Twice cited by the tourism industry as a top travel destination in Kansas, Lake Shawnee is visited by more than 1 million people each year for festivals, ball tournaments, golf, boating, fishing and camping; or just to hike the Lake Shawnee Trail and visit Ted Ensley Gardens. Shelter houses available for rent, playgrounds, tennis courts and sand volleyball round out the fun.
Lake Shawnee was built as a Work Progress Administration project. Construction began in 1935 and was completed on September 3, 1939, when more than 5,000 fishermen celebrated the opening day.