a natural lake/pond. While swimming isn't permitted, keeping a close eye on younger children is always recommended. The chance to see ducks or other small wildlife can be an added point of interest for kids. The iconic goalpost tradition after football wins is a unique spectacle that families might witness, adding an element of excitement to their visit.
🎓 Students & Academics
The lake also plays a role in campus culture, most notably with the goalpost tradition following major football victories. This event transforms the tranquil lake into a site of jubilant celebration, embodying the spirit of KU athletics. Many students have fond memories of relaxing by the lake, making it an integral part of the university experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Potter Lake Experience: More Than Just Water
Beyond its daily role as a sanctuary, Potter Lake is also the stage for a unique and spirited campus tradition: the goalpost ceremony. Following significant victories by the KU football team, particularly against rivals, the goalpost is often ceremoniously relocated and planted in the waters of Potter Lake. This boisterous celebration, captured in numerous social media posts, highlights the lake's dual role as a place of quietude and a focal point for communal excitement.
+1While the lake offers a beautiful natural setting, it's worth noting that, like many bodies of water, it can be subject to seasonal changes. Some visitors have noted the presence of algae blooms during warmer months, which can occasionally impact the water's clarity and scent. Despite this, Potter Lake remains a beloved and iconic feature of the KU campus, embodying both the academic spirit and the vibrant traditions of Jayhawk nation.
Capturing Potter Lake: Photography Tips
For those looking to capture the unique traditions, timing is key. If KU football achieves a major win, be prepared for the energetic scene of the goalpost being moved into the lake. This event, while chaotic, offers dynamic and memorable photographic moments that are quintessentially KU.
+1 Remember to be mindful of the crowds and the celebratory atmosphere during such events. For a more peaceful photographic session, focus on the subtle details: the ripples on the water, the textures of the trees, or the quiet moments of students relaxing by the shore. When planning your photo session, consider the seasonal changes. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming flowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Even in winter, the stark beauty of the bare trees against the water can be quite striking. Always ensure you have a fully charged phone or camera, as the picturesque scenes at Potter Lake are plentiful and you won't want to miss a shot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit