Best Places to Kayak Near Mankato, KS

14 public launch points within 50 miles of Mankato, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

14 nearby6 Reservoirs4 Creeks2 Lakes
← All paddling in Kansas

Top Picks Near Mankato

rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water1

Liberty Cove Recreation Area

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner34 mi away
silhouette of trees near body of water during sunset2

Waconda-Osage

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

ReservoirBeginner20 mi away
body of water near green trees during daytime3

Jewell State Fishing Lake

Just 7 miles from Mankato — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner7 mi away
body of water near green trees during daytime

Jewell State Fishing Lake

Kansas · 6.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Lovewell-White Rock

Kansas · 10.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Lovewell-Oak Point

Kansas · 10.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest

Lovewell-Cedar Point

Kansas · 11.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Lovewell-Marina

Kansas · 12.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of trees near body of water during sunset

Waconda-Granite Creek

Kansas · 20.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of trees near body of water during sunset

Waconda-State Park

Kansas · 20.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of trees near body of water during sunset

Waconda-Osage

Kansas · 20.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of trees near body of water during sunset

Waconda-Walnut Creek

Kansas · 23.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of trees near body of water during sunset

Waconda-Schoen's Cove

Kansas · 23.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
2 person riding on red kayak on body of water during daytime

Waconda-North Fork

Kansas · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Waconda-Carr Creek

Kansas · 26.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Liberty Cove Recreation Area

Nebraska · 33.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of trees near body of water during sunset

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge - Bluegill Point

Kansas · 49.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Mankato.

Jewell, KS9 miBurr Oak, KS10 miFormoso, KS12 miEsbon, KS12 miRandall, KS13 miWebber, KS15 miCourtland, KS17 miLebanon, KS18 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Mankato, KS?

Top picks near Mankato include Liberty Cove Recreation Area, Waconda-Osage, Jewell State Fishing Lake. In total there are 14 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on reservoirs, creeks, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Mankato?

Near Mankato you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Mankato?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Mankato are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.