Megan Bryant is a passionate writer and traveler who has combined her two loves to help others fulfill their traveling dreams. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up with her 3 Dachshunds and a good book or planning her next adventure—wherever that may be.
Nebraska is the only triply landlocked state in the country, but not to worry, its breathtaking lakes sure make up for its extreme lack of ocean. Nestled within the heart of the Great Plains, Nebraska’s serene landscape and enchanting lakes offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life.
From the expansive reservoirs carved by man to the pristine natural oases shaped by nature itself, these 15 Nebraskan lakes offer recreational adventures and ecological wonders, making them the perfect weekend getaway for both tourists and locals alike.
Branched Oak Lake
Branched Oak Lake makes up part of the Branched Oak State Recreational Area in Lancaster County, with its 1,800 acres of water gaining it the title of the largest lake in the Salt Valley Lakes. Thanks to its expansive water, Branched Oak Lake has become a popular recreation area, with visitors taking to the water to boat, fish, and swim. The lake even features two swimming beaches that are ideal for an afternoon of relaxation down by the water.
Calamus Reservoir
If you enjoy water-based recreational activities, look no further than Calamus Reservoir in the Calamus State Recreation Area. Boating, canoeing, fishing, windsurfing, and waterskiing are just some of the activities you can get involved with at Calamus Reservoir, which is why it sees so many visitors every year.
And even if water activities aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the reservoir’s hiking trails, picnic tables, and its resident wildlife, all before pitching your tent in one of the surrounding campsites and calling it a night.
Carter Lake
Located just east of the city of Omaha is the shallow Carter Lake, which was formed in 1877. Now surrounded by the Carter Lake Park, Carter Lake offers fishing, water skiing, boating, and swimming opportunities, as well as boasting basketball courts, baseball fields, football fields, and pavilions with picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
Conestoga Lake
Conestoga Lake is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and has become a frequented waterway amongst those who like to boat and fish. The lake, which sits southwest of the city of Lincoln, also has playgrounds, picnic areas, campgrounds, and fire pits, making it one of the best lakes in Nebraska for families in search of a weekend getaway.
Fremont Lakes
Fremont Lakes is actually made up of not one, not two, but twenty different lakes, which combined provide over 119 hectares of water for visitors to enjoy. Nestled amongst the lakes are 240 campsites, 190 motorhome sites, and several picnic areas, so the Fremont Lakes really are a beautiful place to hang out. If you do want to get involved with some recreational activities, then hit the water and fish, boat, swim, or water ski—there really is no limit to the fun you can have!
Glenn Cunningham Lake
Glenn Cunningham Lake in Douglas County is a 390-acre stretch of water that is surrounded by a designated wildlife area and parkland. With paths, hiking, and cycling trails to make use of, Glenn Cunningham Lake is an excellent Nebraskan lake choice for those who love the outdoors.
Since the lake’s opening in 1977, it has also become a popular place for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing, and as no motorized boats are allowed on the water, you can paddle in complete serenity, taking in the beauty of the surrounding area.
Harlan County Reservoir
The Harlan County Reservoir sits along the Republican River and spans over 13,248 acres, making it one of the biggest lakes in the state. Thanks to Harlan Country Reservoir’s sheer size, there are plenty of recreational activities that everyone can get involved with. From fishing for walleye, catfish, crappie, and bass to wildlife photography, camping, and boating, Harlan County Reservoir is up there as one of the best lakes in all of Nebraska—one you should definitely check out if you’re in the area.
Lake McConaughy
Lake McConaughy is the second largest lake in Nebraska that was created by the Kingsley Dam—one of the largest dams of its type in the world! Spanning an impressive 35,699 acres, Lake McConaughy has become a hot spot for fishing, boating, windsurfing, waterskiing, and swimming, with some people even going scuba diving to explore the lake’s depths.
To top it all off, Lake McConaughy has beautiful white sandy beaches, numerous picnic areas, and plenty of campgrounds. But don’t worry; you can also stay at one of the lakeside lodges if roughing it isn’t your thing.
Lake Minatare
Sprawling 2,158 acres, Lake Minatare is the Panhandle’s largest body of water, drawing in thousands of visitors from all over the state. Surrounded by the Lake Minatare State Recreation Area and as part of the North Platte Wildlife Refuge, Lake Minatare is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers who are in search of waterfowl species.
Throughout the spring and summer, the waters of Lake Minatare become populated by fishermen who cast their reels in the hopes of catching crappie, walleyes, catfish, and pike. Plus, the lake is a great place for water skiing, windsurfing, and swimming, so really, Lake Minatare offers something for everyone!
Lake Wanahoo
One of Nebraska’s newest reservoirs is Lake Wanahoo, which was built in the 1990s to control flooding in the Saunders County area. Although the reservoir’s main purpose is flood control, Lake Wanahoo has also become a popular recreation site offering canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing opportunities to those who choose to visit.
Lewis and Clark Lake
Another of Nebraska’s biggest lakes is the 31,000-acre Lewis and Clark Lake, which sits along the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. Over a million visitors flock to the lake every year, and although camping is one of the most popular things to do there, sailing, swimming, boating, and fishing are also common pastimes.
Merritt Reservoir
Merritt Reservoir, which spans 75,000 acres, is Nebraska’s biggest lake, whose sheer depth has made it an excellent spot for fishing and boating. You can take all types of boats on Merritt Reservoir, and with five boat ramps that give access to the water, loading and unloading your boat is a complete breeze.
Whether you picnic at one of the 200 picnic tables, grill at one of 190 grills in the recreation areas, cool off with an afternoon dip, or set up camp in the lake’s 38 campsites, you’re guaranteed to have a relaxing and enjoyable time down by the water.
Morning Star Lake
Morning Star Lake, just east of the Platte River, is open to the public despite its location in the gated Summerwood community. Of all the lakes in Nebraska, Morning Star Lake is one of the clearest due to the fact that it is spring-fed. But although anyone can visit the lake to enjoy the water by boat or jet ski, you need to be staying in one of the properties that sit up on the water’s edge.
Pibel Lake
Pibel Lake may be one of the smaller lakes on this list at just 24 acres, but as it’s surrounded by cottonwood trees and an abundance of wildlife, it really is a hidden oasis with serene camping, picnicking, and boating opportunities for the public to enjoy. And don’t worry; Pibel Lake is a non-wake boating lake, which adds to the water’s serenity. So, if you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some time out in nature, Pibel Lake’s secluded location makes it an excellent option.
Wehrspann Lake
The final lake to make this best lakes in Nebraska list is Wehrspann Lake, which is surrounded by the Chalco Hills Recreation Area—one of Omaha city’s most popular outdoor recreation areas. The Wehrspann Lake was originally built for flood control; however, now it has become a popular spot for fishing as anglers flock to the water to reel in catfish, sunfish, crappie, and largemouth bass.
But fishermen don’t just get all the fun, as Wehrspann Lake also has scenic nature trails, picnic areas, football fields, and playgrounds that are guaranteed to keep your kids quiet for an hour or two.
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