Lake Quivira

Upon its establishment in 1928, Lake Quivira was a vacation spot with a summer camp feel for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Kansas City. Even though the area is now filled with more permanent residents, the community continues its social summertime vibe with water activity and country club events at its core.

Many homes in the area offer all-encompassing views of the neighborhood’s 224-acre namesake body of water – Lake Quivira – complete with private boat slips and docks. These higher priced homes come in a variety of styles, with anything from deconstructivist designs to contemporary houses with flat roofs . Even offshore houses in traditional styles boast views of the serene, forested areas viewable from the expansive patios common to this area. No need to worry about space when visitors come to your lakeside retreat, as these homes often have four or five bedrooms.

Thanks to Lake Quivira Country Club, one of the most anticipated events of the year is the Pontoon Crawl. Every summer, you can dress up and decorate your boat according to the ever-changing theme and stop at six different places along the shore to experience different food, drinks and live music. Before starting your water-related activities, practice putting at the club’s 18-hole golf course, which was awarded the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certificate for its support of wildlife conservation on the course. The club also provides a lifeguard-monitored beach where you can plunge into the spring-fed lake from a diving board or cool off under the red and white umbrellas.

Adjacent to the country club, the recently opened community center, known as The Q, is also a focal point of the area. “A lot of people have come to me and said, ‘I can’t believe we ever lived here without this,’” says Community Center Program Director Marisa Callaway. “It really is a hub of activities in the community.” The center offers consistently full workout classes, including Pilates, yoga or water aerobics in the 25-meter lap pool. If you are more into a solo workout, the fitness center overlooks the lake and has an elevated track. While children meet new friends at the center’s array of youth programs or conquer the obstacle course playground, adults can sweat away their stress in the sauna or unwind with a massage.

In addition to the country club and community center, Lake Quivira and its surrounding natural beauty will supply you with outdoor entertainment to last the whole day. For fishermen, the lake is stocked with fish twice a year, and you may land a large-mouth bass, walleye, trout or crappie. Whether you are into boating, waterskiing or even ice skating during the colder months, Lake Quivira is the pinnacle of lakeside living.

If you are looking to get out of the water for a bit, there are 13 different trails in and around the neighborhood, inhabited by over 200 species of birds. For equestrians, the Quivira Saddle Club is a boarding and training facility with over 100 acres of land.

When summertime fun comes to a close, children in the area can attend Broken Arrow Elementary. It’s an Apple Distinguished School, an award that recognizes innovative schools and the way they inspire students to create, collaborate and think.

The community prides itself in being an oasis from city life, so you may have to drive a bit to any retail or restaurants. Still, the Legends Outlets only 9 miles away. Prepare for your next lake day with a pair of shades from Sunglass Hut or a new swimsuit at H&M. Once a day of swimming and shopping builds up your appetite, grab Cajun-Creole staples, like spicy jambalaya or the parmesan-covered chicken a la mer, at Jazz. To end your day, walk down the street to catch a Sporting KC game at Children’s Mercy Park. Get a seat in the area known as “the cauldron” to be near the most enthusiastic soccer fans.

Written By

Meghan Baker

Photography Contributed By

Brooke Wasson

Video By

Luke Basinger