There’s Something Magical About These 14 Nebraska Lakes In The Summer
We’ve shared some of our favorite Nebraska lakes with you before, but we have so many others that deserve a visit this summer. Here we’ve included some of the lakes we’ve mentioned previously along with some new ones that we haven’t. Visit them all to make your summer one that you won’t soon forget.
1. Center Lake, Bridgeport State Recreation Area, near Bridgeport
Bridgeport SRA's water is distributed over five sandpit lakes, of which Center Lake is the largest. This is a popular spot with boaters, campers, and those just looking to hang out in a lovely shady spot on a warm afternoon.
This beautiful spot is very popular with families and offers outstanding fishing, boating, and swimming. The sandy beach is one of the nicest in Nebraska.
What a gorgeous place to spend a day - or several, if you take advantage of the primitive or RV camping facilities. There's no swimming here, but there's plenty of hiking, fishing, boating, and hunting to be found.
Enders Reservoir is less developed than some other recreation areas, giving it a wonderfully natural feel. There is one swimming area, and plenty of room for fishing, boating, and camping.
This is Nebraska's third-largest lake, and it offers some of the best fishing you'll find in the state. You can camp here and, if you decide to visit in the winter, you might get to see the large number of bald eagles that migrate through the area every year.
This lake in the middle of the city is a nice escape from the hurried world outside. Bring your fishing pole or kayak, or just grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view.
Lake Mac is the state's largest lake, and there's no shortage of fun activities here. The gorgeous white sand beaches will almost make you forget you're in a landlocked state. There are unlimited options for fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and all kinds of water sports.
We share Nebraska's second-largest lake with South Dakota, but there's more than enough to go around. Fishing, boating, hiking, water skiing, and windsurfing are super popular here, and you can camp or rent a cabin with a great view of the water.
With some of the best fishing in the state, Sherman Reservoir is a great place for a family day out. In addition to fishing, boating and water sports are popular activities. Seasonal hunting is permitted around the reservoir as well.
Standing Bear Lake is an unbelievable oasis in the midst of the state's largest city. You'll find fishing and no-wake boating here, and many people enjoy the hiking and biking trails.
11. Sutherland State Recreation Area, near Sutherland
Anglers will find a wheelchair-accessible pier here, and the fishing is fantastic. You can also swim here, and boats are welcome as long as you keep the speed to 5 MPH or below.
Some people say that a Loch Ness-type monster hides in the depths of Walgren Lake, but you'll have to decide that for yourself. While you're monster hunting, you can have fun fishing or boating. If you want to stay longer, there are 40 primitive camping sites.
14. Willow Creek State Recreation Area, near Pierce
Although it’s named for the creek that feeds the Elkhorn River, this reservoir offers all kinds of fishing and boating fun. There’s a swimming beach and a hike/bike trail as well as a dedicated horse trail. You can even bring your horse camping with you.
With dozens of excellent lakes to choose from, Nebraska offers the perfect water adventure for everyone. If you don’t see your favorite lake listed here, be sure to check out our previous list of scenic lakes. Where is your favorite lake to spend a warm summer day?
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.