The Best Beers to Pack for Your Next Kansas Lake Day

There are two kinds of people at the lake.

The ones who spend hours planning every detail… and the ones who just throw a cooler in the truck and hit the road.

We’re firmly in the second group.

Whether you’re heading to El Dorado Lake for a weekend of camping, spending the afternoon on Cheney Reservoir, casting a line at Wilson Lake, or floating in a cove at Milford, the right beer can make a great lake day even better. Kansas is home to dozens of incredible reservoirs and recreation areas, each offering its own personality—from sandy beaches and wake surfing to quiet fishing coves and sunset campfires.

Here’s our guide to pairing Walnut River Brewing beers with some of the best lake moments Kansas has to offer.

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The Early Morning Launch

Beer: Teter Rock Kölsch

Before the skis hit the water. Before the tubes get inflated. Before someone inevitably forgets the sunscreen.

The lake has a calm all its own.

Teter Rock is crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy-drinking—the kind of beer that tastes even better after a morning paddle or while relaxing back at camp after getting the boat in the water.

Perfect for:

• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Dock coffee… followed by a beer

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The All-Day Pontoon Crew

Beer: Dia de las Cervezas

Pontoon boats have one speed: relaxed.

Windows down. Music up. Snacks within arm’s reach.

Dia was practically made for afternoons like this. Clean, crisp, and endlessly refreshing, it’s the beer you reach for when the only thing on your schedule is another lap around the lake.

Pairs well with:

• Chips & salsa
• Street tacos
• Floating with friends

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The Wake Boat Captain

Beer: HighBeam IPA

You’re the first one on the water and the last one to trailer the boat.

Your playlist is dialed in.

The surf rope is always ready.

When the day winds down, HighBeam delivers bold citrus hops with a clean finish that somehow tastes even better while watching the sun disappear behind the water.

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The Campfire Crowd

Beer: Warbeard Irish Red Ale

As the sun sets, the lake changes.

The kids head to bed.

The stars come out.

Someone starts telling stories that get a little more legendary every year.

That’s Warbeard time.

Its rich caramel malt character feels right at home around a crackling fire with good friends and zero plans for tomorrow.

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The Beach Blanket Crew

Beer: Have More Fun Blonde Ale

Some people never leave the shoreline.

They’re reading a book.

Playing cornhole.

Building sandcastles.

Or simply soaking up the Kansas sunshine.

Have More Fun is exactly what it sounds like—a smooth, approachable blonde ale that’s easy to enjoy from the first sip to the last.

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The Adventure Seekers

Beer: Disco Biscuits American Pale Ale

Maybe today starts with a hike.

Then a kayak.

Then cliff overlooks.

Then dinner back at camp.

For people who never seem to sit still, Disco Biscuits brings bright citrus hop flavor without overwhelming bitterness.

A little adventurous.

A lot of fun.

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Lake Cooler Essentials

A successful lake cooler usually includes:

• Plenty of ice (more than you think you’ll need)
• Water—stay hydrated
• Easy snacks
• Sunscreen
• A trash bag (leave the lake cleaner than you found it)
• A variety pack of beers for every mood

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Find Your Lake. Find Your Flow.

Kansas may not have natural mountain lakes, but it has an incredible collection of reservoirs that offer boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and some of the best sunsets you’ll find anywhere. From Milford—the state’s largest reservoir—to the clear water of Wilson Lake and the popular beaches of El Dorado and Cheney, there’s no shortage of places to spend a summer weekend.

So pack the cooler.

Load the boat.

Invite your favorite people.

And wherever the road leads this weekend…

Find your flow with Walnut River Brewing.