Saturdays on the Kaw: Lecompton to Lawrence Guide

Just minutes from downtown Lawrence and less than an hour from Kansas City lies scenic stretches of the Kansas River — a 12-mile float from Lecompton to Lawrence. While its proximity may make it seem like a quick and easy paddle, don’t be fooled. This stretch is longer and more demanding than it appears, but well worth the effort for paddlers of all levels.

Starting Your Journey: Lecompton Bridge

Launching from the Lecompton Bridge, the first two-thirds of the float wind through a classic Kansas River landscape — a gently meandering river dotted with sandbars, perfect for exploring or taking breaks. Finding the main channel requires a bit of attention, especially in lower water, but it’s generally straightforward. Unless the river is unusually low, you shouldn’t have to step out of your boat. Keep an eye out for submerged logs and other obstacles just below the water’s surface. These are often easiest to spot from the bow of a tandem canoe, making it a good task for the front paddler. Apart from occasional underwater logs and natural debris along the banks, this first portion of the river is relatively free of hazards.

A Scenic Escape

For much of the journey, you’ll feel surprisingly removed from civilization. The first 8 miles offer a peaceful escape with an abundance of wildlife and beautiful, undeveloped scenery — a remarkable contrast to how close you are to urban Lawrence.

Approaching Lawrence: Changing Conditions

As the river nears Lawrence and the Bowersock Dam, its character changes. The river widens, the current slows, and the banks begin to show more signs of development. The Lawrence Energy Center appears on the right, marking the beginning of a this last section of the trip with a wider, slower flowing river. But first, there are a few things to watch for at the Energy Center. Here, multiple channels appear. We recommend avoiding the far-left channel, where a weir can pose a hazard in higher water. The best route is typically the center channel, although it can be shallow with some sediment buildup in low water. The far-right channel, while technically navigable, is very close to the energy center infrastructure.

The Final Stretch: Slow Water and Headwinds

Once the river widens into a slow-flowing lake near the end of the trip, the paddling becomes more laborious — especially if you're battling a headwind or feeling the fatigue of the earlier miles. The current slows significantly, requiring steady paddling to make it to the takeout point. The Lawrence Riverfront Park boat ramp is on the left and is easy to spot. The main channel is usually near the center or closer to the left bank when heading downstream. Although the river looks inviting beyond Riverfront Park, there are no better takeout options below, and you’re approaching the Bowersock dam. That dam is still about a mile away, and in the rare event someone misses the boat ramp, there is still about a mile of river left to safely reach the shore and regroup. Cell service is patchy at the beginning of the trip but becomes more reliable as you near Lawrence.

What Kind of Trip Is This?

First-Time Paddlers:

Expect more work than you might anticipate. A tandem canoe is ideal for beginners — having a partner helps with paddling and navigating obstacles.

Intermediate Paddlers:

This stretch offers a scenic and manageable experience to hone your skills and enjoy time on the water.

Fitness-Focused Paddlers:

With stretches of deep, uninterrupted water, this route is great for training. Expect a solid workout, especially in the final section.

Tandem Canoe Practice or Family Trips:

This is a perfect route to practice stern control and switching paddling positions. The many sandbars provide safe places to stop, stretch, and rotate roles.

In Summary

The float from Lecompton to Lawrence is a beautiful, rewarding trip suitable for a wide range of paddlers. With a mix of scenery, wildlife, mild obstacles, and changing water conditions, it’s an ideal introduction to the Kansas River’s charm — as long as you're ready to put in some steady paddling, especially toward the end.