Melvern Lake

I have heard a lot about Lake Melvern but have not been there yet. I like doing this blog towards the end because I am running out of places that I have been. Now, I have to start researching new places and I am finding that next summer is going to be full of new adventures. This lake is part of the Corps of Engineers like Lake Clinton, which is my favorite lake. They take such good care of everything and now that I know that this lake is part of them I will be visiting it for sure.

Photo shows an aerial view of the lake

Photo found on the US Army Corps of Engineers Website below
http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/MelvernLake.aspx

Fugitive Beach in Rolla, Missouri

Video by The Fugitive Beach

on YouTube 

I am originally a Missouri girl and try to go back every summer. We are planning a float trip next year and hopefully I can talk everyone into going here also. I am so excited to cliff jump and see the blue water. Missouri is a nice retreat if you don't have a lot of time or money to get out off Kansas for a little while.

Pomona State Park

Bobber the water safety dog video

found on the US Army Corps of Engineers website

 

 

I found this safety video on the US Army Corps of Engineers of Kansas City website. I thought that it was really cute. I also think that is extremely important to be safe of on the water. What a good idea, to make a cartoon for kids.

Pomona State Park is about 40 miles away, east of Osage City. I'm excited to try go here next year. I thought it was just a fishing lake but after looking up some information I found out that they do offer a swimming beach, which is important to us because we don't have a boat yet. They are also a fully equipped camp ground. The website sounded like the area is known for its natural beauty. Below is an excellent website that has the information about camping, plus rules, and regulations.

http://KSoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Pomona 

Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun

Photo of the Wave pool
found on the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun website

 



This is a really fun place to go with family and friends! Located in Kansas City, MO it is an all day attraction. In fact when you buy Worlds of Fun tickets, you can now go to Oceans of Fun for free. So, I think that the next time, we go, we will have to make a two day trip out of it. There is so much to see and do now that they let you into both parks. Daily ticket prices are $54.99 for adults and $34.99 for children and seniors. Plus $15 to park. We spent all day in Worlds of Fun and didn't have any time left for Oceans of Fun the last time I was there. I really wanted to do the newest slide, the Predator Plunge. The floor falls out from under you as you are standing on the platform waiting to go down this slide.

My daughter loved camp Snoopy at Worlds of Fun. It is an area for the kids and has smaller rides and things that she really enjoyed. She still talks about it even though we did not make it there this year. Maybe next year.

Here is the web address for more information https://www.worldsoffun.com/index.cfm

Milford Lake



 

Photo of Milford Lake
Photo from http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/MilfordLake.aspx

 



Milford Lake is the largest lake in Kansas. This lake is out past Junction city and is part of the Corps of Engineers. I haven't been there but it is on my list of places to visit. My Aunt Katie and her family love to go there. I have seen this lake on a lot of commercials early in the year for being a great place to go and catch fish. The website above shows people that have caught huge fish! However, one of the reasons that I did not make a special trip out there this year was because of the blue green algae that has been popping up in the western waterways of Kansas. Hopefully, by next year this problem will have ceased but you never know. Blue Green algae can be fatal to the wildlife and cause illness in humans. I hope that the waterways can fight this and come back fully. The website above also has information on the algae problem as well.

Surrounding area pools

I must say that it probably sounds strange to go to other pools in other cities. However, Topeka pools have a problem with being over crowded. There really isn't a deep part of the pool that the community pools let you hang out in here. I think that as a child that was my favorite part of swimming. I loved to go to the bottom of the deep end and dive for things or see who could touch the bottom first. My brother has been a life guard at the Enterprise pool the last two years, so we go there a lot. Enterprise is a tiny town west of Junction City. All the people there know each other. It was fun getting to meet everyone and having a pool to go to that is relaxed. The pool was small but it offered a driving board and slide. They would allow the swimmers to play games and swim in the deep end, which I thought was extremely cool.

Photos of my brother Isaiah Piper life guarding and the Enterprise Pool

Photo by Cortney Piper

Kansas River

My daughter and her cousin on the sandy shores of the Kansas River

 Photo By Stephanie Smith 



The Kansas River is beautiful and now that we finally got some rain this year it is even prettier.  I really enjoy looking over at the water while crossing the Topeka Boulevard bridge. The river runs through Topeka and is 170 miles long. It runs from Junction City to Kansas City.



Photo of the weir

Found on Kansas+River+drown.jpg on www.wibw.com

 

A cool place to access the river is the weir, at NW 14th Street and NW Warren in Topeka. I had the opportunity to go to the weir this year. Which I would describe as a fishing platform in the middle of the Kansas River. After doing some research, I found that a "weir is a barrier across a river designed to alter its flow." (Definition from Wikipedia) Which makes it a great place to catch fish! I enjoyed watching all the fishermen do their thing. One day, I would like to have a tackle box and take my girl fishing. Right now, we are new to the outdoor world and she is too little to sit for long periods of time. We had an epic fail the last time we tried and we both just kind of  thought at the same time that we were not ready for fishing yet. I few more years and I might be able to get her out there and we will learn together and I am sure we will enjoy the Kansas River more.

Lake Perry

 

Lake Perry Party Cove

Photo from myspace.com

Lake Perry is located between Topeka and Lawrence. I have been to the Lake Perry area many times and the landscape is lovely. I have also spent time there on the water during Fourth of July and they put on a really great show. They have camping and cabins to stay in. I really liked everyone that we encountered while there. The photo above is of party cove, and it looks like so much fun.

Public Pools in Topeka



                                           

 Photo of the pirate ship at Shawnee North Aquatic Center

Photo By Cortney Piper



We go up to the Shawnee North Aquatic Center often and there is a lot for my four year old and I to do. They have a kiddie area with two slides, a pirate ship that spews water out of everything, a large pool, a lazy river, diving  boards, and four adult/child friendly slides. They have a great concessions area that provides shade from the sun and tons of lawn chairs. The admission fees are $5 for adults and $4 for children. I would suggest going here when you want to spend the day in the sun.

We also frequent the Hillcrest Pool. This pool is smaller and offers a nice place to go when it is hot outside and you need to go somewhere and didn't make plans. They offer an adorable frog slide for the young children, two diving boards, and two slides for swimmers. I like the community feeling of this pool but they close at 5:00 in the heat of the day which is hard for me to understand. It is only $2 to get in and I think it is worth the money.

The Blaisdell Pool at Gage Park has the same prices as the Shawnee North Pool but I feel is always super busy. I like the way this pool is set up but I do think that it is often times over crowded. They offer slides, diving boards, a tiny kiddie pool, and concessions.

 

 

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Picture of the Verruckt, the largest water slide in the world

Photo from Schlitterban.com

I am not just into natural waterways. I also love to go to water parks and community pools. This place is awesome! This year they introduced the "Verruckt " (which means crazy in German) which is the largest water slide in the World! It is a 168 feet in the air, 17 stories, and it get to the top will take you 264 steps. I am sorry to say that I have not made it there this year to try it out but I have been to Schlitterbahn and I am a big fan. I love that they have wading pools that you can sit in as you are waiting in the lines to get on the slides. They also have reinvented the lazy river, into a lazy river and wave pool all in one. The waves go so high and it is so exciting to be in there if you are an experienced swimmer. Or they provide rafts and lifeguards if you would just like to relax and ride the waves. This place is $53.99 for adults and $43.99 for children and seniors. I do prefer this place to some of the other water parks around because, they allow you to bring in a cooler with your own food and drinks. They also have free parking which is a big expense that is often times over looked when planning trips. I was really impressed with this place when I went and it wasn't even finished yet. I bet it is even better and more exciting now. The website has more information too. Here is the link www.schlitterban.com

 

The Shunganunga Creek



Photo of the Shunganunga Creek in the fall

Photo found on www.flickr.com

 



The Shunganunga Creek runs through Topeka and offers many sites and a great walk if you cannot get out of town. The name of the creek comes from an Indian word meaning " race course." Which fits the creek because it runs through the city zigging and zagging every which way. Topeka has developed an area that runs beside the water into a path that is great for exercising and fitness. The pavement walkway is wide and a great place to bike, run, and walk. There are also lots of cool little spots off the walkway to explore too. My favorite part of the trail is behind Felker baseball park. You can see the pavement trail from the natural dog trails (is what I can them) but I think that the area is a little more secluded, so please take a friend.

Snacks and Supplies

Car packed with all the essentials for a good trip.

Photo by Cortney Piper

 

I wanted to mention everyone that it is a good idea to pack some food & drinks when you set off to any of these places. Swimming can really make you tired and hungry and if you have to drive home after a long day in the sun, I want to make sure that you have stayed hydrated and are being safe. I also would encourage a full gas tank just incase you cannot find a gas station open or around. Exploring is fun but you have to be prepared. Blankets and a change of clothes are also a must just in case something happens. You do not want to be stranded in a wet swimsuit all night. Things that can also make or break a trip would include towels, sunscreen, floaties, bug spray, and sunglasses. These places are great once you get there but let's make sure we have what we need before leave town.

Osage Lake

Photo of the lake by my good friend

Cristine Nichols

 

This lake is located south of Topeka. If you go straight out Topeka Boulevard, there will be a sign about 15 minutes out of town. Take a left and enjoy a rustic area that is free to enjoy. The camping is free and they have restrooms but no showers or running water. It is a fishing lake, so you are not supposed to swim but we do sometimes when it is hot. There is a waterfall that I keep wanting to go see. I hope I get to see it soon. My friends and I like to kick off summer here on Memorial Day.

The Paxico Blues Festival

 

 

Cassie Taylor and Samantha Fish my favorite blues singers

Photo taken from www.FotoKOnnections.com

 

I figured I could slip this in because water is blue and it is a blues festival. Get it? I wanted to take a minute and let everyone in on my favorite fall festival. It is the Blues Festival in Paxico, Kansas. Held annually on the second Saturday of September, I never miss it. It is a free music festival and the city shuts down its streets, everyone brings a lawn chair and cooler and sits from noon to nine to hear the best blues music around. There are food vendors, seven antique shops, camping if you don't want to drive home and its all located on Mill Creek. There is so much to see and do.

Lake Shawnee

Fishing dock and paddle boating dock at Lake Shawnee.

Photo By Cortney Piper

 

Lake Shawnee being right in town has a lot to offer the city. There are plenty of good fishing spots, shelter houses where you can have a party or get married, flower gardens, exercise trails, a swimming beach, paddle boating, and much more. We just went to the Huff and Puff rally a couple weeks ago and it was really cool. They had the balloons go up at night and there were a lot of people that came out. Good family fun.

Lake Wabaunsee

Photo of Lake Wabaunsee

by Kansas Byways on www.flickr.com  

Lake Wabaunsee is a little farther out but worth the drive. Just past the city of Eskridge, it is about an hour away. It is very pretty and quiet. Far from the highway and any big cities, this place is peaceful. The big U.S.A. on the hill over looking the water makes you feel very patriotic and like you're in the right place. The beach and dock are right as you pull in and easy to find. The beach is small but I haven't ever seen it crowded. They have a very convenient little store there in case you need a drink and bathrooms. Alcohol is permitted at this location. So bring your cooler.

Echo Cliff

Photo of Echo Cliff

Photo found on www.mingle.kansascity.com

uploaded by Frank Thompson from The Kansas City Star

article "Kansas is NOT ugly."

 

Echo Cliff is another close water spot. This area has a broken down bridge that is fun to hangout on and fish or just throw some stones in the water. I thought this land was private property that someone had developed for people to come and hangout on. After some research I found that it is part of parks and recreation of Wabaunsee County.

There are picnic tables made of cement and scrape iron, and lots of shade. So pack a picnic basket and have some lunch. This park offers hiking up the cliff and of course water. The bank to get to the water is kind of tricky. It is usually a muddy embankment that is entertaining trying to get up and down.

I would say this is a wonderful place to explore or if your just starting the "outdoorsy" experience. This is a great place to for a beginner. Closer to Topeka but off the beaten track about 2 miles from Dover, Kansas you have a little bit of a gravel road to go down but no biggie.

The older gentleman that used to clean up the park has a hard time getting around these days. So please clean up after yourself!

Pillsbury Crossing

Our next stop is going to take us to Pillsbury Crossing. This little stop has a rugged and frat party feel all at the same time. Located really close to Manhattan, Kansas this limestone natural beauty is a site to see. The waterway is small but deep enough to get in and explore. There are usually a lot of super good looking college kids there which may not say, "lets take the family" but everyone is really nice and there are usually officers there to make sure that everyone is staying safe. The coolest part of the Crossing is the water at the entrance, its about three inches deep and everyone parks their vehicles in the water. There are also some small waterfalls that are pretty to look at.  It is a site to see.

There are restrooms there for everyone's convenience. And sometimes people will tie a rope swing up on one of the bluffs. Or you could just jump right in. I always like to send someone before me. Since you cannot see the bottom of this waterway. It is posted at this location that you are not supposed to swim in the water but I have to admit that their are always people in the water and I have never seen anyone get in trouble for this. However, I have seen and heard of people getting in trouble for drinking alcohol here.



Photo of the limestone entrance at Pillsbury Crossing

Photo found on www.kansastravel.org





 Snake found in the water just minutes after we got out.

Photo by Cortney Piper

Clinton Lake

 

 

My daughter and her cousin at Lake Clinton

Photo by Cortney Piper



Our first stop is my new favorite, Clinton Lake is part of the Corps of Engineers which I cannot say enough about. They maintain their waterways and beaches so well. The swimming beach is where we always go. It is located in Bloomington Park. For a low $1 fee per person or $4 fee per car load you can swim all day. They provide showers, restrooms, a playground for the kids and life jackets. The beach is clean and the people are friendly. The water is zoned so that you are protected from boaters.

That's right they also have boating and camping. A good time for all. Down the street there is also a small, old feeling general store, that is very convenant to grab a drink or snacks. I provided a map because it is a little hard to find. The drive is really nice and relaxing though.

 

Welcome Everyone

Lake Clinton

Photo by Cortney Piper

Hello everyone. My name is Cortney Piper and I am an avid water lover. My daughter and I love to spend the summers on the beach, at the pool, or where ever we can splash around.We love to spend the day in the sun.

 I am from Missouri and until recently I had no knowledge of all the awesome lakes and such we Topekans had close by. I am excited to share the places that I have found and maybe learn of a few new places along the way. I hope you enjoy the things that I share.