Lake Shawnee
A dual-identity destination: a serene Kansas lake for recreation and a haunted West Virginia amusement park for thrills.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful fishing
Lake Shawnee
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful fishing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dual-identity destination: a serene Kansas lake for recreation and a haunted West Virginia amusement park for thrills.
"Lake Shawnee is a jewel in the midst of Topeka, offering relaxation and recreation for all."
🎣 Fishing License Needed
Ensure you have a valid fishing license before casting your line at Lake Shawnee.
🚤 Boat Marina Access
While beautiful, a lack of a full-service marina might impact boaters. Plan accordingly. [^review]
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 2,718 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fishing Adventures
Various spots around the lake
Cast a line for bluegill, bass, and channel cats. Trout stocking events add extra excitement!
Boating & Water Sports
Lake waters
Enjoy sailing, swimming, and a day out on the water. A marina is available for boaters.
Gardens & Arboretum
Adjacent to the lake
Stroll through 11 acres of arboretum and 9.5 acres of beautiful gardens for a peaceful escape.
Haunted Amusement Park (WV)
Lake Shawnee, West Virginia
Explore the eerie remnants of an abandoned amusement park with a dark history. Book tours in advance!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Lake Shawnee
Know Before You Go: Lake Shawnee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 Fishing License Needed
Ensure you have a valid fishing license before casting your line at Lake Shawnee.
🚤 Boat Marina Access
While beautiful, a lack of a full-service marina might impact boaters. Plan accordingly. [^review]
👻 Book WV Tours Ahead
For the haunted amusement park, tours must be scheduled in advance. No same-day bookings!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails and gardens comfortably. Miles of gravel paths await!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Fishing License Needed
Ensure you have a valid fishing license before casting your line at Lake Shawnee.
🚤 Boat Marina Access
While beautiful, a lack of a full-service marina might impact boaters. Plan accordingly. [^review]
👻 Book WV Tours Ahead
For the haunted amusement park, tours must be scheduled in advance. No same-day bookings!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails and gardens comfortably. Miles of gravel paths await!
📱 Check Local Event Listings
Stay updated on events like trout stocking for a unique fishing experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Shawnee in Kansas is widely praised as a beautiful and relaxing jewel in Topeka, offering great fishing and family-friendly activities. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities and helpful staff, though some note the lack of a full-service marina. The West Virginia location is recognized for its unique, albeit spooky, paranormal appeal, requiring advance booking for tours.
"Great fishing options around this beautiful lake…Blue Gill and small mouth Bass plus Channel Cats.
This lake is a jewel in the midst of Topeka! We needed to extend our camping stay and they were more than helpful…even finding a discount that could be applied. Forever grateful."
Richard Skinner
"Beautiful lake. Without a marina to fill up your boat, I just can't give it five stars. But what a beautiful place to hang out in our boat."
Heidi Lauber-Horman
"Stopped to picnic and fish with a friend. It was a beautiful summer day and the park/lake was awesome. Very clean, not too crowded. Didn't catch any fish but enjoyed the view. Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper too. Would have given 5 stars if i caught a fish."
Wanderlust One
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Shawnee is easily accessible in Topeka, Kansas. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a relaxing escape. Many find it a convenient destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
The abandoned amusement park in West Virginia is located in Mercer County. It's recommended to check the official tourism website for specific directions and to book any paranormal tours in advance.
For the Kansas location, driving is the most convenient way to access different areas like the campground, marina, and trails. Biking is also popular on the paved paths.
Public transport options directly to Lake Shawnee are limited. It's best to have a personal vehicle or consider ride-sharing services if you're not staying at the campground. [^review]
If you're road-tripping, Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas, is a great stop. It's known for its beautiful scenery and recreational activities, making it a worthwhile detour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access the park and lake areas in Topeka, Kansas. However, specific activities like camping or golf may have associated costs. [^review]
Yes, for the Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park in West Virginia, you must schedule a tour in advance. They do not accept same-day bookings.
The park in Topeka, Kansas, is generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities like the campground or marina may have their own operating schedules.
Yes, you can book paranormal tours for the Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park in West Virginia through their official website. Advance booking is essential.
Campers have reported that the staff at Lake Shawnee Campground in Kansas are helpful and have found discounts. It's worth inquiring when booking. [^review]
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Boating
Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas, is known for good fishing, including bluegill, smallmouth bass, and channel cats. Trout stocking events also occur, offering a chance for trout fishing.
Yes, Lake Shawnee offers several good fishing spots. Redditors suggest a pond on the west side and another at Clarion Woods Park.
Yes, you can launch your boat at Lake Shawnee in Kansas. There are facilities for boating, sailing, and swimming.
Lake Shawnee in Kansas has a marina, which is a great amenity for boaters. However, some reviews note the absence of a full-service marina for refueling. 
You will need a valid Kansas fishing license to fish at Lake Shawnee. Ensure you have this before you go to avoid any issues.
📸 📸 Photography & Vibe
Lake Shawnee in Kansas offers beautiful horizons, gardens, and arboretums perfect for photography. The abandoned amusement park in WV provides a unique, eerie backdrop for photographers.
Absolutely! The natural beauty of Lake Shawnee in Kansas, with its trails and gardens, makes it a prime spot for nature photography.
In Kansas, Lake Shawnee is described as beautiful, relaxing, and family-friendly. The West Virginia location has a spooky, paranormal vibe due to its history. [^review]
The abandoned amusement park is considered haunted, with stories of children's spirits and drownings. Locals report hearing laughter long after dark.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the park authorities in Kansas regarding drone policies before flying. For the WV site, focus on ground-level photography unless specific permissions are granted. [^review]
🎫 🏨 Accommodation & Amenities
Yes, Lake Shawnee in Kansas offers a campground with 140 sites, suitable for tents and RVs, including spacious sites for big rigs.
The campground provides much-needed amenities like showers. It's a convenient base for exploring the area.
Yes, the restrooms at Lake Shawnee are reported to be clean and well-maintained, even having toilet paper. [^review]
Lake Shawnee is a great spot for picnics, with beautiful views and clean park areas. It's a perfect place to relax with friends and family. [^review]
While the abandoned amusement park itself is not for lodging, nearby towns in West Virginia offer various accommodation options. It's best to research lodging in Mercer County.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit