Nebraska may appear as a flat prairie state, but it has so much more to offer. You will find most of the loveliest lakes of the state flowing in the picturesque cities of Omaha and Lincoln. There is something for everyone to keep themselves busy, from various water activities to picnicking and camping. You may also encounter a white-tailed deer crossing paths while you go for a hike on the nearby trails or bald head eagles gliding over the lake. With so many activities and sightseeing all around the lakes, you would surely want to plan your next holiday here.
Known to be the state’s largest, Lake McConaughy is the North Platte River’s part. With so many fun activities in and out of the water, you will not feel bored for a second. Its beautiful white sand beaches look so inviting that you would want to spend every summer vacation here. You can also visit Lake Ogallala, located on the east side of Kingsley Dam.
After enjoying your time in the lake, you can head to the McConaughy Visitor and Water Interpretative Center, which has a theatre, a community room, many exhibits, and aquariums. You can also tour the nearby Boot Hill Cemetery to gather some interesting historical insights about the town.
Fishing: Fishing in this lake is a favorite activity of visitors as a large amount of several fish species dwell here, including walleye, channel fish, smallmouth bass, white bass, northern pike, and hybrid striped bass.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, scuba-diving, camping
Lake Wanahoo is a small lake that is a favorite among Nebraskan families. Carry your picnic baskets to enjoy a fun-filled summer afternoon, munching your food while viewing the lake. There is no permission for swimming, though you can enjoy kayaking or boat riding in its calm waters. Hiking the trail encompassing the lake with your dog or even cycling along would be an ideal way to spend the evening. Camping facilities are also excellent here.
Fishing: This lake abounds in largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill, northern pike, and blue catfish.
Other Activities: No-wake boating, canoeing, kayaking, camping, hiking, cycling, picnicking, hunting
You will find Lewis and Clark Lake on the Nebraska – South Dakota border. Its 30-mile shoreline provides many recreational activities from boating to fishing, hiking to cycling, emerging as a popular tourist spot. Windsurfing or water skiing in the massive lake would be an ideal way to enjoy its waters. Bird watchers can take pleasure in gazing at the waterfowls inhabiting the shores. In addition, you can head to The Lakeview Golf Course at the eastern end for added enjoyment. Horse owners visiting the surrounding trails can stay at the campsites found here. The Miller Creek Lake Recreation Area on the western shores is another hub for several recreational activities.
Fishing: The lake supports fish like northern pike, walleye, sunfish, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, sauger, channel catfish, and black bullhead.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, windsurfing, water-skiing, hiking, camping, birdwatching, hunting
This small and calm lake, alternately called the Medicine Creek Reservoir, located in Cambridge, is one of the state’s hidden gems. If you want to spend a quiet and peaceful holiday away from the city’s noise, then this lake is for you. Water activities are plenty, and you can also spot a mule or white-tailed deer wandering somewhere at the lakeshore. In addition, campsites, primarily found in the Medicine Creek State Recreation Area, would be ideal for those desiring to spend the night here.
Fishing: Many fish species like walleye, white bass, crappie, channel catfish, and wipers are available here in abundance.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, camping, hunting, wildlife watching
This reservoir in south-central Nebraska covers about 13,250 acres, also the state’s second-largest right after Lake McConaughy. This lake will never disappoint you whether you want to enjoy the various water activities or sit back and enjoy the quaint waters. Avid wildlife watchers would get to see the beaver, mule, white-tailed deer, blue herons, and bald eagles thriving along the shoreline. The place has many nature trails for hiking enthusiasts. In addition, the lake’s surrounding areas offer excellent hunting opportunities as well.
Fishing: You will have a fantastic time catching many fish species, including largemouth bass, walleye, white bass, catfish, crappie, and wiper.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, water skiing, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, hunting
Glenn Cunningham Lake in Omaha flows along the Papillion Creek. You can spend a perfect afternoon kayaking in the waters, as this lake provides excellent boating and sailing opportunities. Those yearning for tranquility would also find this place ideal since the place offers no-wake boating. Hence, the sound of vessels would not disturb you when you soak yourself in nature’s beauty. The Glenn Cunningham Lake Park in the vicinity provides picnicking, bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding.
Fishing: Bring along your fishing poles to catch a wide variety of fish, including largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, northern pike, black crappie, and sunfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, sailing, hiking, cycling, picnicking, wildlife watching, nature-gazing, camping, horseback riding, snowmobiling, sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing
Carter Lake is a shallow oxbow lake flowing in the states of Nebraska and Iowa. Just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Omaha will bring you to this peaceful lake. On its northern shore lies the Levi Carter Park, which provides many recreational activities for you to enjoy. It is also equipped with basketball courts, football fields, and baseball fields, an ideal visiting place for sports lovers. Bald eagles soaring over the lake’s blue waters in large numbers during winter are a sight to behold. In addition, you can also witness ducks and geese wading in the waters.
Fishing: The fish species commonly caught here are largemouth bass, channel catfish, common carp, black crappie, bluegill, black bullhead, yellow bullhead, and sunfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, wildlife watching, picnicking
This lake in Lancaster County boasts a beautiful shoreline along with lush forests. Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area, abounding the lake, offers visitors many enjoyable activities from boating to hunting, picnicking, to camping. Don’t forget to get permits before entering here. In addition, primitive camping is available on the shorelines for those who wish to experience nature from closer proximity.
Fishing: You can enjoy catching largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill, and northern pike.
Other Activities: No-wake boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting
This secluded lake, nestled in the Sandhills, encompassed by cottonwood trees, presents a picturesque scenery of the surrounding valley. With not many people around, you can have a lovely time absorbing its magnificent views. You can further have a peaceful time riding on your kayak in the quaint waters.
If you want to extend your stay, spending the night in the primitive campsites located in the adjoining Pibel Lake State Recreation Area would be an excellent option.
Fishing: This lake is excellent for fishing largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, bluegill, and goldfish.
Other Activities: Boating, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, camping
Found in the central part of the state outside Clarks, this lake flows in the gated community of Summerwood. Forty private houses sit on its shoreline, some offering rental homes for your stay. When coming in for a vacation, do not miss out on the boat ride in the crystal-clear waters, one of the lake’s priciest assets. If you are water sport-fanatic, you can enjoy water skiing or jet skiing.
One of the highlighting features here is the 4th of July celebration, including a grand boat parade, sandcastle competition, and much more. Magnificent firework display brings in a finish to the gala fiesta.
Fishing: Since the lake is on private property, records of fish species are not available.
Other Activities: Boating, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing
This lake sits in the state recreational area of the same name and is the largest among the Salt Valley lakes of Nebraska. The lake, covering an area of 1800 acres, is a sought-after place among many to spend a fun-filled time. On a hot summer day, you can plunge into its waters from any one of the two swimming beaches to feel refreshed. Also, you can rent a boat from the marina inside the state park and have a relaxing time boating in the waters. When hungry, you can have your meal at the nearby Boat House Bar and Grill while enjoying the lake views.
Fishing: It has an excellent stock of crappie, catfish, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegills, and wipers.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, picnicking, hiking, hunting
Part of the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, this serene lake flows along the beautiful valley of the Snake River. You can enjoy various water sports here or take a boat ride from any one of the five public boat ramps. If an avid wildlife watcher, do visit the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge nearby.
You can even visit the Smith Falls State Park close to an hour from the reservoir, which features the state’s tallest waterfall. The Cedar Bay Campground features electric campsites, alongside the primitive ones, equipped with vault toilets and drinking water.
Fishing: Anglers can enjoy fishing bass, crappie, channel catfish, walleye, perch, and muskie.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, water skiing, sailing, camping, picnicking, hunting, birdwatching,
Calamus Reservoir in Central Nebraska flows within the recreation area of the same name. The sandy beaches here are sure to entice you to have a refreshing dip in the clear waters. The site also has several picnic tables where you can enjoy a hearty outdoor meal with your loved ones.
Avid birdwatchers will have a great time watching the pelicans, herons, cormorants, bald eagles, prairie chickens, and grouse thriving along the shore.
You can spend an unforgettable night gazing at the stars in the Nebraskan sky from the primitive campsites while listening to the sounds of the lake.
Fishing: Some of the fish varieties found in this lake are bass, walleye, channel catfish, northern pike, perch, and wipers.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, windsurfing, canoeing, water skiing, picnicking, camping, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hunting
This artificial reservoir, encompassed by Chalco Hills Recreation Area, offers breathtaking scenic vistas of the surrounding prairie setting. With so many picnic areas and pavilions, you are sure to have a fantastic time with your family. In addition, there are two playgrounds and football fields apt for your kids to have a whale of a time. You can walk or even cycle along the trail around the picturesque lake to freshen up your mood. On your way, you might also encounter a white-tailed deer or a wild turkey. Many bird species, including waterfowls and songbirds, reside or frequent here.
Fishing: Several fish varieties, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, blue catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, and walleye, are abundant in this lake.
Other Activities: Boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, nature gazing, birdwatching, cycling, picnicking, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, wildlife watching
Within the Fremont State Recreation Area, 20 sandpit lakes combine to form the Fremont Lakes. You can have a quiet time sitting on the lake shores on the sandy beaches here or can keep yourself busy with various water activities. Carry some bread pieces to feed the ducks and geese wading in the waters.
The recreation area even has picnic areas, where you could have an enjoyable time with your family. If you have come without food, pick up your snacks from the concession stands on the premises. You can even buy your fishing supplies from there if on the lookout for a good catch. With more than 200 primitive campsites available here, you don’t need to worry about where to spend the night.
Fishing: Largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill inhabit here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, water skiing, camping, picnicking
Lake Minatare, along with its recreation area, is a favorite among many for the outdoor activities it offers. You can relax and explore the lake on a boat while absorbing the beautiful vistas of the lush greenery. Powerboats are also available for those who want to have some fun with speed.
Another key attraction here, apart from the lake, is the Lake Miniature Lighthouse, the only one in the entire state. Though it isn’t an actual one with lights flashing as a warning signal, yet you can climb up the 55 feet tower to get a magnificent view of the lake and its scenic surroundings. Since the North Platte Wildlife Refuge includes the lake, you could spot the waterfowl, bald eagle alongside several birds and animals too in the surrounding areas.
Fishing: Find yourself a good fishing spot and expect to catch several fish species, including channel catfish, crappie, white bass, yellow perch, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, water skiing, windsurfing, picnicking, camping
Flowing in the heart of the city of Lincoln, Holmes Lake provides a respite from urban life. You can take the pleasure of various water activities or sit back and enjoy a delightful picnic.
Due to the presence of blue-green algae, swimming is not permissible here. Still, the views of the lake itself are so fulfilling that you wouldn’t mind anything else. There is a golf course too within the park in which the lake flows.
Don’t miss the splendid view of the sunset as the whole atmosphere changes to a magical one.
Fishing: This lake offers an excellent opportunity to fish a wide variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, pike, crappie, saugeye, and walleye.
Other Activities: Boating, canoeing, kayaking, jet-skiing, hiking, picnicking, biking, ice-skating, golfing
Driving for a few minutes from North Platte will bring you to Lake Maloney, which sits within the Lake Maloney State Recreation Area. Boating enthusiasts of all sorts are sure to have a lovely time accessing the lake. The sight of waterfowls and shorebirds gathering on the lakeshore is indeed a splendid one. You can make your vacation more enjoyable by camping in one of the many campsites lying with the recreation area.
Fishing: You will find plenty of bass, crappie, walleye, trout, and sunfish in this lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, hiking, biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Harlan County Reservoir, Conestoga Lake, Branched Oak Lake
Best Lakes for Swimming: Harlan County Reservoir, Branched Oak Lake, Calamus Reservoir
Best Lakes for Camping: Lake McConaughy, Lake Maloney, Lake Minatare
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