Kayaking in Kansas City: The Best Spots

There’s no better way to explore the wonders of Kansas City than by kayak. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a beginner, there are plenty of kayaking spots in Kansas City with something to offer for everyone. From peaceful lakes and rivers to exhilarating whitewater rapids, Kansas City has it all. So, grab your gear and let’s take a look at the best kayaking spots in Kansas City.

John Redmond Reservoir

John Redmond Reservoir is certainly one of the best places for kayaking in Kansas City. Located just west of the city limits, the reservoir offers the perfect combination of calm waters and picturesque views. The reservoir covers over 10,000 acres, making it one of the largest lakes in the area. With plenty of coves, inlets, and islands to explore, there’s something new to discover around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing paddle or an adventure, the John Redmond Reservoir has it all.

The reservoir offers a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. There’s also a wide variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also some small rapids to explore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or a thrilling adventure, John Redmond Reservoir is the perfect spot for kayaking in Kansas City.

Kansas River

The Kansas River is another great spot for kayaking in Kansas City. Spanning over 170 miles, the Kansas River is the longest river in the state. With plenty of opportunities for exploration, the Kansas River offers something for everyone. The river is divided into two sections, the Upper and Lower sections, each with its own unique features.

The Upper Kansas River is ideal for beginners and offers plenty of calm waters and stunning views. You can paddle through small rapids, explore hidden coves, and spot a variety of wildlife. The Lower Kansas River is a bit more challenging and offers some thrilling whitewater rapids. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adrenaline-filled adventure, the Kansas River has something for everyone.

Lake Jacomo

Lake Jacomo is another great spot for kayaking in Kansas City. Located just east of the city, the lake covers over 3,000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. With plenty of coves, inlets, and islands to explore, there’s something new to discover around every corner.

Lake Jacomo offers a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are some small rapids to explore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adventure, Lake Jacomo is the perfect spot for kayaking in Kansas City.

Blue River

The Blue River is another great spot for kayaking in Kansas City. Spanning over 70 miles, the Blue River offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The river is divided into two sections, the Upper and Lower sections, each with its own unique features. The Upper Blue River is ideal for beginners and offers plenty of calm waters and stunning views. You can paddle through small rapids, explore hidden coves, and spot a variety of wildlife.

The Lower Blue River is a bit more challenging and offers some thrilling whitewater rapids. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adrenaline-filled adventure, the Blue River has something for everyone. So grab your gear and explore the wonders of the Blue River.

Tuttle Creek Reservoir

Tuttle Creek Reservoir is another great spot for kayaking in Kansas City. Located just north of Manhattan, the reservoir covers over 10,000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. With plenty of coves, inlets, and islands to explore, there’s something new to discover around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adventure, Tuttle Creek Reservoir has it all.

The reservoir offers a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. There’s also a wide variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also some small rapids to explore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Tuttle Creek Reservoir is the perfect spot for kayaking in Kansas City.

Missouri River

The Missouri River is another great spot for kayaking in Kansas City. Spanning over 2,000 miles, the Missouri River is the longest river in the United States. With plenty of opportunities for exploration, the Missouri River offers something for everyone. The river is divided into two sections, the Upper and Lower sections, each with its own unique features.

The Upper Missouri River is ideal for beginners and offers plenty of calm waters and stunning views. You can paddle through small rapids, explore hidden coves, and spot a variety of wildlife. The Lower Missouri River is a bit more challenging and offers some thrilling whitewater rapids. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adrenaline-filled adventure, the Missouri River has something for everyone.

Gardner Lake

Gardner Lake is another great spot for kayaking in Kansas City. Located just south of the city, the lake covers over 1,000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. With plenty of coves, inlets, and islands to explore, there’s something new to discover around every corner.

Gardner Lake offers a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are some small rapids to explore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adventure, Gardner Lake is the perfect spot for kayaking in Kansas City.

Clinton Lake

Clinton Lake is another great spot for kayaking in Kansas City. Located just west of the city, the lake covers over 6,000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. With plenty of coves, inlets, and islands to explore, there’s something new to discover around every corner.

Clinton Lake offers a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are some small rapids to explore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adventure, Clinton Lake is the perfect spot for kayaking in Kansas City.

Perry Lake

Perry Lake is another great spot for kayaking in Kansas City. Located just east of the city, the lake covers over 10,000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. With plenty of coves, inlets, and islands to explore, there’s something new to discover around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adventure, Perry Lake has it all.

The lake offers a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. There’s also a wide variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also some small rapids to explore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Perry Lake is the perfect spot for kayaking in Kansas City.

Summary

Kansas City has plenty of great spots for kayaking, from peaceful lakes and rivers to thrilling whitewater rapids. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. Some of the best kayaking spots in Kansas City include John Redmond Reservoir, Kansas River, Lake Jacomo, Blue River, Tuttle Creek Reservoir, Missouri River, Gardner Lake, Clinton Lake, and Perry Lake. So grab your gear and explore the wonders of Kansas City by kayak.