Best Places to Swim : Kansas and Missouri aren’t exactly known for stunning beaches. We are not responsible for this: we are Mediterranean. Whatever we have, we make good use of it.
However, if you want to feel like you are at the beach without the need to catch a plane or drive for hours, then please check out these places to swim.
List of 5 Best Places to Swim Around Kansas City
1. Shawnee Mission Park Lake
Shawnee Mission Park in Johnson County has a large, sandy and recently built beach house on the lake.
The beach includes a sand volleyball court, shaded vendor area and a special area for dogs without leashes. It is open 12-4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 12-5pm on Tuesday and Thursday and 12-6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Please check back on their website in case anything changes.
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Admission starts at $4 for Johnson County children and seniors and $6 for adults. Admission is $2 more for non-county residents.
Swimmers who want to improve their skills or train for a triathlon can find freewater swimming courses starting from the lakeshore at the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District.
2. Longview Lake and Blue Springs Lake
Jackson County’s Longview Lake near Grandview and Blue Springs Lake Lease Committee in Summit, both offer sand volleyball, picnic areas and beaches with certified lifeguards.
They are open from 1 to 7 pm in Amdani from Monday to Friday and from 11 am to 7 pm on most days. Timings change on some dates, so be sure to check their website before traveling.
Beach admission ranges from $7-9. Group discounts and season passes are also available.
Right on the beach at Longview Lake, there is an inflatable obstacle course and play area. Entrance fees vary, but are separate from beach admission.
Longview Lake, Jackson County Parks and Recreation hosts “Sand Cinema” nights where they screen family movies on the beach. There is a $10 entry fee per car. Check out movie nights on Jackson County Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page.
3. Kill Creek Park Beach
About a 30-40 minute drive from Kansas City, Kill Creek Park is home to other outdoor attractions such as Beach Russell and the Helen Means Observation Tower.
Located in Olathe, Kansas, near Kill Creek Marina, a small, sandy swimming beach is open every Thursday and Friday from 12-3 p.m. It is available in cash only and the entry fee ranges between $4-8 depending on age and residence.
4. Lake Olathe
Lake Olathe Lake offers a lot to fresh customers – water park, a floating obstacle course that’s $10 an hour (and that’s plus beach admission).
Beach admission ranges from $4-12 and children under 2 are free. Lake Olathe’s beach also has a Mobi-Mat rackpath so people with walkers, strollers or wheelchairs can access the beach.
The beach and water park are open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm. For those with small children, the beach also has a fun splash pad that is open daily from 10am to 8pm.
5. Smithville Lake
Smithville Lake, in Clay County, about 40 minutes from Kansas City, has two great swimming spots: Camp Branch and Little Platte Beach, both of which have sandy beaches. Picnic tables and grills are located nearby, so you can pack and cook some food. Park passes start at $6 per car.
The beaches are open from sunset to 8:30 am until September 15.
Note: The water at both beaches has recently tested positive for the naturally occurring bacteria E. coli. There is currently an advisory on swimming. The water is tested every two weeks. Check their website or social media for the latest updates.
Conclusion
Kansas and Missouri do not have famous beaches of interest, but both the states have many beautiful and delightful ponds and beaches where you can enjoy bathing. There are family concerts, games, and special attractions that promote your physical and mental health. Those who face problems while visiting the beaches can enjoy the beautiful ponds here. Bathing in this mountainous region gives a different pleasure which is no less than sea beaches.