Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and it is time for students to rise from the winter hibernation and get out of the house. The biggest complaint from students is that in Topeka there is “nothing to do.” Thanks to natural formations, Topeka does have something to do, Shawnee Lake.

Lake Shawnee was built as a Work Progress Administration project. Construction began in 1935 and was completed on Sept. 3, 1939, when over 5,000 fishermen celebrated the opening day.

Lake Shawnee is operated by Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. Their purpose is to provide a wide range of recreational opportunities to the residents of Shawnee County and to the travelers from all across the United States. Lake Shawnee is an excellent example of this purpose. There are activities for both the young and the old.

The lake offers fishing, boating, sailing and swimming, all in which are under $50. Within the 1,100-acre park surrounding the lake are foot trails, fish hatcheries, a golf course, a marina, tennis courts, shelter houses, horseback trails, ball diamonds and gardens.

According to Parks and Recreation, over one million users annually enjoy the beauty and diversity of Lake Shawnee.

One of the beautiful assets of Shawnee Lake is the gazebos and benches that are scattered around and are the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon picnic or a get-together.

If you enjoy being out on the water, Lake Shawnee offers water skiing, boating and paddle boating. If you are serious about boating, the Topeka Yacht Club also calls the lake its home with hours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. everyday.

For those into physical sports the lake has both a 18 hole golf course and a disc gold course. There are also a sand volleyball courts and tennis courts.

Campers, you do not have to go outside of Topeka to enjoy life outdoors Lake Shawnee is also home of 151 campsites.

Younger children can enjoy several playgrounds that are scattered throughout along with nature trails.

For those who do not want to spend money on the different activities, there are always the ducks to feed. Take a walk with a group of friends and bring some bread along.

Lake Shawnee provides Topekans’ with fun, safe and relatively cheap activities making it a four star location. Be sure to check out the lake this spring for all the fun filled activities.