Where to go boating in KC this summer
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Whether you're a motor boat pro, a dinghy dabbler, or just maritime-curious, KC has options to get everyone on the water.
The big picture: As summer heats up and KC experiences increasingly warm, dry weather, living the lake life is sounding better and better.
The fine print: There are a lot of ways to define "boat," so we're recommending lakes that support motorized vessels capable of carrying more than one person. We'll get to personal watercraft and sailboats later.
Smithville Lake
Why we like it: Smithville Lake is the metro's largest body of water. With four parks, three campgrounds, three marinas and two beaches, there's lots to explore.
What to do: If you don't have a boat, don't sweat it. You can rent one at Camp Branch Marina. Rates start at $80 and go up to $325.
- And bring your fishing pole. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie.
Zoom out: Make a day of it; eat at Chop's BBQ, bring your clubs for Paradise Pointe, and end the day with a rosé at Ladoga Ridge Winery.
If you go: Grab your favorite gear, but don't worry if you forget something. Life jackets, swim flags, snacks and bait are available at the Paradise Pointe Marina Store.
Lake Jacomo
Why we like it: Aside from its beautiful limestone cliffs, Lake Jacomo is only a short drive from downtown Lee's Summit. More on that in a second.
What to do: Jacomo boasts the largest boat rental facility in the KC metro. Its fleet includes jon boats and pontoons, starting at $70.
- The nearby Native Hooved Animal Enclosure allows visitors to watch herds of bison and elk.
- And the Missouri Town living history museum takes you on a time machine back to the mid-1800s.
Zoom out: While there's plenty more to do around the lake, its proximity to downtown Lee's Summit (7.5 miles) makes for an ideal day out.
- Mix up your favorite scent at Embers Candle Bar.
- Fill your belly with some "bones" at Konrad's.
- Finish with a beer at Smoke Brewing Company.
Heads up: Note that this lake has a horsepower limit of 25 for motorboats and 40 for pontoons.
Longview Lake
Why we like it: Located in southeast KC, Longview Lake has trails, a full-service marina and plenty of room to roam.
What to do: Splash or lounge at the beach. Hit the greenway on foot or the bike paths on two wheels.
Zoom out: Apart from its own robust trail system, Longview is near the Rock Island Trail and Cedar Creek.
- If the lake doesn't zap your kids' energy, get their zoomies out by visiting The Bay Water Park nearby.
Heads up: Swimming is only allowed in the beach area or from an anchored boat with a life jacket.
Honorable mention: Wyandotte County Lake
Why we like it: This is the best lake for boating on the Kansas side of the metro. Although you can't rent any watercraft here, the large parking lot and boat ramp are perfect for watercraft owners.
- And aside from boating, WyCo Lake has some of the best mountain biking in the area.
The bottom line: KC's landlocked, sure, but we still know our way around the water.
Go deeper: The electric boat cupholder gap