Constructed in 1932, Pawnee Lake encompasses 530 surface acres with a four-mile shoreline, located 2 miles north of Pawnee on State Highway 18. The lake features two boat ramp areas on the southwest and southeast sides, with the southwest dock being ADA accessible.

The lake's surface area and relatively compact shoreline make it manageable for day-trip exploration. The surrounding area is landscaped and features a sandy beach, offering pleasant views for paddlers. Multiple areas around the lake allow pull-off access, and fishing buoys mark brush piles throughout the water body.

Facilities include boat ramps, a boat dock, restrooms, and picnic areas with group shelters. The lake environment supports a significant bass population, so paddlers should expect to share the water with anglers. Additional recreational facilities adjacent to the lake include a 9-hole golf course and horse facilities.

The lake allows general boating activities across its waters, with the two boat ramps on the southern end serving as the main access points. The road circling the lake provides multiple options for putting in or taking out.

The lake serves as a municipal water body managed by the City of Pawnee, offering both recreational opportunities and practical utilities for the local community. Its history as a Depression-era construction project adds historical significance to the area. The lake is part of a larger recreational complex that includes camping facilities, with 150 full RV hookups and primitive campsites available for overnight stays.