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]
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The campground provides a convenient base for longer stays, and the clean restrooms and picnic areas make day trips comfortable. [^review]Kids will enjoy the open spaces for running around, and the fishing opportunities can be a fun activity to introduce them to. While the West Virginia location has a spooky reputation, the Kansas Lake Shawnee is all about wholesome family fun and outdoor recreation.
🎣 Anglers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond the water, the park features hiking trails and a golf course, catering to a broader range of outdoor activities. The campground provides a comfortable stay for those looking to immerse themselves in nature for an extended period.
👻 Paranormal Investigators & Thrill-Seekers
+1Remember that access is strictly by pre-booked tour only.
This ensures a guided experience through the eerie grounds, where you might encounter the lingering spirits of its tragic past. It's an adventure that promises chills and a deep dive into local folklore. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Identity of Lake Shawnee
Conversely, Lake Shawnee in West Virginia is infamous for its abandoned amusement park, built on what is believed to be a Native American burial ground. This location is a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts, known for its dark history and alleged hauntings. Visitors must book tours in advance to explore the eerie grounds.
+1 Understanding which Lake Shawnee you're planning to visit is the first step to a successful trip.Whether you seek a peaceful day by the water or a thrilling encounter with the supernatural, both Lake Shawnees offer unique experiences. The Kansas location provides a classic recreational getaway, while the West Virginia site taps into a more adventurous and spooky curiosity.
[^review]Fishing Hotspots and Tips at Lake Shawnee, KS
Beyond the main lake, Redditors suggest exploring a pond on the west side which is known for decent-sized fish, and another at Clarion Woods Park at 37th and Fairlawn, which, though shallow, features a small fishing dock.
Keep an eye out for special events like the trout stocking events, which can significantly boost fishing success and offer a unique angling experience.
Exploring the Paranormal at Lake Shawnee, WV
+1Visitors are drawn to the eerie atmosphere and the stories of restless spirits. Accounts include the tragic deaths of children on the swings and drownings in the lake, with locals reporting lingering sounds of laughter and activity long after the park closed.
The rusted rides and decaying structures create a chilling backdrop for ghost hunters and urban explorers. Crucially, access to the Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park requires advance booking for guided tours. Spontaneous visits are not permitted.
This ensures a structured and safe exploration of the grounds, allowing visitors to delve into the park's spooky past. If you're seeking a thrill and a brush with the unexplained, this is a destination that promises an unforgettable, albeit chilling, experience. 
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