Home › Kansas › Topeka › Lake Shawnee
Lake Shawnee
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,783 Google reviews · Running trail in Topeka, Kansas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Shawnee's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Manmade lake/recreation area with fishing, boating & swimming plus tennis, golf, camping & gardens.
What runners say about Lake Shawnee
“Restrooms and showers are clean.”
“The new playground on the East side of the lake is beautiful, with places to sit and eat and a pavilion nearby with bathrooms.”
“Beautiful lake surrounded by gardens and walking paths for all ages.”
My favorite place to walk my dog. It's 7 miles around the lake. There's so many activities. Activities: boating, canoing, frisee golf, swimming, camping, walking/biking trail (7 mile loop), paddle boats, fishing, baseball/softball, tennis, golf, picnic sites w/bbq grills. The area is pet friendly.
This park is a beautiful place to go. The flowers and trees are amazing. There are a lot of picnic table to be enjoyed, ducks and geese, as well as many other birds. Docks to walk on or fish from. And a huge walking/ biking trail that goes completely around the lake. I think the trail is 6 miles.
Beautiful neighborhood & the walking path by the lake is immaculate. Gorgeous everywhere... amazing large trees, the lake itself, willow, moss, bridges & architecture, all lovely. I just stopped when driving by and took a 10-minute walk, it is definitely an oasis that is perfect for rejuvenating.
We’re full time RV’ers and this park rates #1, and we’ve seen a ton of gorgeous parks. Beautifully maintained, excellent paved walking/biking/running trails around the entire lake. I’m guessing 10 miles +\- that we enjoyed daily with our dog. There’s literally something for everyone.
Trail conditions & character
“The new playground on the East side of the lake is beautiful, with places to sit and eat and a pavilion nearby with bathrooms.”
“I have spent a lot of time here, playing with my kids, walking my dog, fishing, riding my bicycle, and enjoying the garden.”
“The new playground on the East side of the lake is beautiful, with places to sit and eat and a pavilion nearby with bathrooms.”
“Beautifully maintained, excellent paved walking/biking/running trails around the entire lake.”
Plan your run at Lake Shawnee
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.snco.us
- Phone(785) 251-2600
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Topeka
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Big Shunga Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 213 reviews
Sizable green space featuring trails, a BMX track, a baseball field & play equipment.
Warren Nature Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Felker Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 271 reviews
This local park features soccer fields, a lighted softball complex, green space & picnic tables.