List of lakes of Nebraska facts for kids
Nebraska is a state in the central United States, and it's home to many beautiful lakes! These lakes are great places for outdoor fun like swimming, fishing, and boating. However, it's important to remember that not all activities are allowed on every lake. Some lakes might be private, or have special rules like speed limits for boats.
This list will tell you about some of the most interesting lakes in Nebraska, from the biggest ones to those perfect for a quiet day out.
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Exploring Nebraska's Lakes
Nebraska has a wide variety of lakes, each with its own unique features. Some are huge reservoirs, which are artificial lakes created by dams, while others are smaller, natural lakes. Many of these lakes are managed by the state and offer lots of ways to enjoy nature.
Big Lakes to Discover
Nebraska is home to some really large lakes, perfect for big adventures!
Lake McConaughy
Lake McConaughy is the largest lake entirely within Nebraska. It's located near Ogallala in Keith County. This huge lake covers about 30,500 acres, which is like having over 23,000 football fields filled with water! It's a popular spot for all kinds of water sports and fishing.
Harlan County Reservoir
Harlan County Lake is another giant, covering about 13,250 acres. You can find it near Alma in Harlan County. It's a great place for fishing and boating, offering lots of space to explore.
Lewis and Clark Lake
Lewis and Clark Lake is special because it's shared with the state of South Dakota. This lake is part of the Missouri River and is the largest lake overall that Nebraska shares, with about 31,400 acres. It's located in Cedar and Knox counties.
Calamus Reservoir
The Calamus Reservoir is a large lake in Loup and Garfield counties, covering about 5,200 acres. It's a popular spot for camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Sherman Reservoir
Sherman Reservoir, near Loup City in Sherman County, spans about 2,845 acres. It's a favorite for fishing and boating.
Lakes for Fun Activities
Many of Nebraska's lakes are perfect for different kinds of fun activities.
Fremont Lakes
The Fremont Lakes area in Dodge County is actually a collection of 19 smaller lakes! Together, they cover about 280 acres. This area is a fantastic place for swimming, fishing, and camping, with many different spots to choose from.
Branched Oak Lake
Branched Oak Lake, near Malcolm in Lancaster County, is a large lake covering about 1,800 acres. It's a popular destination for boating, fishing, and even horseback riding on nearby trails.
Carter Lake
Carter Lake is unique because it's shared with Iowa. Located in Douglas County, this 300-acre lake has a speed limit of 5 mph for boats, making it a calmer spot for activities.
Glenn Cunningham Lake
In north central Omaha, you'll find Glenn Cunningham Lake. This 390-acre lake in Douglas County also has a 5 mph speed limit, making it a peaceful place for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Zorinsky Lake
Zorinsky Lake is another great spot in west Omaha, Douglas County. It's 255 acres and has a 5 mph speed limit, perfect for a relaxing day on the water or enjoying the walking trails around it.
Salt Valley Lakes
The Salt Valley Lakes are a group of more than 20 lakes located around Lincoln in Lancaster County. These lakes vary in size and offer many opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking close to the city. Some examples include Bluestem (325 acres), Conestoga (230 acres), Olive Creek (175 acres), Pawnee (740 acres), Stagecoach (195 acres), and Wagon Train (315 acres). Many of these have a 5 mph speed limit.
Other Notable Lakes
Here are a few more lakes with interesting facts:
- Box Butte Reservoir: This 1,600-acre reservoir is located southeast of Crawford in Dawes County.
- Enders Reservoir: Near Imperial in Chase County, this lake covers about 1,707 acres.
- Lake Minatare: Northeast of Scotts Bluff, this lake is 2,158 acres in Scotts Bluff County.
- Merritt Reservoir: Near Valentine in Cherry County, this lake is 2,900 acres and is known for its clear waters.
- Sutherland Reservoir: East of Paxton in Lincoln County, this lake is 3,017 acres.
- Willow Creek Reservoir: Northwest of Norfolk in Pierce County, this 700-acre lake has a 5 mph speed limit.
Lakes with Special Rules
Some lakes have specific rules to keep everyone safe and protect the environment:
- Cottonwood Lake (Cedar County): This 250-acre lake, shared with South Dakota below Gavins Point Dam, does not allow gasoline-powered motors. This makes it a quiet spot for activities like canoeing or kayaking.
- Big Indian Recreation Area: This 68-acre lake in Gage County has a 5 mph speed limit.
- Burchard Lake: East of Beatrice in Pawnee County, this 150-acre lake also has a 5 mph speed limit.
- Flanagan Lake: A smaller lake at 22 acres in Douglas County, it has a 5 mph speed limit.
See also
- List of lakes in the United States
- List of Nebraska fish
- List of Nebraska rivers
- List of Nebraska streams
Sources
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Lake Mapping Program
- Nebraska Lakes Association
- Great Lakes of South Dakota Association
- Maps of South Dakota Lakes
- SD State Parks and Recreation Areas
