Lake Shawnee is a 416-acre lake on the southeast side of Topeka, built as a Works Progress Administration project from 1935 to 1939 and up to 52 feet deep.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Shawnee, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Shawnee County Parks + Recreation runs the lake and the park around it, with a golf course, campground, swim beach, gardens and a ski area on the north end of the lake.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Shawnee
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Lake Shawnee.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 10 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Lake Shawnee or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Shawnee at a glance
| Location | Southeast Topeka |
|---|---|
| Size | About 416 acres |
| Max depth | About 52 feet |
| Built | 1935–1939 (WPA) |
| Managed by | Shawnee County Parks + Recreation |
| Ski area | North of the buoy line |
Best things to do on Lake Shawnee
- Water skiing – in the north ski area.
- Wakesurfing – calm mornings in the ski area.
- Golf – the lakeside golf course.
- Gardens & trail – a garden and trail along the lake.
Where to launch at Lake Shawnee
- County ramps – boat ramps in Lake Shawnee Park.
Our rentals also serve Perry Lake, Clinton Lake and Pomona Lake nearby. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Shawnee
- Boats travel counterclockwise on Lake Shawnee.
- Ski only inside the north ski area, sunrise to sunset.
- Raise an orange flag whenever a skier is in the water.
Kansas boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one at all times on board, even at anchor, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- No towing skiers, wakeboarders or tubers from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and a red or orange flag goes up whenever a rider is in the water.
- Jet skis may not be ridden between sunset and sunrise, must stay at no-wake speed (5 mph or less) within 200 feet of docks, ramps, swimmers, bridges and anchored boats, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- On Lake Shawnee, water skiing is allowed only in the ski area north of the buoy line, from sunrise to sunset. Boats travel counterclockwise with a 35 mph limit, boats outside the ski area keep to no-wake speed in summer, and all coves are no-wake.
Map of Lake Shawnee
Lake Shawnee rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Shawnee?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Lake Shawnee when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Shawnee, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake Shawnee?
On the southeast side of Topeka, Kansas, in Lake Shawnee Park.
Where can you water ski on Lake Shawnee?
In the ski area on the north part of the lake, north of the buoy line, from sunrise to sunset.
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