Our Story — Get to Know Us

Lake of the Forest is more than a picturesque gated community—it’s a living time capsule with roots tracing back to an 1866 land grant following a treaty with the Delaware Tribe. From harvesting ice for railroads in the 1800s to becoming a lively summer resort in the early 1900s, its story includes electric railroads, tent homes, and a century-old clubhouse still at the heart of community life. With native limestone architecture, historic landmarks, and multigenerational residents, this place blends rich history with vibrant traditions that continue today. Dive into the full story to uncover how a quiet lake became one of Kansas’s hidden gems.

Community

Lake of the Forest is a gated community of 163 homes nestled around a 40-acre lake, spread across winding roads climbing three levels on two sides. Located on Kansas Highway 32 between Edwardsville and Bonner Springs, it’s just a few miles from I-435 or I-70. Whether you’re heading to downtown Kansas City, the greater metro area, the airport, or nearby Lawrence, Leavenworth, or Olathe, you’re within a 30 to 45-minute drive. Our residents range from people in their 90s to newborns, with several families spanning second and third generations. Bonner Springs school buses pick up and drop off Lake children right at the clubhouse parking lot.

Clubhouse

The historic clubhouse is the vibrant heart of Lake Forest life. Most clubs and groups hold their meetings here, several dances light up the ballroom each year, and porch suppers remain beloved events. Porch sitting and the Friday evening Happy Hour in the downstairs clubroom are favorites for many. The clubhouse has also been the site of second-generation weddings in some Lake families. Uniquely, it houses one of the few remaining privately owned Post Offices in the U.S., right on community property.

Golf Course

We take great pride in our unique nine-hole, sand green pasture golf course. In early 2014, it was added to both the Register of Historic Kansas Places and the National Register of Historic Places—making it the first golf course in Kansas to earn this distinction. Stretching 3,021 yards, the course’s rolling hills, streams, strategically placed trees, grasses, and boulders make it both fun and challenging. Lake Forest members maintain and design the course. Summer brings one- and two-day tournaments with spirited competition. Around the Fourth of July, the course hosts a Golf Cart Drive-In Movie event. Beyond golf, it’s a popular spot for walking, dog outings, kite flying, or simply cruising on a golf cart to enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

Lake

The lake buzzes with activity in warm weather. Toddlers wade and build sand castles while adults keep a close watch and enjoy visiting. During the week, kids practice for swim team, take lessons, and spend time with friends—practically living in the water. Weekends see everyone in or around the lake. Sailboats, canoes, paddleboats, and floating rafts share space with swimmers, and fishing from the shore or small boats is fun for all ages. On the Fourth of July, fireworks launched from the Island give everyone the best view of the show.