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 |
| Surface area | 315 acres (127 ha) |
| Average depth | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Max. depth | 24 ft (7 m) |
| Surface elevation | 977 ft (298 m) |
| Settlements | Carter Lake, Iowa Omaha, Nebraska |
Carter Lake is a special lake found on the border of Nebraska and Iowa. It sits right next to the city of Omaha. This lake is unique because it's one of the few places where the Iowa-Nebraska border isn't on the Missouri River.
Long ago, when it first formed, people called it the East Omaha Lake. Later, it was known as Lake Nakoma. The nearby city of Carter Lake, Iowa even got its name from this very lake. Carter Lake was created from a bend in the Missouri River called the Saratoga Bend.
Discover Carter Lake's Wildlife
Carter Lake is home to many different kinds of fish. You can find native fish like black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, green sunfish, and largemouth bass. The lake also gets new fish added sometimes, like more channel catfish and northern pike.
However, some plants that aren't native have also moved into the lake. These include curlyleaf pondweed and eurasian watermilfoil. These plants can sometimes cause problems for the native wildlife.
If you enjoy fishing, you'll be happy to know there are not many rules about fishing here. You can also go boating on the lake. There is one public ramp where you can launch your boat.
The Story of Carter Lake
The Saratoga Bend was a big curve in the Missouri River. This bend was important for the town of Saratoga, Nebraska Territory, which was built close to the river. But in 1877, a large flood changed everything. The river rerouted itself, cutting off the Saratoga Bend from the main river. This is how Carter Lake was formed!
Because of this change, the city of Carter Lake, Iowa, ended up on the west side of the Missouri River. This makes it the only city in Iowa that is west of the river, which is pretty cool!
In the early 1900s, Carter Lake became a popular spot for fun and relaxation. By 1906, there was a beach resort with a big boathouse and a two-story building for events. A Rod and Gun Club and a YMCA camp also set up along the lake's shores.
The lake and Levi Carter Park were named after a man named Levi Carter. He was an important businessman in Omaha who had a factory in the area.
See also
