Carter Lake (Iowa–Nebraska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carter Lake |
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Carter Lake, as viewed from Nebraska
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 Carter Lake
Location in Iowa
Carter Lake
Location in Nebraska
Carter Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Omaha, Nebraska / Carter Lake, Iowa, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°18′6.8″N 95°54′53.7″W / 41.301889°N 95.914917°W |
| Type | oxbow lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Average depth | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Max. depth | 11 ft (3 m) |
| Surface elevation | 977 ft (298 m) |
| Settlements | Carter Lake, Iowa Omaha, Nebraska |
Carter Lake is a shallow lake located between Nebraska and Iowa. It sits right next to the cities of Omaha and Carter Lake, Iowa. This special type of lake is called an oxbow lake. When it first formed, people called it the East Omaha Lake. Later, it was also known as Lake Nakoma.
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How Carter Lake Was Formed
Carter Lake is actually an old part of the Missouri River. It was created in the summer of 1877. The city of Carter Lake, Iowa got its name from this very lake.
The Saratoga Bend Story
The lake formed from a big curve in the Missouri River called the Saratoga Bend. This bend was important because it led to the creation of a town called Saratoga, Nebraska Territory. Saratoga was only about a mile from the river.
However, a big flood in 1877 changed everything. The flood cut off the Saratoga Bend from the main river. This left behind the U-shaped body of water we now call Carter Lake. This is how an "oxbow lake" is made.
Early Fun at the Lake
By 1906, Carter Lake, then known as Lake Nakoma, became a popular spot. People built a beach resort there. It had a large boathouse and a two-story building for events. A Rod and Gun Club, which was a place for fishing and hunting fans, also settled on the lake's shores. There was even a YMCA camp for young people.
Who Was Levi Carter?
Both Carter Lake and Levi Carter Park are named after an important person from Omaha's past. His name was Levi Carter. He was an early businessman in the area. He owned a factory that processed metals.
